Coquitlam is moving a Burke Mountain wildlife-corridor plan through its development process, with the city saying the protected area would follow Partington Creek and connect major green spaces around the northeast neighbourhood.
The proposed corridor would protect a creek-side link between parks
The City of Coquitlam says the corridor would preserve a wildlife connection between Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, Minnekhada Regional Park, and surrounding Burke Mountain green spaces.
The protected area includes a salmon-bearing creek. The city says the first phase would be secured between Cedar Drive and Victoria Drive as part of a proposed townhouse development in the area.
Key corridor details:
- 50-metre corridor: Planned along Partington Creek.
- 100-metre buffer: Proposed at a wildlife hot spot identified by monitoring.
- Parkland transfer: Lands around Partington Creek would move to city ownership and be designated as parkland if the proposal proceeds.
Monitoring found heavy wildlife use on Burke Mountain
The city says a 15-month wildlife monitoring study was commissioned before development could occur in the area.
According to the city, motion-activated cameras captured more than 400,000 wildlife images and documented 57 species, including species at risk. The study also recorded more than 31,000 images of black bears across more than 2,600 independent events.
The city says the study documented cougars, bobcats, river otters, coyotes, bald eagles, barred owls, western spotted skunks, beavers, and great blue herons.
The approval process is tied to townhouse projects
The first phase is being secured through three related Burke Mountain development projects. Coquitlam says those projects include more than 400 townhouse units, transportation improvements, and additional parkland dedication.
The city says the first development proposal within the corridor received first reading from council on May 25, 2026. After a June 22, 2026 public hearing, council granted second and third readings.
What residents should watch:
- Final approvals: The corridor protection depends on the related development moving forward.
- Protected share: If the development proceeds, about 30% of the identified wildlife corridor would be protected.
- Local park changes: The proposal would expand Knoll Park and create a larger natural buffer beside Partington Creek.
