As a recruiter or hiring manager, one of the key responsibilities you will have is conducting job interviews and screening candidates. This crucial step in the hiring process helps ensure that the right candidate is selected for the position.
When conducting job interviews, it is important to have a clear understanding of the job requirements and qualifications. This will help you ask relevant questions and assess whether the candidate has the necessary skills and experience for the role. It is also important to create a welcoming and professional environment during the interview to help candidates feel at ease and perform their best.
In addition to conducting interviews, screening candidates is another essential part of your job responsibilities. This involves reviewing resumes, cover letters, and other application materials to determine if candidates meet the basic requirements for the position. Screening may also involve conducting background checks or contacting references to verify information provided by candidates.
Overall, conducting job interviews and screening candidates requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to make informed decisions based on objective criteria. By effectively carrying out these responsibilities, you can help ensure that your organization hires top talent that will contribute to its success.
Electrician In Coquitlam
Developing job descriptions and posting job openings are essential tasks in the recruitment process. Job responsibilities play a crucial role in attracting qualified candidates and ensuring that they understand what is expected of them in a particular role.
When developing job descriptions, it is important to clearly outline the key responsibilities and duties associated with the position. This helps potential applicants determine if they have the necessary skills and experience to excel in the role. It also provides current employees with a clear understanding of their roles and expectations within the organization.
Posting job openings effectively is equally important. By utilizing various platforms such as online job boards, social media, and networking events, organizations can reach a wider audience of potential candidates. This increases the likelihood of finding qualified individuals who are the right fit for the position.
Overall, developing job descriptions and posting job openings are critical components of the recruitment process. By creating clear and detailed job descriptions, organizations can attract top talent and ensure that employees understand their roles within the company. Additionally, by using various platforms to post job openings, organizations can increase their chances of finding qualified candidates who will contribute positively to the team.
When it comes to electrical services in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Elpro Electric stands as a beacon of reliability. Whether you’re handling a small electrical issue, planning a significant remodeling project, or managing a business-oriented electrical task, our team of qualified professionals is equipped to deliver exceptional results tailored to your needs. In this guide, let’s discuss the breadth of services Elpro Electric offers and highlight why our company is the preferred choice for residential and commercial clients in Coquitlam.
At Elpro Electric, we understand that each project is unique, requiring personalized plans to ensure secure and effective results. Here’s a closer look at the range of services we provide:
Homeowners in Coquitlam choose Elpro Electric for numerous electrical services designed for residences, including:
Businesses in Coquitlam rely on Elpro Electric for expert commercial solutions that support their daily operations:
When you need an expert electrician in Coquitlam, British Columbia, there are many choices available. Here’s what sets Elpro Electric apart:
Whether you need help at a residence or commercial property, electrical issues can disrupt your daily routine. Here are some common problems our team resolves:
Our commitment to excellence has earned us the trust of countless clients in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Here’s what some of them have to say:
John D.: “Elpro Electric upgraded the wiring in our older home. The team was highly knowledgeable and easy to work with. Highly recommended!”
Samantha L.: “As a business owner, I’ve relied on Elpro Electric for multiple projects. Their expertise and dedication to safety are unmatched.”
Don’t let electrical issues disrupt your life or business. Whether you need trusted experts in Coquitlam, British Columbia, to tackle projects big or small, Elpro Electric is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your service or get a quote. Let us power your home and business with safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Coquitlam, a vibrant city in the center of Metro Vancouver, often remains overlooked by its larger neighbors like Vancouver and Burnaby. However, for those who venture off the beaten path, Coquitlam presents a range of undiscovered spots. These unique places provide a variety of experiences that can surprise both locals and visitors alike.
As a professional electrician, I also understand the importance of effective lighting and energy solutions in enhancing the experience at these lesser-known spots. Incorporating smart lighting systems can elevate the experience of these hidden gems while reducing environmental impact.
Minnekhada Regional Park is one of Coquitlam’s best-kept secrets. This sprawling park, covering over 200 hectares, features several kilometers of trails, including a loop trail that leads to the stunning Minnekhada Lookout. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the local landscape.
For residents, eco-friendly lighting solutions are essential for creating safe and visually appealing outdoor spaces. Motion-sensor lights or LED fixtures can illuminate pathways, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their surroundings securely without harming the environment.
The PoCo Trail is an often-overlooked gem that stretches for over 25 kilometers between Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Originally a railway route, it now serves as a hiking and biking route. The pathway meanders through tranquil woodlands, open fields, and serene waterfronts, offering a quiet retreat in the heart of the city.
For those planning to visit these kinds of outdoor spaces in the evening, solar path lights can provide gentle illumination without disturbing wildlife. By using such eco-friendly solutions, we help preserve the natural beauty while ensuring a safe experience.
Set in the Ranch Park neighborhood, this undiscovered gem offers stunning views of Coquitlam and beyond. From this spot, visitors can see wide-reaching views of the city, mountains, and even Mount Baker on clear days.
For enhancing the experience, consider soft landscape lighting for areas like lookouts. These solutions provide a glow without disrupting the natural scenery. Smart lighting systems can also be used to adjust brightness levels depending on the time of day.
Mundy Park is a serene escape within Coquitlam, encompassing more than 100 hectares. It features a variety of habitats including dense forests, wetlands, and Mundy Lake, a quiet water feature perfect for reflection.
