The Natural Areas, Wildlife and Habitat theme includes topics covering watercourses, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, forests and trees, and parks and green spaces. Coquitlam has over 100 municipal and regional parks comprised of over 7.7 square kilometres of forested land that provides significant ecological value. Coquitlam has an inter-connected system of natural and semi-natural areas, including terrestrial, freshwater and riparian areas, several watersheds, including the lower Coquitlam River and the Coquitlam Lake reservoir, and connections to the Fraser River. These areas are ecologically diverse and provide critical ecosystem services, including habitat for many plants and animals and social, recreational, economic and environmental benefits to the community. The City is also currently the only Bear-Smart certified community within the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley Regional Districts.
Learn more about Natural Areas, Wildlife and Habitat on page 52 of the Environmental Sustainability Plan.