The historical development of Port Coquitlam includes a rich and varied legacy of many cultures and activities. A varied history from its origins with the Kwikwetlem First Nation (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm), to early European homesteading, through to the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway Coast Terminal in 1891 the city has grown over time. Port Coquitlam’s later industrial impetus, was due in part to close proximity to the Fraser River that acts as a natural gateway to New Westminster and Vancouver.

Port Coquitlam’s growth has resulted in a rich legacy of tangible and intangible heritage resources, some dating from its early historical development, which are valued and supported by the community, and serve as both a link to the past and a continued source of local pride and community identity. Through previous initiatives such as a Heritage Building Inventory (1985), a Community Archives and support of the Port Coquitlam Heritage & Cultural Society (PCHCS), Port Coquitlam has fostered and promoted the celebration of a number of unique aspects of this local heritage character.

The overarching goal of the Heritage Strategic Plan is to provide a framework that will help identify, maintain and protect community heritage values, while providing opportunities to enhance public knowledge and awareness of Port Coquitlam’s unique history. It answers key questions about the existing situation, defines a community vision for heritage, recommends strategies and includes a framework for implementation. This will guide Port Coquitlam’s heritage program for a ten-year horizon, by providing prioritized strategies for the development of the City’s heritage initiatives.