At nature parks such as Mundy Park, using LED floodlights can help improve safety while conserving energy. These lights are ideal for pathway lighting during evening visits, protecting wildlife.
The Evergreen Cultural Centre is a hub of creativity and local culture in Coquitlam. Located in the city center, it hosts an art gallery, a performance theatre, and various exhibitions. This venue is vital for the artistic community, offering the chance to experience Coquitlam’s vibrant arts.
In places like the Evergreen Cultural Centre, energy-efficient spotlights are used to spotlight exhibitions without consuming excessive energy. Smart lighting solutions are a practical way to ensure that lighting levels can be adjusted for different events or displays, while keeping electricity costs low.
For those who appreciate both art and nature, the Art Walk at Lafarge Lake is a unique blend of sculptures and art. As you walk around the lake, you’ll encounter permanent art pieces by artists from around the world, which add a creative dimension to the natural setting.
To enhance the experience, low-energy LED lighting can be strategically placed around each installation, creating a dramatic effect at night. Solar-powered lights can help maintain sustainability while offering the right amount of illumination for nighttime visitors.
The Old Barn Community Centre is a historic building dating back to the early 1900s. Once a barn, it now serves as a venue for community events, workshops, and local gatherings. It’s a great spot to connect with locals.
When working with historical buildings like the Old Barn, vintage-style LED lighting can preserve the structure’s historical look while reducing energy consumption. Using smart lighting systems allows for customized brightness for events or general use.
Westwood Plateau is a hidden paradise for outdoor lovers. The mountainous terrain offers some of Coquitlam’s best hiking trails, complete with majestic views of the city and surrounding forests.
For these types of natural spaces, incorporating solar-powered lights ensures that visitors can safely enjoy their surroundings while preserving the ecosystem.
Coquitlam’s hidden gems offer a rich combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historic significance. From tranquil green spaces to artistic experiences, the city is full of beautiful locations to explore. By integrating energy-efficient lighting solutions into these spaces, we can enhance the experience while helping to maintain the environment. Whether you’re enjoying a hike, visiting an art installation, or discovering Coquitlam’s hidden treasures, these places are waiting to be discovered.
Coquitlam, located just east of Vancouver, presents a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, community-based experiences, and family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal spot for families of all ages. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this diverse city provides a wide range of activities that cater to various interests and age groups. From scenic parks and trails to interactive experiences and cultural venues, Coquitlam ensures that families can connect, explore, and create lasting memories together.
As a certified electrician with a focus on enhancing homes and businesses in Coquitlam, I understand the importance of providing safe and enjoyable environments for families. Many of the activities and venues in Coquitlam rely on reliable electrical infrastructure, from well-lit parks to energy-efficient public spaces, ensuring that families can make the most of their time together, day or night.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight several family-friendly activities in Coquitlam, covering a variety of interests, and discuss how modern electrical solutions help enhance these experiences.
Coquitlam is home to a wealth of natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for families looking to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk with young children or a more challenging hike for older kids and teens, Coquitlam’s parks and trails offer something for everyone.
One of the city’s most popular outdoor destinations is Lafarge Lake, located right in the heart of Coquitlam. The lake features picturesque views and paved paths that are perfect for strollers, cycling, and casual walks. Families can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, watching ducks and swans glide across the water, or simply relaxing in the lush green space.
Outdoor lighting systems ensure that visitors can safely enjoy the area at night, while sustainable lighting technologies contribute to reducing environmental impact, making the space accessible year-round.
For families that want to mix nature with recreational activities, the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex is an excellent destination. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, this complex offers a variety of sports and recreation options. The outdoor fields and playgrounds are particularly popular, offering children ample space to run, play, and explore.
State-of-the-art electrical infrastructure support the maintenance of these facilities, providing well-lit fields and energy-efficient irrigation systems that keep the spaces in excellent condition.
The Coquitlam Crunch is a popular trail for hiking enthusiasts and offers a bit more of a challenge for families with older children or teens. The steep incline and the stunning views of the surrounding city make it a favorite for those looking for a physical adventure outdoors. The trailhead is easy to access, and its smart lighting systems ensure a safe experience for those venturing out at dusk or dawn.
For those rainy days or when you just want to stay indoors, Coquitlam also offers a variety of entertainment centers that are perfect for family outings.
The Zone, located in Coquitlam, is an ideal spot for family-friendly entertainment. With laser tag, bowling, and an arcade, it caters to both younger children and older teens. The advanced lighting, sound systems, and interactive features add an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Electrical systems like LED lights and automated systems contribute to a more immersive and fun environment, enhancing the overall experience for everyone.
If your family enjoys movies, Coquitlam’s cinemas offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a family-friendly film in a comfortable, safe environment. With top-notch audio-visual systems, these theaters provide a high-quality cinematic experience.
Sustainable lighting systems are increasingly used in theaters, ensuring that patrons can enjoy the best possible experience while minimizing energy consumption.
For families who enjoy educational experiences, Coquitlam offers several interactive museums and cultural centers that provide enriching opportunities for learning.
Place des Arts is a multi-disciplinary facility that offers a variety of arts programs, performances, and workshops for people of all ages. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, such as painting and music, and participate in community events throughout the year.
The facility uses energy-efficient systems to enhance the experience, from providing optimal lighting for performances to powering interactive installations that engage visitors.
The Coquitlam Heritage Society museum is another fantastic destination for families interested in learning about the city's rich history. The exhibits are designed to be both educational and interactive, making it easy for children and adults to engage with the local heritage.
