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David Munro on Coquitlam’s growing community and business environment

By Candice Ui /

The City of Coquitlam is one of B.C.’s fastest growing communities. Can you provide an overview of the city’s business climate?
 
The City of Coquitlam—the sixth largest municipality in B.C.—is a rapidly growing community of 138,000.  It is estimated that the population of Coquitlam will be 176,000 by 2021 and 224,000 by 2041.
 
The City of Coquitlam’s growing and diverse business community is driving job creation and economic growth. The population growth trends Coquitlam has experienced over the past few years have also carried over into the local business environment. For instance, business licences grew by 8.8 per cent from 2009 to 2013, with the total for 2013 being 6,260.
 
Public and private investment has been instrumental in Coquitlam’s economic growth. The Port Mann Highway 1 Improvement Project and the Evergreen Line rapid transit infrastructure project, together valued at $4 billion, have contributed to Coquitlam’s local economy. The City of Coquitlam has invested in infrastructure projects such as the Evergreen Line’s Lincoln Station, the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex and the new City Centre Public Library. Private sector development projects in areas such as the City Centre, and the growth of organizations like Douglas College, Superior Poultry, Allard Contracting, Coquitlam Centre and Clark Freightways have also enhanced the local business climate.
 
What are Coquitlam’s major sectors?
 
Coquitlam’s diversified local economy possesses a wide variety of businesses. These businesses have chosen to locate in Coquitlam because of access to labour, transportation and markets. Coquitlam’s major sectors are Professional Services, Technology, Manufacturing, Retail/Wholesale Trade, Tourism, Warehousing, Transportation and Construction.
 
Why should businesses invest in Coquitlam?
The City of Coquitlam is dedicated to creating a positive business climate. The City has streamlined processes and is committed to the continuous improvement of the business environment.  These efforts were recognized in 2013, when the City of Coquitlam was honoured with the BC Small Business Roundtable’s Open for Business Award.