Coquitlam is advancing work on the next phase of the Fraser Mills public amenities plan with new multi-use trails, a wharf, a destination playground, tennis courts and a public art plan.
COQUITLAM, B.C., April 16, 2025 – Coquitlam is advancing work on the next phase of the Fraser Mills public amenities plan with new multi-use trails, a wharf, a destination playground, tennis courts and a public art plan.
A Vibrant New Community Hub
Working in collaboration with Beedie Living, the City's Fraser Mills neighbourhood project is set to bring over 16 acres of park space, 5,500 residential units, a new community centre, office space, retail space and an urban plaza along the banks of the Fraser River. The planned public amenities will serve not only the new Fraser Mills neighbourhood, but also Southwest Coquitlam, to meet growing demand for recreation and cultural opportunities across the city.
Key Features of the Fraser Mills Park Network
The first stage of the public amenity plan will be the development of 16.6 acres of active and passive park space for both people and pets. Divided into three phases, phase one includes:
- Riverfront Park: Featuring a renewed wharf, a destination playground, water play areas, and a youth sports hub including two full-sized tennis courts, the new 4.5-acre park will be a centerpiece for outdoor activities and community gatherings.
- Historic Como Creek Greenway: This multi-use trail will link key areas of the park, providing easy access to the Fraser River and creating a scenic route for recreation and relaxation.
- Entry Plaza and Dog Park: A key point of access to the trail network, the entry plaza will include separate fenced off-leash areas for both small and large dogs.
- Riverside Linear Park: A one-kilometer multi-use trail connecting Riverfront Park to Don Roberts Park. An interim trail will be constructed in phase one, and upgraded during phase three of the park development.
Park Design Shaped by Community Input
From February to March 2024, the City, in collaboration with Beedie Living, hosted a variety of engagement opportunities to gather input from the community on the all the planned public amenities, including the public art, the community centre, and the parks. Engagement included pop-up sessions, an open house, an online survey and conversations with the City’s cultural partners and advisory committees.
The feedback collected revealed a strong support for accessible, fun and nature-connected spaces. Community members emphasized the importance of incorporating the Fraser River into the park design, and honouring the area’s industrial history, as it was once the largest sawmill in the British Empire in the early 1900s. This input helped influence the design, which integrates multi-use trails, riverfront views, diverse habitats and cultural themes into the park network.
Read the full What We Heard report at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/FraserMills.
Moving Toward Final Design and Construction
With Council's approval, the City will move forward with the final design of Phase 1 park amenities and begin developing a detailed public art plan that highlights the area’s history of industry, culture and nature. The initial phase of park development is set to be completed by 2027, with future phases to include the construction of a waterfront urban plaza and amphitheater. Throughout the process, the City will ensure the public has information on progress and next steps as this new neighbourhood takes shape.
For more information on Fraser Mills , visit LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/FraserMills.
Media Contact:
Doron Fishman
Manager Park Planning and Design
604-927-6300
FraserMills@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.