Modern electrical technologies like touchscreen displays and digital installations enhance the learning experience, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Coquitlam’s past.
Coquitlam also offers some high-energy options for families seeking adventure and outdoor excitement. These parks provide both fun and physical challenges in safe, supervised environments.
Located near the Fraser River, Riverside Adventure Park offers activities like ziplining, rope courses, and obstacle challenges. This park offers a unique way for families to bond while testing their limits. Automated safety systems rely heavily on electrical technologies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Bounce! Trampoline Park is another indoor adventure spot that’s perfect for families. With trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits, it provides an ideal environment for children and teens to let off steam. The park utilizes cutting-edge electrical systems, including air circulation and lighting, to ensure a comfortable experience.
After an active day, families can enjoy a delicious meal at one of Coquitlam’s many family-friendly restaurants. From casual to more formal dining options, Coquitlam’s culinary scene has something to offer everyone.
Coquitlam is a city that offers a diverse array of family-friendly activities, ensuring that there is something for every member of the family. Whether exploring nature, engaging in creative activities, or seeking thrilling experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do.
As a professional electrician, I take pride in contributing to a community that offers these types of opportunities, ensuring that the infrastructure supporting these spaces is both safe and energy-efficient. From well-lit public areas to sustainable electrical systems, Coquitlam’s commitment to sustainability and convenience enhances the family experience, making it one of the best places to live and visit in the region.
Collaborating with hiring managers to identify staffing needs is a crucial aspect of my role as a recruiter. By working closely with the hiring managers, I am able to understand the specific job responsibilities and requirements for each open position within the company.
This collaboration allows me to gain valuable insight into what qualities and skills are necessary for success in each role. By having open and transparent communication with the hiring managers, we are able to create detailed job descriptions that accurately reflect the needs of the team.
Furthermore, by involving hiring managers in the recruitment process from the beginning, we are able to streamline the selection process and ensure that we are targeting candidates who are best suited for the role. This collaboration also helps to foster a sense of teamwork and unity between HR and the hiring managers, as we work towards a common goal of finding top talent for our organization.
Overall, collaborating with hiring managers to identify staffing needs is essential for creating a successful recruitment strategy. By working together and leveraging each other's expertise, we can ensure that we are bringing in candidates who will thrive in their roles and contribute positively to our company's success.
Coordinating with external recruiters to source potential candidates is an essential job responsibility for many companies looking to fill key positions within their organization. This task involves building relationships with recruitment agencies and headhunters to identify top talent in the market.
As a recruiter, it is crucial to communicate effectively with external partners to ensure they understand the specific requirements of the job and the company culture. This collaboration helps streamline the hiring process and ensures that only qualified candidates are presented for consideration.
By working closely with external recruiters, internal HR teams can tap into a wider pool of candidates who may not be actively searching for new opportunities. Recruiters often have access to passive candidates who are not visible on job boards or social media platforms, giving companies a competitive edge in attracting top talent.
Furthermore, partnering with external recruiters allows companies to benefit from their expertise in candidate sourcing and screening. Recruiters are trained professionals who know how to identify and assess potential candidates based on their skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Overall, coordinating with external recruiters is a valuable job responsibility that can help companies find the best talent for their open positions. By leveraging the expertise of recruitment agencies and headhunters, organizations can save time and resources while ensuring they hire the right candidates for their team.
When it comes to job responsibilities, one crucial task that often falls on my plate is assisting in the onboarding process for new hires. This involves everything from helping them get acclimated to the company culture, to guiding them through paperwork and training sessions.
I take great pride in being able to welcome new team members and make their transition as smooth as possible. I understand how overwhelming starting a new job can be, so I strive to provide support and guidance every step of the way.
From introducing them to their colleagues, to showing them around the office and explaining our processes and procedures, I am there to answer any questions they may have and help alleviate any concerns they might be feeling.
By being a welcoming presence during this important time, I hope to set new hires up for success in their roles at our company. It is truly rewarding to see them grow and thrive within our team, knowing that I played a small part in their journey.
Overall, assisting in the onboarding process for new hires is not just a job responsibility for me - it is an opportunity to make a positive impact and help ensure the continued success of our organization.
Coquitlam (/koʊˈkwɪtləm/ ⓘ koh-KWIT-ləm)[7] is a city in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Mainly suburban, Coquitlam is the sixth-largest city in the province, with a population of 148,625 in 2021,[4] and one of the 21 municipalities comprising Metro Vancouver. The mayor is Richard Stewart.[3]
Simon Fraser explored the region in 1808, encountering the Indigenous Coast Salish peoples. Europeans started settling in the 1860s. Fraser Mills, a lumber mill on the north bank of the Fraser River was constructed in 1889, and by 1908 there were 20 houses, a store, post office, hospital, office block, barber shop, pool hall, and a Sikh temple.
