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Thanks for visiting the page! Any content you see below has been submitted by GamesTown 2010 participants. Now it’s time to add yours. Check back often for more stories – don’t forget to bookmark this page.
Remember, it can take up to 48 hours for a posting to appear.
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Walking the dog off-leash at Ridge Park
Date: Jan 8, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam has an abundance of great parks, and they have been on the leading edge of creating off-leash parks and walking/hiking trails for the community. My dog and I very much enjoy walking the trails at Ridge Park. The trails are rugged and exciting, yet they are in the middle of the Westwood Plateau neighbourhood. Exciting exercise for pet and human right at your doorstep, what more can one ask for?
Walking the dog off-leash at Ridge Park
Date: Jan 8, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam has an abundance of great parks, and they have been on the leading edge of creating off-leash parks and walking/hiking trails for the community. My dog and I very much enjoy walking the trails... more
Scottish Heritage is very active
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: As a proud Canadian of scottish descent, I'm very proud that Coquitlam is home to the annual BC Scottish Highland Games, featuring a wide variety of very athletic endeavours, in addition to music and culture. Part of the diversity that makes Coquitlam great.
Scottish Heritage is very active
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: As a proud Canadian of scottish descent, I'm very proud that Coquitlam is home to the annual BC Scottish Highland Games, featuring a wide variety of very athletic endeavours, in addition to music and culture.... more
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Coquitlam supports Sports
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: As they say a picture says a thousand words... this photo shows one of the excellent facilities and sports complex that Coquitlam is proud of.
Coquitlam supports Sports
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: As they say a picture says a thousand words... this photo shows one of the excellent facilities and sports complex that Coquitlam is proud of.
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Multiculturally Active!
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: One of the amazing things about Coquitlam is its cultural diversity. One example is the annual Korean Heritage Days festival, supporting our very large Korean community. With athletic performances such as this Martial Arts Demonstration and Dance performances, these communities help contribute to a very active and diverse city.
--- Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart
Multiculturally Active!
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: One of the amazing things about Coquitlam is its cultural diversity. One example is the annual Korean Heritage Days festival, supporting our very large Korean community. With athletic performances such... more
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Protecting Coquitlam River
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam river is home to all five types of Pacific salmon, on top of rainbow and cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden.
To protect the river habitat, there is an annual volunteer cleanup. A lot of local people from all walks of life come out each year, and people get to learn about the Coquitlam River.
The event has grown in terms of popularity and attendance. The Coquitlam River ranked seventh on the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.'s top 10 most endangered rivers list for 2009.
Protecting Coquitlam River
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam river is home to all five types of Pacific salmon, on top of rainbow and cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden.
To protect the river habitat, there is an annual volunteer cleanup. A lot of local... more
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A magnificent place
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I've lived all my life in Coquitlam. My francophone mother chose Coquitlam because of its french-canadian community of Maillardville. My wife and I are raising our four children here, because it's truly an amazing place.
Growing up near such remarkable amenities as the large urban forest of Mundy Park, three pools within walking distance, lots of trails, fields, library, social amenities, etc.
And today, Coquitlam is an even better place, because people from around the world have chosen to live here in our community. We have a very large Chinese community, but also one of the largest Iranian communities in North America, one of the largest Korean communities on the continent, and significant South Asian, eastern European and Southeast Asian populations, mixed with residents with European, American, and African backgrounds.
A truly remarkable place, that celebrates diversity every day. Our seniors centres provide an active lifestyle for residents of all these cultures. Our schools are amazing, as dedicated teachers help enthuse and inspire their students, and encourage them to share their cultures -- including their sports -- with each other.
Coquitlam is truly a magnificent place.
--- Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart
A magnificent place
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I've lived all my life in Coquitlam. My francophone mother chose Coquitlam because of its french-canadian community of Maillardville. My wife and I are raising our four children here, because it's truly... more
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Coquitlam... Cemented in History
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: The Essondale Property will be 98 years old in 2010, did you know Coquitlam was chosen as the site of Canada's first botanical garden and arboretum in 1912?
Essondale is on Coquitlam's Heritage Register and also Canada's Register of Historic Places. The site consists of a variety of unique poured Concrete and Steel Institutional buildings built by the federal government in the early 1900's
The site is also unique in that 90% of it is heated using a central heating plant (which has recently seen a revival in the building industry for LEED certification) (EX. LEC Plants in North Vancouver, Dockside Green in Victoria) At one time the entire facility was self sufficient, getting food from Colony Farm and both Steam and Power from the immense Steam Power Plant.
The site has its own Bakery, Laundry, Fire Department, Construction Shops, Post Office, Church, Dining Hall, Gym, in essence, Essondale is a City within a City.
