The Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm
What is now known as the City of Port Coquitlam is a unique and beautiful landscape in the northeast region of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. It has been inhabited since time immemorial by the Coast Salish peoples and specifically the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation), who continue to live on and steward these lands and waters. Many archeological sites are located in this area and date to thousands of years before present.
We strongly encourage you to learn more about the history of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm people and territory by reading their own words here.
Port on the Fraser River and a Canadian Pacific Railway Station
The city of Port Coquitlam that we all recognize today was born from a dream to be a great industrial city, with a port on the Fraser River and a Canadian Pacific Railway station linking the new city to the rest of Canada. Unfortunately the port was not possible, but the railways station and the small farming and logging community that grew around it called Westminster Junction, made it possible for Port Coquitlam to become the city “where rivers meets rails”.
New City of Port Coquitlam
With the early 20th century ushering in an era of industrial growth, leaps in technology, and an influx in immigration the local citizens, full of high hopes and ambition, voted to succeed from the District of Coquitlam and forge their own path. On March 7th, 1913 the new City of Port Coquitlam was incorporated.
From A World War Onward
Though Port Coquitlam was established with great expectations and potential, very hard times soon befell the new city as a World War, devastating floods and fire, and financial ruin almost dashed the dreams of that small city. It would take many years of hardship and strife before times began to change for the better, but the persistent and indomitable spirit of the people of Port Coquitlam won out, and the city still thrives today.
Learn more with these books
Gallery of Poco Heritage
