Frequently Asked Questions

Archives are the non-current records of an organization or individual preserved because of their continuing or permanent administrative, financial, legal, evidentiary, informational or historical value.

Most archival records are publicly accessible, although some are subject to restrictions under the legislation below. Archives staff will advise you of any restrictions.

• Copyright Act
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Personal Information Protection Act

Archives are unique and therefore irreplaceable. For that reason, researchers are not permitted to enter archival storage areas and must view original records in the presence of City staff. When you come to the Archives to view archival records, staff will assist you in locating the records you need and will bring them to you.

Because archives are one-of-a-kind originals, they must not be removed from the reference area.

Yes, subject to the provisions of the City’s Fees and Charges bylaw and any copyright restrictions, archival materials can be copied. Because some archival records are in fragile condition, photocopying may not be allowed. City staff can advise you of alternatives to copying.

There may be records relating to the history of Coquitlam in the custody of various archival repositories in British Columbia. You can search for these records online:

• Coquitlam Heritage Society
• Coquitlam Public Library- 100 Years Photographic Collection
• HistoryPin
• MemoryBC
• Quest - Archives Online Search Portal
• Slide Back in Time

The following publications are available in the reference collection at the Archives and at the Coquitlam Public Library:

• Monk, H.A.J. - "A History of Coquitlam and Fraser Mills, 1858 to 1958"
• Coquitlam - "Coquitlam 100 Years: Reflections of the Past"
• Debeugny, Florence - "Maillardville: 100 ans et plus"
• Coquitlam (Coquitlam Public Library) - "Coquitlam Then and Now"
• Boire, Alain J. - "With Hearts and Minds: Maillardville, 100 Years of History on the West Coast of B.C."
• Litzenberger, Lyle - "Burke and Widgeon: A History"