While exploring the city, take note of the brightly coloured public artwork on display, depicting rich aspects of our heritage and culture. We also pride ourselves in our parks and gardens and these are reflected in our eco sculptures. Here are some highlights.
Look for the large concrete frog rising out of the sidewalk outside of Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station. It depicts Lafarge Lake’s transformation from a rock quarry to the picturesque landscape it is today. Titled TransLake, by Trent Hutton of Bowen Island, this piece is one of 11 inspirational works installed at Coquitlam’s four SkyTrain stations.
Seven B.C. artists were selected to create the artwork through a process that attracted submissions from around the world. Among the themes depicted are those exploring nature, cultural diversity, transportation and local history.
A series of 12 salmon sculptures were permanently installed throughout the city in 2016 as part of a public art project celebrating Coquitlam’s 125th year. The six-foot-high sculpture form was designed and fabricated by award-winning Squamish Nation artist Jody Broomfield. Each was painted by different B.C. artists.
Like a secret garden complete with magical stones, there’s something special about this rock sculpture garden. You’ll find six sculptures at Blue Mountain Park, which were placed here from 1986 to 1987. Let your imagination run wild as you explore. Photo – Mona D’Amours.
Murals
The City of Coquitlam Mural Project is a new initiative started in 2023 to beautify the City, provide engaging public spaces, and support local business. The one pictured is called “The Ripple” and is located in City Centre at 1198 Pinetree Way.
The piece immediately calls attention with the Coast Salish spindle whorl face at its centre, ringed by protective “ripples” that feature the area’s plants and animals. The art symbolizes Indigenous presence on this land, guardianship of the territory, and the life cycles of the Northwest Coast. Not all the birds are local, representing the diverse cultures present in this region
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
To learn more about the artists and upcoming installations click here.
Take some time to honour and remember the sacrifices of our Veterans by visiting the “Lest We Forget” public art mural by artist Laura Johnson. The mural is painted on the Royal Canadian Legion #263 Coquitlam building, located in the Austin Heights neighbourhood of Coquitlam at 1025 Ridgeway Ave. For more information visit Royal Canadian Legion #263 Coquitlam
This sockeye sculpture, arching over a concrete dam in Spirit Square near Coquitlam City Hall, tells of the sockeye’s return to the Coquitlam River.
Check out the recently restored wood sculptures at Mackin Park, ‘Le Bucheron’ and ‘La Violniste’ by artist Michel Campeau, which speak to the historical significance of the area for the French Canadians who settled in what was to become Maillardville.
The Coquitlam Spirit Bear (Stól: lô Spath) translates to River Bear and depicts the spirits of the animals and symbols that speak of growing up beside the mighty Fraser River.
Coquitlam represented B.C. during the MosaïCanada 150 exposition in Gatineau, Que. with this living sculpture, which remained on display for two years. It uses plant material within a frame, modelled after the famous Bill Reid killer whale statue outside Vancouver Aquarium. You can view this eco-sculpture at Town Centre Park, north of the Evergreen Cultural Centre and west of Lafarge Lake.
Bee inspired. This iconic living sculpture is worthy of a photo opp, set amidst the floral background of the Inspiration Garden. It’s constructed of a steel frame with fabric and filled with plant material to encourage growth. It blooms from June to early October and then hibernates for winter.
look for Our Lady of Lourdes’ at Our lady of Lourdes Church in Maillardville, ‘Migration’ at City Centre Public Library and ‘Our Salmon, Our Children, Our Earth’ in City Hall.