Many community leaders are pushing for the site to become a Recognized Historic Site, so that the lands and buildings can be stabilized, maintained and retained for future generations and that innovative new uses can be found for the buildings and lands that respects their historic and cultural influence. The entire site backs onto a large residential community and the hope is that one day the lands and buildings will once again become an integral part of the community of Coquitlam.
Coquitlam... Cemented in History
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: The Essondale Property will be 98 years old in 2010, did you know Coquitlam was chosen as the site of Canada's first botanical garden and arboretum in 1912?
Essondale is on Coquitlam's Heritage Register... more
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Coquitlam supports Biking
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam wants to move forward aggressively with improved bike infrastructure throughout the city. We have a great community, and one of the ways of keeping it sustainable and extremely livable is increasing the range of transportation choices. And biking is big on my list.
I'm preparing to buy a new bike; following serious injuries from a car accident in 2003, I had had to give up biking, but I've found my bike and want to get back on two wheels. It's a recumbent bike, and has appropriate back support that I'll be able to feel the wind in my face once again. The photo is when I tried the bike out in the Terry Fox Run.
Our community is embracing the bicycle as a viable and important form of transportation, one that will allow the next generation to reduce its carbon footprint while keeping fit.
-- Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart
Coquitlam supports Biking
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam wants to move forward aggressively with improved bike infrastructure throughout the city. We have a great community, and one of the ways of keeping it sustainable and extremely livable is increasing... more
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City Aims to Encourage Kids to Walk to School
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: As reported in our local papers, the City of Coquitlam is moving ahead with plans to improve the traffic safety near local schools, with the goal of increasing the number of students who walk or bike to and from school.
The City has undertaken a two-phased study of the issue, the first beginning with 15 schools in May. At that time, students, school staff and parent advisory council members worked with a consultant hired by the city for walks around of each school to examine issues, record concerns and possible improvements: unsafe crosswalks, poor driving habits and a need for better signage, for example.
Another 11 schools were studied in October.
Proposed improvements fall into two different categories: operational improvements -- erecting traffic signs, pavement markings or improving signals -- and capital improvements that centre around new curb and sidewalk construction. Most of the operational improvements are able to go ahead using existing budget funds.
The report is the product of initial discussions at the district parent advisory council level that took place two years ago. As chair of DPAC at that time, I heard from many parents who had chosen to drive their kids to school specifically because of traffic and safety concerns. But as the number of parents driving their kids to school increased, so did the amount of traffic violations in school areas.
The issue is worsened by the age of the schools, many of which were built in the 60s when fewer children were driven to school because families only had one car. Now that most families have more than one vehicle, and busier lives, it's a challenge getting children to walk to school, even though it's better for them and for the environment.
Now, as Mayor, I'm pushing hard for the types of traffic safety improvements that will help parents make the healthier choice for their kids, without having to worry as much about their safety.
School District 43 energy and sustainability manager Mark Clay acknowledges the study as an opportunity to take a closer look at the issues.
"But the other piece of that is that it connects into the bigger environmental sustainability piece," he said. "The schools that did get involved with it, it helped promote their Walk to School Week or with weekly or monthly walking to school promotions."
Clearly, if we can encourage this generation to walk and bike more often, it will set up habits that will serve them, their community, and the planet well in the future.
- Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart
City Aims to Encourage Kids to Walk to School
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Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: As reported in our local papers, the City of Coquitlam is moving ahead with plans to improve the traffic safety near local schools, with the goal of increasing the number of students who walk or bike to... more
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Why the Olympics are so important to me
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I think that the Olympics are really important to show the world how being active can get you so far in life. While not all athletes are cut out to be Olympians (really, who is?) they give us ‘normal’ people something to strive towards. They’re great motivators to getting in shape and sticking to things and activities that we love. The Olympics show us just where you can go with the proper training and can introduce new sports to you that you never would have thought possible!
Why the Olympics are so important to me
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I think that the Olympics are really important to show the world how being active can get you so far in life. While not all athletes are cut out to be Olympians (really, who is?) they give us ‘normal’... more
Sharing my Olympic Spirit
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: When I was looking for Christmas presents this year, I was thinking about buying little mascots for my friend’s little brothers and sisters just to get them excited about the Olympics. I was in China in 2007 (right as the Summer 2008 Olympic Game merchandise came on sale) and brought back some of the China mascots home for them and I think it’s something that gets younger kids excited about the games. I was so glad to see that while the mascots in Canada have created much controversy, they’ve widely been accepted by the kids, who are really the ones who will pay more attention to them anyway. It’s all about creating Olympic excitement!
