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City Technology in Action
Technology plays an important role in how the City of Coquitlam delivers services, safeguards personal and City information, and supports a growing, diverse community.
The City continues to invest in modern, dependable technology to improve service delivery, expand access to online services, and increase operational efficiency. These investments help make City services easier to use, ensure staff have the tools they need to do their work well, and support effective use of public resources.
Why the City Invests in Technology
The City’s technology investments are guided by clear priorities:
- Better service for residents and businesses, through easier access to information and services
- Stronger security and privacy protections, to safeguard data and City systems
- More efficient operations, reducing manual processes and improving reliability
- Accessible and inclusive services, supporting a wide range of needs and abilities
- A modern workplace, helping attract and retain skilled staff who serve the community
The City’s technology investments focus on practical improvements that residents, businesses and staff experience every day.
Easier Access to City Services
Online services allow residents and businesses to pay bills, apply for permits, renew licences, register for programs and access account information at a time that works for them. Digital services help reduce wait times and make it easier for the community to connect with the City.
Secure and Reliable Systems
The City invests in cybersecurity and system reliability to protect personal information and City data, reduce service disruptions and ensure critical systems are available when they are needed.
More Efficient Operations
Modern systems help replace manual, paper-based or outdated processes. This improves reliability, reduces duplication and allows staff to focus on higher-value work that directly supports the community.
Technology That Supports Daily Life
Technology supports many everyday services, from traffic management and street lighting to inspections, mapping tools and online information that helps residents navigate City services and amenities.
Accessing City Services Easily
Tools that make it simpler and more convenient to connect with the City
- Online services for online payments, renewals, program registration and permit applications
- myCoquitlam for secure, 24/7 access to City accounts such as utilities, property taxes and dog licences
- Online building inspection booking tool and mobile-enabled inspections for faster scheduling and more efficient service delivery
- CoquitlamConnect mobile app for on-the-go access to City news, Council information, service updates, facility information and key services
- Accessible City website with built-in translation tools, making it easier for residents and businesses to find information in multiple languages and use online services regardless of ability or language preference
Transparency, Engagement and Trust
Tools that support accountability, participation and informed decision-making
- Council meeting webcasts and agendas and minutes available online for greater access, transparency and accountability
- Coquitlam Current e-newsletter and City social media channels
- Coquitlam OpenBook for access to financial and budget information
- Let’s Talk Coquitlam, the City’s online engagement portal that makes it easier for residents to share feedback and participate in City initiatives
- Open Data Portal - free access to City data through maps, tables, charts and images
Safe, Reliable and Responsive City Services
Technology that supports day-to-day operations and public safety
- Traffic management systems that help improve traffic flow and support safer intersections
- Snow Response Request Tool to report snow and ice concerns
- Online customer feedback and service request tools to report issues and enable timely response
- Energy-efficient LED street lighting, improving visibility while reducing energy use
- Free, public Wi-Fi in City parks and civic facilities
Planning, Infrastructure and Growth
Tools that support community development and long-term planning
- Development Application Portal, streamlining application review and processing to improve efficiency and turnaround times
- Qthe Map, an interactive online map that helps users find zoning information, parks, City facilities, area plans, utility data and property information
- QNet, the City’s fibre network that supports digital connectivity and City operations
The City is actively advancing a Technology Modernization Strategy that guides how technology decisions are made across the organization. This work focuses on:
- Replacing aging systems
- Improving integration between services
- Strengthening cybersecurity and privacy protections
- Supporting data-informed decision-making
- Aligning technology investments with Council priorities and community needs
Technology modernization is an ongoing process that helps the City remain resilient, adaptable and responsive as community expectations and service demands evolve.
Behind every online service, digital tool and secure system is a team of City staff who plan, maintain and continuously improve the City’s technology. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in supporting public safety, recreation, planning, finance and community programs that residents rely on every day.
These teams work closely with departments across the organization to ensure technology solutions are practical, reliable and aligned with how services are delivered. For those interested in contributing to this work, the City regularly posts technology and other career opportunities at coquitlam.ca/careers.
Coquitlam’s approach to modernizing services and improving digital access has been recognized by sector partners and highlight how technology investments support better service delivery, stronger processes and improved access to information.
- Smart21 Communities of 2024 (Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) – Continued recognition of Coquitlam’s progress in using technology and data to support sustainable services and long-term community outcomes.
- Smart21 Communities of 2023 (Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) – Recognized Coquitlam among the world’s leading communities applying technology to improve quality of life, economic opportunity and civic engagement.
- Tech Trailblazer Award (Granicus Digital Government Awards) – Recognized Coquitlam’s use of digital tools to streamline manual development application processes, improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery for applicants and staff.
- City of Coquitlam’s Community Baseline Tool Supports Land Use Decision-Making (FME by Safe Software) – Demonstrates how Coquitlam uses data integration and mapping to support informed land use decisions, enabling more transparent, evidence-based community planning.
- City of Coquitlam Uses Smart City Initiatives to Enhance Business Operations and Customer Service (FME by Safe Software) – Shows how integrated data systems improve internal efficiency, support better decision-making and enhance customer service across City departments.
- How Coquitlam, B.C. Used Digital Solutions to Create Efficiencies, Streamline Processes, and Deliver Better Customer Service (Granicus) – Highlights how Coquitlam’s digital services have streamlined internal processes while making it easier for residents and businesses to access City services.
- UBCM Community Excellence Awards (2020) – Excellence in Service Delivery – Honourable Mention: Technology Roadmap Honourable Mention (PDF) – Acknowledged the City’s strategic, citywide approach to technology planning and service improvement, laying groundwork for future technology modernization.
Looking Ahead
As Coquitlam continues to grow, technology will remain an important part of how the City delivers accessible, efficient and secure services. Through thoughtful investment and strong governance, the City is applying technology in practical ways that support residents, businesses and staff today, while preparing for the future.