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Heritage Planning - Riverview

For the Future of Riverview

For the Future of Riverview Report

In 2005, the Mayor's Riverview Task Force completed a comprehensive report – For the Future of Riverview. The report is based on extensive consultation in the community and focused on three key priorities:

The land should remain publicly – owned to provide a sanctuary and residential treatment facility for people with mental illness;
The heritage buildings, landscapes, and arboretum should be protected and preserved; and
Market housing is not an option that is supported by the City.

In the report, there are five key focus areas that support these priorities.

Coquitlam's support for a mental health care facility

The Riverview lands have a long history associated with the treatment of patients with mental illness and the connected research and education. It is important to maintain and enhance these services at Riverview and to ensure that Riverview remains a centre of excellence for mental health and wellness.

Maintain and enhance research, education and innovation

The Forensic Psychiatric Services and Riverview Hospital have a long history of collaboration and cooperation with academic institutions in BC. The research that takes place at Riverview is internationally recognized and it is important to continue to support and promote these research programs.

Critical to preserve botanical garden, arboretum, sanctuary/park area

The trees on the Riverview Lands are unique in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. They are considered by some to be the best collection of trees in Canada and the value of the individual trees is estimated at more than $50 million. It is worth noting, however, the collection as a whole is worth much more. As well, the site has unlimited potential as a Horticultural Centre and Provincial Botanical Garden. It is also important to preserve and enhance the natural habitat areas and streams to protect wildlife habitat and corridors and restore wetlands.

Historic value of site

The Riverview Lands are included the City of Coquitlam's Community Heritage Registry in recognition of the tremendous historic value of the site. Riverview's heritage status will also help the City integrate heritage conservation into community planning and enhance community sustainability. As well, one of the goals in the Task Force report is to preserve heritage artifacts.

Opportunities for economic development

Riverview is the most filmed location in Canada. There are opportunities to expand on existing film opportunities and leverage other strengths on the Riverview site. There are other economic development opportunities related to eco-tourism and the arboretum, as well as potential related to the development of a museum at the site.