News Flash

The City of Coquitlam is upping its game with three new tennis courts at Cottonwood Park in the Burquitlam-Lougheed neighbourhood.

COQUITLAM, B.C., February 17, 2026 – The City of Coquitlam is upping its game with three new tennis courts at Cottonwood Park in the Burquitlam-Lougheed neighbourhood. 

Reflecting the City’s commitment to further advancing the Cottonwood Park Expansion project, and enhancing recreation opportunities for the well-being of residents, Council recently approved the design of the Cottonwood Park tennis courts. The project is now moving to the procurement and construction phase.  

Designed for Play, Connection and Year-Round Use

The new full-size tennis courts will feature high-quality acrylic sport surfacing for safe, durable and enjoyable play, along with energy-efficient LED lighting to allow for year-round extended use. The space will also include 3.6-metre perimeter fencing and seating areas, creating a welcoming place for friends, families and neighbours to gather, watch and connect. 

The courts are anticipated to be complete and ready to serve in the spring of 2027. 

Expanding Tennis Opportunities

Coquitlam currently has 34 publicly accessible tennis courts comprised of 29 outdoor courts and five publicly accessible indoor courts. The Cottonwood courts are among a number of recreation capital investments that will expand tennis access for the community in support of the goals outlined in the City’s Tennis and Pickleball Services and Facilities Strategy. Others include four new courts that are currently under construction at the Burke Mountain Joint School and Park Site and a two-court expansion at the new relocated tennis facility in Town Centre Park. 

By spring 2027, the tennis community will have nine additional dedicated courts for a total of 38 outdoor courts, closely aligning Coquitlam’s service levels with Tennis Canada’s standards and further supporting the City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

Delivering Community Amenities

The Cottonwood Park Expansion is a multi-phase, long-term initiative designed to transform the Park into a central community hub for the Burquitlam neighborhood, and supports the City’s Strategic Plan priority to build Community Amenities. The Cottonwood Park Concept Plan, developed through extensive community engagement and approved in 2017 envisions the completed park at about 11.5 acres with a range of amenities to support the community’s needs. Park features already completed include playground equipment, a water play area, picnic shelter, softball diamond and soccer field, multi-use sport court, parkour elements, casual gathering spaces, washrooms and parking facilities.

Media contact:Doron FishmanSenior Manager, Park Planning and Designdfishman@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

The City of Coquitlam has leveraged federal government investment through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to make strong progress on initiatives that are delivering more homes to the community.

COQUITLAM, B.C., February 10, 2026 – The City of Coquitlam has leveraged federal government investment through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to make strong progress on initiatives that are delivering more homes to the community.

Like communities across the region, enabling housing continues to be a top priority for Coquitlam. The City has long been recognized as a regional housing leader, seeking to address the imbalance between rising housing costs, pressure on existing housing stock, and ensuring that new housing development keeps pace with population growth and community needs.

Through the $27.5-million investment from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the City is advancing a coordinated action plan that aims to reduce approval timelines, modernize development processes, lower construction barriers and bring new housing opportunities across the city.

Coquitlam Exceeding HAF Housing Targets

Through the HAF program, Coquitlam committed to increasing its annual housing supply by approximately 15% above historic averages. In 2025, the City issued building permits for 2,590 net new homes, exceeding the annual HAF target of 2,164 homes, keeping the City on pace to meet the total four-year target of 6,523 homes by 2027.

These homes include a mix of multi-unit, missing-middle (i.e. townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, etc.) and housing near transit and neighbourhoods. 

Note: The Housing Accelerator Fund target of 6,523 units by 2027 is separate from, and not aligned with, the Province’s Housing Target Order, which requires progress toward 6,481 new housing units by August 2030. The two targets differ in methodology: CMHC measures progress based on building permits issued, while the Province measures progress based on housing completions.

Progress on Action Plan Initiatives

To date, the City has received $13.3 million from the federal grant, with additional instalments scheduled through 2027. 

