Coquitlam has a rich history that dates back thousands of years as the traditional territory of the Kwikwetlem First Nation, part of the Coast Salish peoples. The name “Coquitlam” itself comes from the Halkomelem word Kwikwetlem, meaning “red fish up the river,” referring to the area’s historical salmon population.
Simon Fraser passed through the area in 1808, but European settlement didn’t begin until the 1860s with the arrival of fur traders. The establishment of the Fraser Mills lumber company in 1889 attracted a diverse immigrant workforce, including a significant French Canadian community. With the arrival of French Canadians from Quebec, Maillardville, so named for Father Maillard, a young Oblate from France, became a vibrant French-Canadian enclave in Western Canada. It had the distinction of being the largest Francophone community west of Manitoba. Growth in Coquitlam continued to be slow but steady and, in 1891, the municipality of the District of Coquitlam was officially incorporated.
Over the decades, Coquitlam grew from a small mill town into a thriving suburban city, playing a key role in the development of Metro Vancouver. Today, it is known for its vibrant multicultural community, economic growth, and natural beauty.
For even more historical content, please view these previous stories including, Old Photographs of the Capilano Area, Old Photographs from Kitsilano, Old Photographs from Gastown, and Old Photographs from Granville Island.
The photos above were collected from the City of Vancouver Archives. If you’re interested, additional information can be found for each photograph on their website. Stay tuned for additional posts featuring historical photos from Vancouver, British Columbia, and across Western Canada. We’d love to know what you think in the comment section below.
