COQUITLAM, B.C., April 5, 2022 – Coquitlam recognized long-time volunteer and former City Councillor Terry O’Neill last night for his contributions to the community.
O’Neill, who served on City Council for two terms from 2011 to 2018, was honoured at last night’s City Council meeting with a gift and a donation to one of his favourite causes, the Talitha Koum Society, which provides housing to women with addictions.
Recognition for Public Service
A journalist for 35 years before being elected to Council, O’Neill was known for his commitment to reducing municipal spending, as well as increasing the housing supply for all income levels. A supporter of public art, he participated in the task force that selected art for Coquitlam’s SkyTrain stations and supported the development of a performance space (now the TD Community Plaza) in Town Centre Park.
Other Council committee work included serving on the 3030 Gordon Emergency Shelter Task Force, Culture Services Advisory Committee, Multiculturalism Advisory Committee and the Sustainability and Environmental Advisory Committee.
Terry was also a strong supporter of the City Archives program and helped facilitate the transfer of important records from the Eagle Ridge Residents Association, where he was a founder and past president of that group.
Continuing to Give Back
After leaving Council in 2018, O’Neill dedicated his time to community service by continuing to work with the Talitha Koum Society and volunteer with Blooms into Rooms, which brings flowers and cards to elderly and sick people. Through his work with that group, he organized Easter weekend volunteer visits to Eagle Ridge Manor residents for two decades.
Other community involvement has included six years on the Coquitlam Foundation board, emceeing events for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and Friends of the Library, and serving on the board of Signal Hill, a non-profit that supports youth as they make important life decisions.
Through his work with Me to We and Free the Children, O’Neill traveled to India in 2014 to build a school in a remote community. He has been honoured by the Canadian Red Cross and Canada Blood Services for distinguished citizenship and humanitarianism, and prior to serving on Council, received the BC Christian Coalition’s inaugural award for journalistic integrity.
Media contact:
Jay Gilbert
Director Intergovernmental Relations & Legislative Services
clerks@coquitlam.ca
604-927-3010