The Coast Salish people were the first to live in this area, and archaeology confirms continuous occupation of the territory for at least 9,000 years. The name Kwikwetlem is said to be derived from a Coast Salish term "kʷikʷəƛ̓əm" meaning "red fish up the river".[8]
Explorer Simon Fraser came through the region in 1808, and in the 1860s Europeans gradually started settling the area. Coquitlam began as a "place-in-between" with the construction of North Road in the mid-19th century to provide Royal Engineers in New Westminster access to the year-round port facilities in Port Moody.[9]
The young municipality got its first boost in 1889 when Frank Ross and James McLaren opened what would become Fraser Mills, a $350,000, then state-of-the-art lumber mill on the north bank of the Fraser River. The Corporation of the District of Coquitlam was incorporated in 1891. By 1908, a mill town of 20 houses, a store, post office, hospital, office block, barber shop, pool hall and Sikh temple[10] had grown around the mill. A mill manager's residence was built that would later become Place des Arts.[11][failed verification]
Over the next two years, several contingents of French Canadian mill workers arrived from Quebec, and Maillardville was born. Named for Father Edmond Maillard, a young Oblate from France, it became the largest Francophone centre west of Manitoba. Maillardville's past is recognized today in street names, the Francophone education system and French immersion programs, French-language Girl Guides and scouts, and celebrations such as Festival du Bois.[9][12]
Following World War II, Coquitlam and the rest of the Lower Mainland experienced substantial population growth that continues today. The opening of Lougheed Highway in 1953 made the city more accessible and set the stage for residential growth. In 1971, Coquitlam and Fraser Mills were amalgamated, which gave the city a larger industrial base. The mill closed in 2001, and is now currently the subject of a proposed waterfront community.[11][13][14]
Coquitlam is situated some 10 to 15 km (6.2 to 9.3 mi) east of Vancouver, where the Coquitlam River connects with the Fraser River and extends northeast along the Pitt River toward the Coquitlam and Pitt lakes. Coquitlam borders Burnaby and Port Moody to the west, New Westminster to the southwest, and Port Coquitlam to the southeast. Burke Mountain, Eagle Ridge, and 1,583 m (5,194 ft) tall Coquitlam Mountain form the northern boundary of the city.[15][16][17] Coquitlam's area, 152.5 square kilometres (58.9 sq mi), is about six times larger than either Port Moody or Port Coquitlam.[5]
Coquitlam is in the Pacific Time Zone (winter UTC−8, summer UTC−7), and the Pacific Maritime Ecozone.[18][19]
Coquitlam's geographic shape can be thought of as a tilted hourglass, with two larger parcels of land with a smaller central section connecting them.
Southwest Coquitlam comprises the original core of the city, with Maillardville and Fraser River industrial sector giving way to the large, elevated, flat-plateaued residential areas of Austin Heights. These older residences, with larger property dimensions, are increasingly being torn down and replaced with newer and larger homes. The Poirier Street area was the city's original recreational centre with the Coquitlam Sports Centre, Chimo Aquatic and Fitness Centre, and sports fields located there, while City Hall was previously located further south in Maillardville.[20]
The Austin Heights area contains Como Lake, a renowned urban fishing and recreation area, and headwaters for the Como watershed. The watershed represents one of the last urban watersheds in the Tri-Cities that supports wild stocks of coho salmon as well as other species at risk such as coastal cutthroat trout (both sea-run and resident) and bird species such as the great blue heron and green heron.[21] It also contains Mundy Park, one of the largest urban parks in the Metro Vancouver area.
In 1984, the provincial government sold 57 hectares (141 acres) formerly attached to Riverview Hospital to Molnar Developments. Shortly afterward, this land was subdivided and became Riverview Heights, with about 250 single-family homes. The remaining 240 acres (0.97 km2) of this still-active mental health facility has been the subject of much controversy amongst developers, environmentalists, and conservationists. In 2005, the city's task force on the hospital lands rejected the idea of further housing on the lands and declared that the lands and buildings should be protected and remain as a mental health facility.[22] In May 2021, the Government of British Columbia announced that the Riverview lands had been renamed sÉ™miqÌ“wÉ™Êâ€ÂÂÂÂelÉ™ (pronounced suh-MEE-kwuh-EL-uh), meaning "The Place of the Great Blue Heron". The kÊ·ikʷəƛ̓əm Nation and BC Housing are working on a long-term master plan for development of the site.[23]
Coquitlam Town Centre, was designated as a "Regional Town Centre" under the Metro Vancouver's Livable Region Strategic Plan. The concept of a town centre for the area dates back to 1975, and is intended to have a high concentration of high-density housing, offices, cultural, entertainment and education facilities to serve major growth areas of the region, served by rapid transit service.[20] It is in the town centre that many public buildings can be found, including City Hall, a branch of the Coquitlam Public Library, an R.C.M.P. station, Coquitlam's main fire hall, the David Lam Campus of Douglas College, the Evergreen Cultural Centre, City Centre Aquatic Complex, Town Centre Park and Percy Perry Stadium.
