Burquitlam, a neighborhood straddling the border between Burnaby and Coquitlam in British Columbia, Canada, has a rich history shaped by its geographical location, indigenous heritage, and the growth of Greater Vancouver. The name “Burquitlam” itself is a portmanteau of “Burnaby” and “Coquitlam,” reflecting its position between these two municipalities.
Indigenous Roots
Long before European settlers arrived, the region now known as Burquitlam was inhabited by the Coast Salish peoples, including the Kwikwetlem First Nation. The Kwikwetlem people, from whom the city of Coquitlam takes its name, lived in the area for thousands of years, using the land for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The name “Kwikwetlem” means “red fish up the river,” referencing the abundance of salmon in the local rivers.
The Coast Salish people maintained a deep connection to the natural resources of the region, especially along the Fraser River and the surrounding forested lands. The region’s rivers were vital for trade, travel, and sustenance, with salmon runs being central to their way of life.
Early European Settlement and Growth (19th–20th Century)
European settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century, largely driven by the fur trade and later by the development of roads and railways. The early settlers were mainly farmers, loggers, and those drawn to the area by the abundance of natural resources. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s spurred further growth, as it connected British Columbia to the rest of Canada and facilitated the movement of people and goods.
By the early 20th century, both Burnaby and Coquitlam were becoming more developed as suburban areas of Vancouver. The construction of roads such as the Lougheed Highway in the 1930s further contributed to the accessibility of the region and its attractiveness for new settlers. This was a time when the boundaries of Burnaby and Coquitlam were still being defined, and the area that would later be called Burquitlam remained largely rural.
Post-War Suburban Boom (1940s–1970s)
The post-World War II era saw rapid suburban expansion throughout Greater Vancouver, including Burquitlam. As returning soldiers and their families sought homes, the demand for suburban housing skyrocketed. Burquitlam, with its proximity to Vancouver and the rise of car ownership, became an attractive residential area.
The 1950s and 1960s marked significant growth for both Burnaby and Coquitlam, with Burquitlam becoming a key residential hub. Shopping centers, schools, and other community amenities began to emerge to support the growing population. Lougheed Mall, which opened in the late 1960s, became a major shopping destination in the region and remains a focal point of the Burquitlam area today.
Urbanization and Development (1980s–2000s)
As Vancouver continued to grow, Burquitlam experienced increasing urbanization. The 1980s and 1990s brought more high-density housing, such as apartment buildings and townhouses, reflecting the broader trend of urban sprawl throughout Metro Vancouver. Public transportation also improved, making Burquitlam more accessible to the broader region.
The completion of SkyTrain’s Millennium Line in the early 2000s had a transformative impact on Burquitlam. The Burquitlam Station, part of the 2016 Evergreen Extension, made the area more connected to Vancouver and other parts of Metro Vancouver. The improved transit options spurred significant residential and commercial development, especially around transit-oriented areas, leading to the rise of high-rise residential towers, retail spaces, and new community facilities.
Contemporary Burquitlam
Today, Burquitlam is a vibrant, rapidly developing urban neighborhood with a mix of high-density housing, shopping centers, parks, and public amenities. The SkyTrain has made Burquitlam a desirable location for commuters working in Vancouver and other nearby municipalities. As part of the broader trend of urban densification in Metro Vancouver, the area continues to evolve with new developments, particularly around the Burquitlam and Lougheed Town Centre transit hubs.
Community efforts have sought to preserve the natural environment and local parks amid urban growth, maintaining Burquitlam’s connection to the region’s natural heritage. Burquitlam Park and Como Lake are examples of green spaces that offer residents recreational opportunities and a break from urban life.
Conclusion
Burquitlam’s history is a reflection of the broader development of Metro Vancouver, shaped by its indigenous heritage, European settlement, post-war suburban expansion, and modern urbanization. Its location at the intersection of Burnaby and Coquitlam has made it a dynamic and growing community, with a strong future tied to the ongoing expansion of the region.
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