Sharing my Olympic Spirit
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: When I was looking for Christmas presents this year, I was thinking about buying little mascots for my friend’s little brothers and sisters just to get them excited about the Olympics. I was in China... more
What a place to Live!
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I grew up in Coquitlam... what a great place to be active! I remember skating on Como Lake, walking in Mundy Park, swimming in Blue Mtn Park Pool, playing waterpolo each summer at Eagle Ridge Pool, Como Lake Relays, softball, volleyball, soccer, track and field! I moved away for about 10 years, but returned with my own family and once again we are enjoying all that Coquitlam has to offer. Some sports are different, hockey and lacrosse... some are the same swimming and waterpolo. The opportunities are unlimited and everyone is busy and active!
What a place to Live!
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I grew up in Coquitlam... what a great place to be active! I remember skating on Como Lake, walking in Mundy Park, swimming in Blue Mtn Park Pool, playing waterpolo each summer at Eagle Ridge Pool, Como... more
Paralympic Game Excitement
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I think I’m more excited for the Paralympic Games than the Olympic Games themselves. The Paralympians always seem to be the ‘unsung’ athletes at most of the Olympic Games, but they’re so inspirational that I hardly think that we can discount them. I can’t wait to see the sports that we rarely have the opportunity to observe, such as ice sledge hockey and alpine skiing. It’s going to be another exciting experience that will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Paralympic Game Excitement
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I think I’m more excited for the Paralympic Games than the Olympic Games themselves. The Paralympians always seem to be the ‘unsung’ athletes at most of the Olympic Games, but they’re so inspirational... more
A great place to learn to Golf
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Great options for Golf in Coquitlam. Learn to golf at Eagle Quest or Westwood Golf Academy. Both my boys learned to golf at the academy. The views from the Academy and the Westwood Plateau Golf Course are to die for!
A great place to learn to Golf
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Great options for Golf in Coquitlam. Learn to golf at Eagle Quest or Westwood Golf Academy. Both my boys learned to golf at the academy. The views from the Academy and the Westwood Plateau Golf Course... more
Underground hockey
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: My friends have long since played road hockey in Coquitlam. Starting off as kids playing in the middle of the street (like that old commercial where the kids yelled out ‘car’ everytime they had to move), we’ve migrated to many different places. From the boxes at the parks to late night abandoned parking lots, we’ve managed to get all of our friends involved in the game of hockey, even if they can’t skate! It’s been a great way to keep active and keep friendships alive. What a game!
Underground hockey
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: My friends have long since played road hockey in Coquitlam. Starting off as kids playing in the middle of the street (like that old commercial where the kids yelled out ‘car’ everytime they had to... more
Relay for a Friend/Relay for Life
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Back in elementary school, one of my friends asked me if I wanted to join their Relay for a Friend (now known as the Relay for Life). I said yes and we ran as elementary and middle school students for three consecutive years. After these years, our friendship fell apart, but the memories and the importance of making such a commitment to an important cause have never left me. I’m glad to see that the Relay for Life has expanded greatly in the last number of years and am so glad that I am still fortunate to participate. Such an important message and a way to unite the community!
Relay for a Friend/Relay for Life
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Back in elementary school, one of my friends asked me if I wanted to join their Relay for a Friend (now known as the Relay for Life). I said yes and we ran as elementary and middle school students for... more
Motorboats at Lafarge
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: When I was younger, I used to ride my bike at Lafarge Lake all the time. There’s a great trail that goes right around the lake and it was great for my parents to keep an eye on me or bike with me. In the summertime, there used to be a large group of people that would bring out their motorboats on the weekends and ride them in the lake. My dad and I would take a break by the water and sit and watch their amazing boats for a few minutes and then ride some more and then take another break to watch again. It was a lot of fun and they’d get a lot of observers! Cool way to show off the many ways one can enjoy Lafarge Lake!
Motorboats at Lafarge
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: When I was younger, I used to ride my bike at Lafarge Lake all the time. There’s a great trail that goes right around the lake and it was great for my parents to keep an eye on me or bike with me. In... more
Rowing at Lafarge
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: One of the interesting things to do at Lafarge Lake is to grab a huge inflatable boat and take it out for a row across the lake. Sometimes you’ll catch others out there in their own inflatable row boats or you’ll see the odd fisherman enjoying his time on his own boat hoping to catch some fish in the middle of the lake. It’s pretty cool to be in an area where most people don’t get the opportunity to go, and it’s another way to really get away from the hustle and bustle around you on Pinetree Ave or on the trail at Lafarge.