In 1989, the provincial government sold 570 hectares (1,409 acres) of second-growth forested land on the south slope of Eagle Mountain, known locally as Eagle Ridge, to developer Wesbild. This resulted in the closure of Westwood Motorsport Park in 1990, and the creation of Westwood Plateau, which was developed into 4,525 upscale homes, as well as two golf courses.[24][25]
With development on Westwood Plateau completed and the opening of the David Avenue Connector in 2006, Coquitlam's primary urban development has now shifted to Burke Mountain in the northeastern portion of the city.[26][27]
With new development of the Evergreen Extension of the Millennium Line of the SkyTrain rapid transit system which began operation in December 2016, Coquitlam's urban development area has again shifted to Burquitlam and secondly Burke Mountain. The Burke Mountain area plan is now divided into 4 new neighbourhood plans: Lower Hyde Creek Neighbourhood, Upper Hyde Creek Neighbourhood, Partington Creek, and Smiling Creek.[28]
Like much of Metro Vancouver, Coquitlam has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate type Cfb), experiencing mild temperatures and high precipitation; warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. However, compared to most other cities in the area, precipitation is especially heavy in Coquitlam due to its proximity to the mountain slopes. With westward air moving off the Pacific Ocean, the air is forced to flow up the Coast Mountains causing it to cool and condense and fall as precipitation, this process is known as orographic precipitation. The orographic effect is mainly responsible for the massive 1,969 mm (77.5 in) annual average precipitation that Coquitlam receives each year, with most falling as rainfall in the fall and winter months, with 316 mm (12.4 in) in November; the summer is usually sunny with minimal precipitation with 60.7 mm (2.39 in) in July. Although the mild temperatures allow for mostly rain to fall during the winter months, occasionally snow will fall. With a slightly higher elevation compared to the rest of Metro Vancouver, Coquitlam receives an average of 64.4 cm (25.4 in) of snow each year, with it rarely staying on the ground for a few days, adding to a very intermittent snow cover during the winter season.
Coquitlam is also located in one of the warmest regions in Canada where average mean annual temperature is 10.2 °C (50.4 °F). Temperatures are warm during the summer months with an average high of 22.7 °C (72.9 °F), and an average low of 13.4 °C (56.1 °F) in August. During the winter months, the average high is 5.6 °C (42.1 °F), and the average low is 0.9 °C (33.6 °F) in December. This relatively mild climate, by Canadian standards, is caused by the warm Alaska Current offshore and the many mountain ranges preventing the cold arctic air from the rest of Canada from reaching the southwest corner of British Columbia.
On June 28, 2021, Coquitlam reached an all-time high temperature reading of 41 °C (106 °F), shattering the previous record of 37.0 °C (98.6 °F).[29][30]
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Coquitlam had a population of 148,625 living in 55,949 of its 58,683 total private dwellings, a change of 6.7% from its 2016 population of 139,284. With a land area of 122.15 km2 (47.16 sq mi), it had a population density of 1,216.7/km2 (3,151.3/sq mi) in 2021.[4]
According to the 2016 Census, 47% of households contained a married couple with children, 30% contained a married couple without children, and 22% were one-person households. Of the 40,085 reported families: 76% were married couples with an average of 3.0 persons per family, 15% were lone-parents with an average of 2.5 persons per family, and 9% were common-law couples with an average of 2.6 persons per family. The median age of Coquitlam's population was 41.1 years, slightly younger than the British Columbia median of 43.0 years. Coquitlam had 85.6% of its residents 15 years of age or older, less than the provincial average of 87.5%.[40]
According to the 2016 census, about 44% of Coquitlam residents were foreign-born, much higher than the 28% foreign-born for the whole of British Columbia. The same census documented the median income in 2015 for all families was $65,020, compared to the provincial average of $61,280. 58.2% of respondents 15 years of age and older claim to have a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 55% province-wide.[40] Lastly, also as of the 2016 census, only 23.4% of Coquitlam residents who work outside the home work within the city of Coquitlam itself, just less than half the provincial average of 48.9% of residents who work within their own municipality, yet 22.2% of Coquitlam residents take public transit, bicycle or walk to work, close to the provincial average of 22.4%.[41]
The 2016 census found that English was spoken as the mother tongue of 50.47% of the population. The next most common mother tongue language was Mandarin, spoken by 9.66% of the population, followed by Cantonese at 6.43%.[40] The south slope of Coquitlam, which includes Maillardville, has a pocket of French speakers.
According to the 2021 census, religious groups in Coquitlam included:[4]
As a bedroom community, the majority of Coquitlam residents commute to work in Vancouver, Burnaby, and other Metro Vancouver suburbs. Coquitlam's main industrial area lies in the southern Maillardville/Fraser Mills area near the Fraser River. Among the largest employers within Coquitlam are the City of Coquitlam with approximately 850 employees, Art in Motion with approximately 750 employees, and Hard Rock Casino with approximately 600 employees.[47][48] Other major employers include Coca-Cola, Sony, and the Marine Propulsion division of Rolls-Royce.[49][50]
In 2007, there were 610 retail businesses in Coquitlam, and these provided 8,765 jobs (27% of all jobs) within the city. Most retail businesses are concentrated around Coquitlam Centre in the Town Centre area, and big-box retailers such as IKEA and The Home Depot in the Pacific Reach areas, with the remainder of the city's retail outlets centered around the Austin Heights and North Road sectors.[51]
The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has over 900 members including businesses, professionals, residents and other community groups, governed by a 14-person volunteer Board of Directors.[52]
Being in close proximity to Vancouver and surrounded by the rest of the Lower Mainland, Coquitlam residents have access to virtually unlimited choice in cultural and leisure activities. Within the city itself are numerous venues that bring these choices closer to home.
