A massive transformation is underway along the Fraser River in Coquitlam. The long-anticipated Fraser Mills development — a joint vision between the City of Coquitlam and Beedie Living — is set to bring a vibrant new community to life, featuring thousands of homes, expansive parks, cultural spaces, and a lively waterfront village centre.
A Landmark Development with City-Shaping Potential
Approved by Coquitlam City Council in October 2022, the Fraser Mills development represents one of the largest and most ambitious master-planned communities in the region. Set on historic industrial land along the Fraser River, the project promises to redefine the city’s southern edge with a blend of urban energy and natural beauty.
Backed by Beedie Fraser Mills Limited Partnership, the project will deliver approximately 5,500 new homes, including 462 much-needed rental units, along with 99,600 square feet of retail and commercial space, a sizable community centre, and a network of parks and natural areas that will reconnect the public to the river.
The scope is both impressive and deliberate: a 4.7-hectare park system, 2.1 hectares of restored green space, and a 50,000-square-foot community centre that will act as a cornerstone for recreation and community connection.
Parks and Public Spaces: Nature Reimagined
The vision for Fraser Mills goes beyond buildings. At its heart is a sweeping plan to create 16.6 acres of accessible, active, and scenic parkland that integrates seamlessly with the riverfront.
Phase 1: 2023–2027
The first major phase of park development is already in motion and includes several key amenities:
Riverfront Park, the centerpiece, will feature a renewed wharf, destination playground, splash areas, and a youth sports hub.
Como Creek Greenway, a scenic multi-use trail, will offer river access and historical insight.
Entry Plaza & Dog Park, offering dedicated off-leash areas for dogs and a primary entrance to the trail network.
A Riverside Linear Park, initially one kilometre long, will connect the site to Don Roberts Park and later be extended.
Phase 2 (2023–2030) and Phase 3 (2033) will add the Urban Plaza, Fraser Mills Pier, and a full buildout of the linear park, cementing the neighbourhood as a recreational hub for all ages.
The Community Centre: A Future Gathering Place
Scheduled to open in 2030, the Fraser Mills Community Centre will be a multifunctional space spanning 4,645 square metres. Envisioned as a vibrant civic hub, the facility will include aquatic amenities, fitness programming, and spaces for cultural, social, and educational use.
The planning and design are deeply rooted in community input, supported by technical studies and aligned with the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan. With planning underway since 2023, and construction beginning in 2027, this facility is a foundational piece in making Fraser Mills a “complete community.”
Public Art: Storytelling Through Design
Public art will play an integral role in Fraser Mills, enriching the streetscapes and parks with work that reflects the area’s natural, cultural, and industrial history. These artistic elements will be co-developed with the community and embedded into both the park network and the community centre, offering moments of reflection and identity in the evolving neighbourhood.
In April 2024, following a period of community engagement, Coquitlam Council reviewed feedback from surveys and open houses, giving staff the green light to proceed with detailed designs for park elements and begin work on the public art strategy.
A Walkable Waterfront with Deep Local Roots
Beyond the amenities, Fraser Mills offers something more profound — a reconnection to the Fraser River. Once home to a historic mill and long closed off to the public, the area will become a lively, walkable waterfront where people can stroll the trails, relax on the pier, and experience the rich environmental and cultural significance of the land.
The City of Coquitlam acknowledges this land as the traditional and ancestral territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation, whose history will also be reflected in the interpretative signage and public installations throughout the site.
What’s Next?
As the project advances through planning and early phases of construction, 2025 will bring further updates to Council — including refined park designs and continued work on the public art program. The development is expected to unfold over the next decade, transforming the south Coquitlam landscape into a landmark waterfront destination.
Curious how this will shape the future of Coquitlam’s riverfront? We’re following every step of this transformation and what it means for local homeowners, buyers, and the broader community. Want to stay in the know? Let’s connect.