A stroll in City parks has been enhanced through the addition of new and unique trees that provide environmental benefits to the community.
COQUITLAM, B.C., October 2, 2024 – The City added more than 30 new trees to its parks through two major enhancement projects this past year, providing health, well-being and environmental benefits to the community.
In Crane Park, 13 new trees were planted to compliment the new playground structure, provide more shade and enhance the park’s overall beauty. At Leigh Park, approximately 19 new trees were planted to improve the park experience. Additions to Coquitlam’s tree landscape include the introduction of species new to City parks, such as the Kentucky coffee tree, ironwood, bur oak, and the Heritage oak, which are all adaptable to our region’s changing climate.
Tree Diversity Builds Reliance to Climate Change
Creating tree diversity in parks and forested areas is critical for growth, sustaining biodiversity, and building resilience to the effects of climate change and insect and disease outbreaks. It also supports the establishment of a robust urban forest that will benefit the community for generations.
On average, the City adds approximately 500 trees per year, including trees planted in support of development and capital projects.
Sequoia Makes a Move
A recent relocation effort initiated by the City preserved a giant sequoia tree to conserve its continued future growth.
The lone tree, located at the northeast corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way, is now with a family of existing sequoia trees near the killer whale eco-sculpture in Town Centre Park. The transplant was required due to a future improvement project at the intersection and the fact it would have soon outgrown its location.
City Supports Urban Forestry
Coquitlam is dedicated to supporting a vibrant urban forest on public and private land throughout the community. This happens through proactively managing parks, natural areas, street trees, and ongoing habitat restoration. We deliver a range of public education initiatives focused on the benefits of trees for the community and environment such as planting events with schools, tree tours, pruning workshops, etc.
Coquitlam’s commitment to our urban forest is reflected through significant initiatives such as the Environmental Sustainability Plan, upcoming Citywide Urban Forest Management Strategy, Climate Action Plan, Tree Spree, continual habitat restoration and protection of parks and dedicated green spaces. To learn more, view the Coquitlam Tree Facts infographic or visit coquitlam.ca/trees.
Media contact
Erin Gorby
Manager of Urban Forestry
ParksCustomerService@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.