Coquitlam was designated as a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2009 by the Department of Canadian Heritage.[53]
The Molson Canadian Theatre, a 1,074-seat multi-purpose venue, opened as part of a $30 million expansion to Coquitlam's Hard Rock Casino in 2006, while Cineplex Entertainment operates the 4,475-seat SilverCity Coquitlam movie complex with 20 screens.[54][55][56]
A partnership of the city, the arts community, private business and senior governments, the Evergreen Cultural Centre in the Town Centre area is a venue for arts and culture, a civic facility designed to host a wide variety of community events. It features a 264-seat black box theatre, rehearsal hall, art studios and art gallery. Evergreen serves as the home venue for the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Coastal Sound Music Academy, the Coquitlam Youth Orchestra, and the Stage 43 Theatrical Society. Nearby proscenium theatres include the 336-seat Terry Fox Theatre in Port Coquitlam, and the 206-seat Inlet Theatre in Port Moody.[57]
Numerous yearly festivals are staged at various locations throughout Coquitlam,[58] including Festival du Bois (first full weekend in March),[12] the Water's Edge Festival (third full weekend in March),[59] Como Lake Fishing Derby (last Sunday in May),[60] BC Highland Games (last Saturday in June),[61] a Canada Day Celebration at Town Centre Park,[62] the BC Dumpling Festival (mid-August),[63][64] and the Blue Mountain Music Festival (mid-July).[65]
Coquitlam has a considerable number of open green spaces, with the total area of over 890 hectares (2,200 acres). There are over 80 municipal parks and natural areas, with Mundy Park located roughly in the centre of the city being the biggest, and Ridge Park located in the highlands near the city's northern edge. Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Minnekhada Regional Park, and Pitt Addington Marsh are on the northern and eastern border of the city, while the restricted area of the Metro Vancouver's Coquitlam watershed border Coquitlam to the north. Colony Farm is a 404-hectare park that straddles the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam boundaries, offering walking trails rich with wildlife and gardens. Town Centre Park is a large city park located in the central area of the city, it provides city residents with many recreational activities.[66][67] Como Lake Park and Glen Park are also popular with local residents.
Place des Arts is a non-profit teaching arts centre in Maillardville founded in 1972, offering programs in visual arts, music, acting, and dance. It features specialized programs for school students and home learners, and presents concerts and exhibitions for the public. Studios are offered for pottery, fibre arts, yoga, ballet, drama, piano, drawing and painting. Place des Arts offers four faculty concerts throughout the year, as well as numerous recitals and presentations by students on an ongoing basis.[68]
Place Maillardville is a community centre providing leisure activities for all age groups, with programs on French language, culture, as well as physical activities. Heritage Square offers visitors a wealth of historic sites, gardens, a bike path, and an outdoor amphitheatre; it is also home to the Mackin Heritage Home & Toy Museum.[69]
The city is responsible for the maintenance of numerous sports and recreation fields, including 40 grass/sand/soil sports fields, five FieldTurf fields, 35 ball diamonds, several all-weather surfaces, a bowling green, a croquet/bocce court, and a cricket pitch.[70] The city also operates Percy Perry Stadium and the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.[71] Privately owned Planet Ice features 4 additional ice rinks, and more rinks are found throughout the Tri-Cities.[72]
There exists many opportunities for a wide variety of activities in Coquitlam:
Coquitlam is represented by two federal MPs in the Parliament of Canada. Bonita Zarillo (NDP) represents the Port Moody—Coquitlam riding, while Ron McKinnon (Liberal Party) represents Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam.[100]
Coquitlam is represented by three provincial MLAs in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Rick Glumac (British Columbia NDP) represents the Port Moody-Coquitlam riding, while Joan Isaacs (BC Liberals) represents Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, and Selina Robinson (BC NDP) represents Coquitlam-Maillardville.[101]
In the 2018 civic election, Richard Stewart was reelected as mayor of Coquitlam, and Craig Hodge, Chris Wilson, Teri Towner, Bonita Zarillo, Brent Asmundson, Dennis Marsden, Trish Mandewo and Steve Kim were all elected to Coquitlam City Council.[3] Coquitlam contracts out garbage and recycling services to International Paper Industries for city residents, but local businesses are responsible for their own garbage and recycling arrangements.[102] Coquitlam Lake provides residents with a mountain-fed water source, while the city maintains its own sewage management system.[103]
The nearest Supreme Court of British Columbia venue is the New Westminster Law Courts. Provincial Court of British Columbia cases were formerly handled through the Coquitlam Provincial Court, but this was closed in 1996 and moved to the new Port Coquitlam Provincial Court.[104][105]
Coquitlam is served by TransLink, which is responsible for both public transit and major roads.
The city has four SkyTrain stations on the Millennium Line that are a part of the 10.9 km (6.8 mi) long Evergreen Extension.[106] With a project cost of $1.4 billion, the line runs from the Coquitlam City Centre area, through Coquitlam Central Station and into Port Moody, re-entering Coquitlam on North Road and finally joining the existing Millennium Line at Lougheed Town Centre.
There is regular bus service on numerous lines running throughout the city and connecting it to other municipalities in Metro Vancouver, with a major exchange at Coquitlam Central Station.[107]
The West Coast Express, with a stop at Coquitlam Central Station, provides commuter rail service west to downtown Vancouver and east as far as Mission.[108] WCE operates Monday to Friday only (excluding holidays), with five trains per day running to Vancouver in the morning peak hours and returning through Coquitlam in the evening peak hours.
