Why Burnaby, Coquitlam & East Vancouver?
In the Greater Vancouver area, East Vancouver, Burnaby and Coquitlam are considered as three of the most desirable areas to live. Demand for homes is at an all-time high, and has been for some years. Here’s why:
East Vancouver
History:
East Vancouver has been home to First Nations, Chinese, Scot, Irish, English, Italian, Japanese, and, more recently, East European (Croatian, ex-Yugoslavian) and South American cultures. East Vancouver’s growth was tied to that of the City of Vancouver, which was incorporated in 1886 and named after Captain George Vancouver. Early industries included logging and fishing.
Geography:
East Vancouver is bordered in the west by Ontario Street (two blocks west of Main Street), to the east by Boundary Road, by Burrard Inlet in the north, and by the Fraser River in the south. The population of the City of Vancouver stood at 1, 980,000 as at 2001. Vancouver has grown from a predominantly resource processing based economy (mining, lumber, fishing) to one that includes light manufacturing, high-tech design, transportation, film, and tourism industries. Vancouver’s harbour and rail links make it an important import and export hub for Western Canada.
Residential Taxes:
Vancouver’s residential taxes are reasonable, and residents may qualify for the Provincial Homeowners’ Grant. The Dave Iacobucci group will advise you on tax assessment issues.
Attractions:
The City of Vancouver, and East Vancouver in particular, offer a wealth of attractions. These include ample outdoor areas, from picturesque Trout Lake Park to the inviting beaches of the West End. Commercial Drive (‘The Drive”) is famous for its mix of European coffee shops, markets, and cultural activities. The East Vancouver Cultural Centre maintains a well-deserved reputation for producing though-provoking plays on a regular basis. Festivals are on every weekend in Vancouver’s summer. Whether you want to step out for some jazz or a Shakespeare play, or join in the Festival of Lights, Vancouver has it all!
In terms of post-secondary education, Vancouver boasts the University of British Columbia, Langara College, Kwantlen College, and Vancouver Community College. The Vancouver School Board is comprised of over twenty high school and close to fourty elementary schools. The public library system is free and convenient. Finally, the web of community centres offers many art, sport, and cultural programs.
Burnaby
History:
Burnaby was incorporated in 1892, taking its name from the English merchant, businessman, and explorer, Robert Burnaby, who explored Burnaby Lake in 1859. Burnaby originally served as agricultural supply area and transportation corridor between Vancouver and New Westminster municipalities.
Geography:
As of 2001, the City of Burnaby had a population of close to 200,000, making it the third largest municipality in British Columbia. The city covers an area of 98.60 km² (38.07 miles²) and is comprised of hills, ridges, and plains. Burnaby has grown from a predominantly rural area to a urban one, complete with high tech parks, post-secondary institutions (Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology are located in Burnaby), rapid transit (the Skytrain rapid transit system runs directly from Vancouver to Burnaby), shopping complexes such as Metrotown, and large residential centres.
Residential Taxes:
The City of Burnaby’s 2003 residential taxes are very reasonable: Residents
may (according to their tax statements) qualify for a Home Owners Grant. Ask
Dave for more information.
Attractions:
The City of Burnaby offers a large and varied selection of recreational and
entertainment opportunities. There are three city golf courses, an extensive
cycle trail, numerous large and well-endowed sports facilities (such as Swangaard
Stadium, home of the Vancouver Whitecaps, the city soccer team), and numerous
historical villages (Burnaby Village Museum) and art centres (Shadbolt Centre
for the Arts located at the beautiful Burnaby Lake produces musicals and plays
throughout the year). The 8-Rink, the largest ice hockey complex in British
Columbia and the training grounds for the Vancouver Canucks, is also located
in Burnaby.
The City also offers sports, educational, and art programs through its community centres—see here for a full list of Fall 2003/Winter 2004 programs. Finally, the City of Burnaby boasts a modern and well-stocked public library system and a well respected public school system, with almost fourty (40) schools in the system.
The City of Burnaby has maintained its rural roots whilst developing into a well structured, independent city.
Coquitlam:
History:
The City of Coquitlam was incorporated in 1891, taking its name from the Coast Salish First Nations word, Kwayquilam (species of salmon). It has its roots as a transportation “go-between”, aiding the Royal Engineers in New Westminster travel to Port Moody. By the end of the century, a modern mill had allowed the town to grow into a centre with stores, and Coquitlam became the largest centre of French speakers west of Manitoba with the importation of French Canadian loggers. Coquitlam boasts six sites on its growing Municipal Heritage Register.
Geography:
As of 2001, Coquitlam’s population numbered 113,000, in part a result of a remarkable increase of 10% between 1996 and 2001. The city maintains a pedestrian friendly town centre, and also contains Regional and National Parks, major industrial park, and mixed housing developments. Coquitlam boasts access to fine natural resources, including numerous sources of water and forests. Coquitlam is served by the West Coast Express, a high speed train that runs directly to downtown Vancouver.
Residential Taxes:
Taxes are based on the property assessments completed by the British Columbia Assessment Authority. However, a Home Owners’ Grant is available to certain home owners. The Dave Iacobucci group will be happy to advise you on tax issues.
Attractions:
Coquitlam is a city that offers something for all. The city has two well resourced libraries that offer teen, child, and adult programs. The City Centre Aquatic Complex offers both water park fun and serious lifesaving education. For those who prefer things cultural, the Evergreen Cultural Centre (original name, huh?) contains an art gallery, a studio theatre, and a rehearsal hall. The Place des Arts is a teaching arts centre and a music school, while Heritage Square in the town centre offers a walking tour of the sites described above. Golden
Ears National Park is located minutes from Coquitlam. Finally, Coquitlam is
a mere 20 minute drive to the US and a 30 minute drive to downtown Vancouver.
All in all, the City of Coquitlam offers the prospective buyer a refreshing combination of small town, nature, old world culture, and security.