Of the eight initiatives through the action plan, all are either complete or well underway. Three initiatives are complete, including:

• Delegated Authority for Minor Development Variances: Enables staff to approve low-risk minor zoning variances, significantly reducing approval timelines for eligible projects. Since implementation, this change has resulted in time savings of approximately three to four months per application and has supported projects representing about 90 new housing units.
• Urban Design Guidelines Review: Streamlined to provide clearer, more consistent direction on on-site design expectations, improving efficiency for applicants and staff. The work is complete, with final adoption planned as part of the Interim OCP in spring 2026.
• Strengthened Non-Profit Housing Partnerships: Completed an inventory of non-market housing opportunities on City-owned lands and introduced new processes to support and fast-track non-profit housing projects, including the City’s Priority Review Policy for Non-Market Housing. These changes have strengthened internal capacity and created clear pathways for future partnerships to deliver affordable housing.

Three initiatives are approximately 90% complete, pending Council review and approval, including:

• Rental Incentive Program Review: The City is updating its rental incentive program to align with new provincial legislative requirements while continuing to support the delivery of purpose-built rental housing. 
• Citywide Parking Review: On-site parking requirements and clearer curbside management policies are being finalized to reduce construction costs, improve project viability, and minimize redesigns and approval delays, supporting more efficient housing delivery.
• Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing and Transit-Oriented Area Updates: Through Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing zoning, approximately 22,000 lots previously limited to single-detached homes now allow small-scale housing. The corridor and shoulder studies are nearing completion to support additional infill and transit-oriented growth through Stage 2 of the Transit-Oriented Area update.

Two initiatives are in progress, with completion deadlines in 2026:

• Building Permit Digitization: The City is transitioning to a fully digital building permit process to improve the applicant experience and streamline internal review. The initiative is approximately 60% complete, with a staff report to Council scheduled for March 2026.
• Exploration of a Certified Professional Program: The City is assessing the feasibility of introducing a Certified Professional program to help expedite building permit reviews by supplementing staff capacity. Draft Building Bylaw amendments are under development, with Council consideration anticipated in early 2026.

About the Housing Accelerator Fund 

In April 2023, the CMHC launched the Housing Accelerator Fund, a $4-billion federal program designed to help local governments streamline planning regulations and accelerate housing delivery. The program aims to increase housing supply by targeting a minimum 10% annual increase in new dwelling units, measured through building permit issuance.

The HAF program focuses on:

• Removing barriers to housing supply;
• Supporting complete, affordable, inclusive, and diverse communities; and
• Encouraging low-carbon, climate-resilient development.

Based on current applications in the development pipeline, Coquitlam has sufficient approved projects to meet its overall HAF housing targets. While economic conditions and construction timelines remain outside municipal control, the City continues to work closely with CMHC and senior governments to monitor risks and maintain progress.

Media contact:Renée De St. CroixDirector Urban Planning and Design604-927-3430DevInfo@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

The City of Coquitlam has been named one of BC’s Top Employers for the ninth consecutive year – an achievement that reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to building a workplace that develops strong leaders, and delivers excellence in public service.

COQUITLAM, B.C., February 10, 2026 – The City of Coquitlam has been named one of BC’s Top Employers for the ninth consecutive year – an achievement that reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to building a workplace that develops strong leaders, supports employee well-being, and delivers excellence in public service. 

This award recognizes Coquitlam’s people-focused culture, which attracts and retains skilled professionals motivated by purpose-driven work. By investing in its employees, the City strengthens its ability to delivery services with care, accountability and a deep understanding of the community it serves. 

The BC’s Top Employer competition, led by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers celebrates organizations with exceptional workplaces. Employers are evaluated on criteria such as employee training and skills development, health and wellness programs, community involvement, and workplace and culture. 

Learn more about what makes Coquitlam a top employer at https://bit.ly/Coquitlam-TopEmployer2026 .