For motorists, the Trans-Canada Highway provides freeway access to Burnaby, Vancouver, Surrey, and other municipalities in the Lower Mainland. Lougheed Highway is an alternative route to the Trans-Canada, entering Coquitlam through Maillardville, past the Riverview Hospital area, up to Coquitlam Centre where it turns sharply east to Port Coquitlam. Barnet Highway begins at the Coquitlam Centre area and heads directly east through Port Moody and on to Burnaby and downtown Vancouver.[109]
Coquitlam has 60 km of bike routes, including dedicated bike lanes on Guildford Way, David Avenue, United Boulevard, Mariner Way, Chilko Drive and others, plus additional routes through city parks.[110]
Coquitlam is served by two international airports. Vancouver International Airport, located on Sea Island in the city of Richmond to the west, is the second busiest in Canada and provides most of the air access to the region. Abbotsford International Airport, located to the east, is the seventeenth busiest airport in Canada. Nearby Pitt Meadows Airport provides services for smaller aircraft[111][112] and there are also Boundary Bay Airport and Langley Airport for small aircraft.
Residents and visitors wishing to travel to Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other destinations along the Inside Passage may use the BC Ferries car and passenger ferry service from two terminals in the communities of Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay, south and north of Vancouver respectively. BC Ferries operates the Queen of Coquitlam, a C-class ferry capable of carrying 362 cars and 1,466 passengers, which was launched in 1976. She received an $18 million rehabilitation in November 2002, and currently operates as a secondary vessel on the Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay route.[113]
Coquitlam is served by Fraser Health, which operates the 106-bed Eagle Ridge Hospital on the Port Moody/Coquitlam city boundary. ERH opened its doors in 1984 and operates a 24-hour emergency department, ambulatory, long-term care and acute care programs. It is a Centre of Excellence for elective surgery for urology, gynaecology, plastics and orthopedics. The hospital also offers public education clinics for asthma, diabetes, rehabilitation services and programs for cardiology, children's grief recovery, youth crisis response and early psychosis prevention.[114]
Fraser Health also operates the 352-bed Royal Columbian Hospital just south of Coquitlam in New Westminster. Coquitlam residents are also served by many privately owned health care clinics, while Tri-Cities Health Services operates 653 residential care beds.[115]
Coquitlam is also the home of Riverview Hospital, a large mental health facility, operating under the governance of BC Mental Health & Addiction Services. Riverview opened in 1913 and had 4,630 patients at its peak, but advances in treatment and cutbacks in funding have resulted in fewer people receiving mental health care, and much of the facility has closed over the last few decades.[116]
Coquitlam contracts out its police service to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with the main police station adjacent to City Hall at Coquitlam Town Centre and community police stations in the Austin Heights and Burquitlam areas. The Coquitlam RCMP detachment also serves the municipalities of Anmore, Belcarra, and Port Coquitlam.[117]
Coquitlam has its own fire service, known as Coquitlam Fire/Rescue, with four fire halls. Coquitlam uses names, not numbers for their halls. The fire halls are Town Centre, Austin Heights, Mariner Way, near Mundy Park and Burke Mountain.[118]
Like all other municipalities in British Columbia, Coquitlam's ambulance service is run by the British Columbia Ambulance Service.[119]
Coquitlam Search and Rescue is a volunteer search and rescue team operating under the Provincial Emergency Program. Coquitlam SAR is responsible for urban and wilderness search and rescue for the area between Indian Arm and Pitt Lake, and encompasses the local communities of Coquitlam, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, Belcarra and Anmore. The SAR team is based at Town Centre Fire Hall.[120]
The city manages four all-age community centres (Centennial, Pinetree, Poirier, Summit), and two senior community centres (Dogwood Pavilion, Glen Pine Pavilion).[121]
Coquitlam is served by School District 43 Coquitlam, and offers four public secondary schools, seven middle schools, and dozens of elementary schools. Francophone education in the Tri-Cities is offered by Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique.[122][123]
Coquitlam Town Centre is home to the 4,000-student David Lam Campus of Douglas College, which offers university transfer, career-training and academic-upgrading programs. Therapeutic Recreation, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Animal Health Technology programs are housed in the original main campus building. The $39 million Health Sciences Centre opened in 2008, with state-of-the-art facilities for Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing and other health-career programs.[124]
There are two major universities, University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, located in the nearby municipalities. The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in neighbouring Burnaby provides polytechnic education and grants degrees in several fields. Vancouver is also home to the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and the Vancouver Film School.[125]
The Coquitlam Public Library has two branches: City Centre and Poirier. The library has a circulation of over 1.1 million items, and an annual budget of over $5 million.[126]
In addition to the other Metro Vancouver media outlets, CKPM-FM was the first radio station dedicated to the Tri-Cities area when it took to the air in 2009.[127]
Coquitlam is served by the bi-weekly Tri-City News newspaper.[128]
A significant number of movie and television productions have been partly or completely filmed in Coquitlam in recent years, including a significant portion of 2018's Deadpool 2, 2014's Godzilla, both New Moon and Eclipse from the Twilight series, The X-Files, Juno, Smallville, Psych, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Dark Angel, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Romeo Must Die, Stargate SG1, Riverdale, and Watchmen.[129] The city maintains the Coquitlam Film Office to coordinate permits, traffic and crowd control, and insurance for film and television productions.[130]
Coquitlam currently has sister city relationships with the following:[131]
In November 2017, the city stated that they had ended sister city relationships with Laizhou, Tochigi, Ormoc and San Juan.[132]