Rowing at Lafarge
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: One of the interesting things to do at Lafarge Lake is to grab a huge inflatable boat and take it out for a row across the lake. Sometimes you’ll catch others out there in their own inflatable row boats... more
Swimming at Como Lake
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Now…swimming at Como Lake isn’t exactly something that’s encouraged in Coquitlam, but in high school we were required to make a few movies and so my friend volunteered (or rather was pushed) into Como Lake! He did get out of there right away, but it was a really fun experience that I’m sure most other people can’t share. We really enjoyed our time and our video turned out great!
Swimming at Como Lake
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Now…swimming at Como Lake isn’t exactly something that’s encouraged in Coquitlam, but in high school we were required to make a few movies and so my friend volunteered (or rather was pushed) into... more
Multicultural
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I’ve got to say that one of the greatest things about Coquitlam is its celebration of its multiculturalism. With celebrations such as Diwali and the Korean Festival, Coquitlam is super accepting of all of the different cultures that come to take residence in Coquitlam. I think that Coquitlam really does its best to show it’s diversity and how proud it is to be a prime example of Canada’s known multiculturalism. It’s one of the best things about living in Coquitlam!
Multicultural
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: I’ve got to say that one of the greatest things about Coquitlam is its celebration of its multiculturalism. With celebrations such as Diwali and the Korean Festival, Coquitlam is super accepting of all... more
My home
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam has it all, mountains, rivers & lakes. It is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen from Mundy park to Burke Mountain to Buntzen Lake. It is simple spectacular!
My home
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Coquitlam has it all, mountains, rivers & lakes. It is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen from Mundy park to Burke Mountain to Buntzen Lake. It is simple spectacular!
Relay for a friend at Town Centre
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Every year in June, Town Centre holds the Relay for a Friend to raise fund to support Cancer Research. Many groups participate year after year and it just keeps on growing. It is a fabulous event which involves the whole community and at the end of the event there is always a candle light walk around the track. All the lights are out and the whole track is filled with people holding lit candles. It is a somber yet a beautiful ceromony as one walks and remembers loved one lost to cancer. A very moving and poignant end to a meaningful annual event that brings our community together for common cause.
Relay for a friend at Town Centre
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Every year in June, Town Centre holds the Relay for a Friend to raise fund to support Cancer Research. Many groups participate year after year and it just keeps on growing. It is a fabulous event which... more
Seeing beauty through breast cancer
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It spurred me into action and I changed many of my ways. One of the changes I made has now become one of the most important parts of my day. I walk for about half an hour most days of the week in our incredibly beautiful Mundy Park. I have been privileged to see owls, bears, coyotes, turtles and eagles in their most spectacular habitat. I walk in the rain, in the snow and in the early morning mist when the sun shoots rays of light through the forest. There are not words to express the appreciation I feel for the park, my City, my life when I am walking. Each and every day I see something special and wonderful and I think "That is God saying hello to me". Walking in our Mundy Park has now become as important to me as breakfast and I thank our city for providing such a lovely place where people, dogs and wilderness can coexist in peace.
Seeing beauty through breast cancer
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It spurred me into action and I changed many of my ways. One of the changes I made has now become one of the most important parts of my day. I walk for... more
Swings at Como
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: There are videos of my mom pushing me on a swing when I was about a year old at Como Lake. It’s quite amazing how very little has changed in 20years. The swings have become more modern, yes, but the lake still looks the same. It’s fun to watch these homemade videos and watch the smiles on my face and hear the giggles escaping from my young mouth! Como Lake will always be special to me because of the moments I shared there with my parents.
Swings at Como
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: There are videos of my mom pushing me on a swing when I was about a year old at Como Lake. It’s quite amazing how very little has changed in 20years. The swings have become more modern, yes, but the... more
Horses at Blue
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: When I was about two or three, my mom used to take me and my brother to Blue Mountain Park to play in the playground. I don’t remember a whole lot, but I remember climbing on top of the horses. For the longest time as I was growing up, I couldn’t figure out where these horses were coming from, but they really did stick in my mind. When I started discovering Coquitlam by myself, I realized that the place my mom used to take me to all the time was right in my own backyard! It was quite the revelation. I hope that the horses are still there for years to come!
Horses at Blue
Date: Jan 7, 2010
Entry: When I was about two or three, my mom used to take me and my brother to Blue Mountain Park to play in the playground. I don’t remember a whole lot, but I remember climbing on top of the horses. For the... more
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Princeton is GamesTown2010
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How are you, your friends, family, coworkers, teammates...living healthy? Supporting the Games? Tell us now.
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Email Alerts give you advance notice of pending GamesTown 2010 entry deadlines and important milestones including major prize draws.
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