Doing Work that Matters

Employees at the City of Coquitlam do meaningful work that has a direct impact on residents’ daily lives. This shared sense of purpose allows staff to contribute to meaningful initiatives, collaborate effectively, and deliver on service excellence. Staff are encouraged to collaborate across departments, apply best practices, and contribute to initiatives that advance equity, accessibility, and service excellence. 

This commitment is reflected in work like the City’s recently opened Mundy Park Pool, the newly adopted Climate Action Plan, and the upcoming Burke Mountain Community Centre. These projects and more reflect community priorities and amenities that continue to make Coquitlam a great place to live, work and play. 

Growing Leadership from Within

Continuous learning is part of Coquitlam’s culture, and a key part of this year’s award recognition. With a strong focus on technical expertise and essential skills, including conflict management, customer service and accessibility, the City can ensure a strong talent pool for today and the future. Coquitlam’s award-winning Core and Strategic Leadership Programs equip employees with the skills they need to advance in their roles and become future leaders within the organization.

This commitment to learning ensures staff are equipped to navigate complex issues and serve a diverse and evolving community.

Join an Award-Winning Team

Coquitlam’s Top Employer award builds on other recent accolades: an Organizational Safety Excellence Award from the BC Municipal Safety Association and a Workplace Well-Being Award from the Canadian Positive Psychology Association, reinforcing the City’s reputation as an innovative employer that invests in its people.

Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and alerts on new opportunities, or visit coquitlam.ca/careers to find out what makes us an award-winning organization and a great place to work.  

Media contact:Graham Stuart Chief Human Resources Officerhradmin@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Single-lane alternating traffic will be in place (24/7) along Pipeline Road, just north of Dayanee Springs Boulevard / El Casa Court as Metro Vancouver completes underground storm main work. Work will take place starting February 17 for one month.

What: Metro Vancouver Underground Storm Main Work Where: Pipeline Road, just north of Dayanee Springs Boulevard/El Casa Court (Location Map)

When: Tuesday, February 17 and will be ongoing for approximately one month (24/7)

Traffic Impacts:  Single-lane alternating traffic will be in place (24/7) for approximately 100 metres along Pipeline Road north of Dayanee Springs Boulevard/El Casa Court. Please plan extra time when using this route. Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience as Metro Vancouver's contractor completes this necessary work. Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hot spots. For more information, contact:Metro Vancouver Information Centre: 604-432-6200After Hours Emergency: 604-451-6610Email: icentre@metrovancouver.org (Include “Coquitlam Water Main – Robson to Guildford Section” in the subject line)Website: metrovancouver.org (Search for “Coquitlam Water Main – Robson to Guildford Section”)

The City's contractor will be completing traffic signal work at the following intersections on Pipeline Road at: Dunkirk Avenue and Gabriola Drive. Work will be taking place on February 18 and 19, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Plan alternate route to avoid delays.

What: Traffic Signal Commissioning 

Where: Intersection of Pipeline Road at Dunkirk Avenue and at Gabriola Drive (Location Map)

When: Wednesday, February 18 (Pipeline Road at Dunkirk Avenue) and Thursday, February 19 (Pipeline Road at Gabriola Drive). Work will take place during the hours between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: During this work, the intersection will be temporarily blacked out and will operate as a four-way stop configuration. Signage and traffic control personnel will be in place to direct pedestrians. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

For more information on the Pipeline Road Upgrade Project – David to Guildford Section, please visit www.coquitlam.ca/PipelineRoad 

BC Hydro will be completing utility work along Guildford Way from Pacific Street to Pinetree Way on February 17 and 18, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastbound and westbound traffic will be limited to a single-lane along sections of Guildford Way.

What:  BC Hydro Utility Work 

Where: Guildford Way between Pacific Street and Pinetree Way (Location Map)

When: Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: During active construction, eastbound and westbound traffic will be limited to a single-lane along sections of Guildford Way.  Traffic control personnel will assist pedestrians and cyclists.  Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, contact:Public Works Liaison604-927-3550pwl@coquitlam.ca