Juno Award-winning rock musician Matthew Good is from Coquitlam. He graduated from Centennial Secondary in 1989, and became lead singer for the Matthew Good Band, one of Canada's most successful alternative rock bands in the 1990s. Centennial Secondary was featured in the "Alert Status Red" video, and its cheerleading squad recorded for "Giant".[133] The Matthew Good Band was dissolved in 2002, and Good has since pursued a solo career and established himself as a political activist, blogger, and author.[134]
Actor Taylor Kitsch graduated from Gleneagle Secondary in 1999,[135] and went on to star in movies such as John Carter and Battleship and Lone Survivor as well as the television series Friday Night Lights'
Former FA Premier League goalkeeper Craig Forrest is from Coquitlam and attended Centennial Secondary. Forrest appeared in 263 games for Ipswich Town, 30 games for West Ham United, and three games for Chelsea. Forrest also earned 56 caps for the Canadian national soccer team, the most of any goalkeeper in team history, and earned the most clean sheets in the country's history. Forrest was elected to Canada's Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007.[136][137] Former Canadian national soccer team midfielder Jeff Clarke and Canadian women's national soccer player Brittany Timko also both attended Centennial Secondary.[138][139]
Former National Basketball Association player Lars Hansen was raised in Coquitlam and played his high school basketball at Centennial Secondary. He was a member of the Seattle SuperSonics 1979 NBA Championship team, and was elected to the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.[140]
American political analyst and former Fox News co-host Rachel Marsden was raised in Northeast Coquitlam's Burke Mountain area.[141]
Former BC Lions placekicker Lui Passaglia has resided in Coquitlam for over 20 years.[142] Passaglia is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, and his #5 jersey is one of eight numbers retired by the Lions.[143] Passaglia was voted #30 of the CFL's Top 50 players of the modern era by Canadian sports network TSN.[144]
Playboy Playmate and actress Dorothy Stratten was raised in Coquitlam and attended Centennial Secondary School. Stratten was Playmate of the Year for 1980. She appeared in several movies, including Peter Bogdanovich's They All Laughed, then she was murdered by her estranged husband. Stratten was portrayed twice in biographies of her life, by Jamie Lee Curtis in Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story and by Mariel Hemingway in Star 80.[145]
Spoken word poet Chris Tse was raised in Coquitlam though he is based in Ottawa. He was captain of the Ottawa spoken word team that won the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word championships and placed second overall in the Poetry Slam World Cup in Paris, France.[146]
Filipino pop and jazz singer, musician, lyricist, and songwriter Joey Albert is a Coquitlam resident.[147]
Hockey players Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders, Dante Fabbro of the Nashville Predators, and Vincent Iorio of the Washington Capitals were all born and raised in Coquitlam.[148][149][150]
Science fiction novelist Dennis E. Taylor is a Coquitlam resident.[151]
A tradesperson or tradesman/woman is a skilled worker that specialises in a particular trade. Tradespeople (tradesmen/women) usually gain their skills through work experience, on-the-job training, an apprenticeship program or formal education.
As opposed to a master craftsman or an artisan, a tradesperson (tradesman/woman) is not necessarily restricted to manual work.
In Victorian England, The terms "skilled worker," "craftsman," "artisan," and "tradesman" were used in senses that overlap. All describe people with specialized training in the skills needed for a particular kind of work. Some of them produced goods that they sold from their own premises (e.g. bootmakers, saddlers, hatmakers, jewelers, glassblowers); others (e.g. typesetters, bookbinders, wheelwrights) were employed to do one part of the production in a business that required a variety of skilled workers. Still others were factory hands who had become experts in some complex part of the process and could command high wages and steady employment. Skilled workers in the building trades (e.g. carpenters, masons, plumbers, plasterers, glaziers, painters etc.) were also referred to by one or another of these terms.[1]
One study of Caversham, New Zealand, at the turn of the century notes that a skilled trade was considered a trade that required an apprenticeship to entry.[2] Skilled tradesmen worked either in traditional handicraft workshops or newer factories that emerged during the Industrial Revolution.[2] Traditional handicraft roles included, for example: "sail-maker, candle-maker, cooper, japanner, lapidary and taxidermist, canister-maker, furrier, cap-maker, dobbin-maker, french-polisher, baker, miller, brewer, confectioner, watch-maker, tinsmith, glazier, maltster, wood-turner, saddler, shipwright, scale-maker, engraver and cutler."[2]
Tradesmen/women are contrasted with laborers, agricultural workers, and professionals (those in the learned professions).[3] Skilled tradesmen are distinguished:
A British study found that, after taking student loan repayments into account, a higher apprenticeship (at level 5 in the national qualifications frameworks) delivered higher lifetime median earnings than a degree from a university outside the Russell Group. Despite this, polling for the report found that apprenticeships have a lower perceived value than bachelor's degrees.[9]
Data from the United States shows that vocational education can provide a respectable income at a lesser cost in time and money for training. Even ten years after graduation, there are many people with a certificate or associate degree who earn more money than those with a B.A.[10][11][12][13]
The average taxable income for the top trades in Australia can be up to $100,000, while the average for all Australians is $85,800.[14]
The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.
Overall, wages are higher in occupations typically requiring a degree for entry than in occupations typically requiring less education. But that's not always the case.
This report examines the labor-market value of associate's degrees and certificate programs, finding that field of study especially influences future earnings for these programs since they are tightly linked with specific occupations.
A lot of other people also have invested time and money getting four-year degrees only to return for career and technical education in fields ranging from firefighting to automation to nursing, in which jobs are relatively plentiful and salaries and benefits comparatively good, but which require faster and far less costly certificates and associate degrees.
We are using the taxable incomes provided to us by thousands of self-employed tradies from around Australia.