City of Coquitlam
Who we are
Coquitlam is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, accounting for the fifth largest population in Metro Vancouver and sixth-largest across the British Columbia. The City of Coquitlam has multiple employee groups, and approximately 1000-2500 staff in the organization.
We are one of a small group of employers recognized as a BC Top Employer for 9 consecutive years, and the only organization to receive the BC Municipal Safety Association’s Organizational Safety Excellence Award every year for the past 7 years. In 2025, Coquitlam became the first municipality in Canada to receive the Canadian Workplace Well-Being Award, further distinguishing us as a municipal employer.
The City has an EDI Office with two full-time staff with a dedicated focus on accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
Why we are involved
Coquitlam’s journey towards greater accessibility and inclusion stems from our long-standing dedication to serve our diverse community.
The City has taken meaningful steps, over many years, to embed accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of our work. This ranges from the way our facilities are designed and services are delivered, to how neighbourhoods are shaped, policies are developed, and how information is shared with the public.
The City has an EDI Recruitment and Retention Action Plan and is in the process of finalizing its first-ever Accessibility and Inclusion Plan. As a municipal service provider, Coquitlam is focused on continuing to prioritize accessibility and inclusion in our work, recognizing that most people will experience barriers at some point in their lives — either directly or through someone they care about.
Accessibility initiatives
Learning from lived experience, the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee – established in 2006 and one of the first of its kind in B.C. – provides a vital community voice and perspective that helps shape key City projects and strategies.
Rick Hansen Certifications for Maillardville Community Centre, Town Centre Park Community Centre, Glen Pine Pavilion, Dogwood Pavilion, Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, and Coquitlam City Hall.
Accessible civic facilities and public spaces, featuring sensory-friendly design elements, tactile wayfinding, universal washrooms, lifts, Assistive Listening Systems, Braille signage and accessible trails.
Community partnerships to help improve awareness, remove barriers, and inform inclusive planning and design, including collaborations with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and the Rick Hansen Foundation.
Inclusive recreation, offering recreation inclusion services, adaptive programs, sports, and equipment, supported by a Recreation Accessibility Resource Guide.
Capacity building through learning and training sessions for our employees on a variety of topics including: Accessibility Awareness, Unconscious Bias, Gender Diversity, and Rick Hansen Foundation’s Municipal Accessibility Training.
Volunteer-based supports, including the Snow Angels program, which connects community volunteers with residents who need assistance clearing snow, helping to maintain safe and accessible walkways during winter months.
Financial supports, such as the Financial Assistance for Recreation program, low-cost programming and free admission for support persons.
Pedestrian and transit upgrades, including installation of accessible intersections, improved curb ramps, tactile paving, and widened or resurfaced sidewalks to enhance safety, mobility, and accessibility for users.
