A little known secret... we have community foundations in Coquitlam and Port Moody, but not Port…read moreCoquitlam (yet?). The larger of the two local foundations, the Coquitlam Foundation, is celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year. 20 years of offering local people ways to support their community through grants and assisting talented local students through student bursaries... not to mention helping families and friends to create legacies in honor of loved ones they have lost or to fight diseases like childhood diabetes, meningitis, arthritis, cancer and others. The Coquitlam Foundation is an amazing (hidden) treasure in our community. Take a hike! Check out the next event for this year... the COQUITLAM CRUNCH CHALLENGE set for September 8th, 2012. Participated last year in this home-grown neighborhood event to raise funds and awareness for our healthy, DIVERSE community. It was a good workout, for a good cause. Hopefully this year, it won't be in a heat wave though! www.coquitlamfoundation.com www.coquitlamcrunch.com

A free (small) art gallery right by LaFarge Lake thats open to everyone. It was a nice surprise to…read morebe able to go while on a walk. We were there on a weekday afternoon and so there were no other patrons. The room is quite spacious and quiet. Even before entering the actual gallery, we were greeted by art and poetry. The staff are super nice and told us to feel free to ask any questions.

I'm always so impressed by this Art Gallery - they offer several professional + curated exhibitions…read moreevery year, and all of them are thought-provoking and tie into things happening in the community. The gallery has free admission and is open on weekends, so it's perfect for a Saturday stroll around Lafarge Lake (literally next to the gallery) and an art break for all ages!

The daughter attended a recent fundraising event held at the office of the Socieity…read more While there, she purchased two, lovely, with dragonfly-designs, artist-handcrafted, pottery mugs. Some details of the artist (as provided from her business card, and one mug) -- Sasspotter - pottery by Julia (Juna) Nygra. And yeah, the mugs were gifted our way for Christmas.

Let me start by saying their pricing is insane. They get their items for free and then upcharge…read moretremendously. People come to the thrift store to purchase items that the malls and other companies are charging a high price for. It is selfish that this company takes advantage of people trying to run away from the high cost of society. Also, having no change rooms is ridiculous! I went to purchase a pair of pants, and they only have self-checkout open which is yet again ridiculous as they have an employee standing right behind you to make sure people aren't switching the tags. I don't understand the point of that and having no trust in your customers. How about we hire real people in need of work and put them at a cash register so they can ensure no switched tags. Absolutely ridiculous of how this company has turned into a money hungry business with no respect to their customers

As far a Value Village goes this one is huge and has a lot of stuff…read more All Value Villages are kind of messy and this one is no exception. The drop off is always busy. Half of the stuff is used crap in poor condition, but one could put together a decent cheap outfit if they really search. Also good place to buy toys for kids at cheap prices. Lots of toys. Kids love it.I think October is the best time of year to go here. This place is great for halloween costumes!

Within a residential area, walking through the trees, you will be transported to Mother Nature's…read moreback yard! A very vibrant stream run through this part of the park, the stream is also where Salmon returns every year to complete their life cycle. We often taken for granted of how lucky we are to live in a City that blends nature with human activities, let keep the balance and treat Nature with respect!

Yeah, another frog! A little guy, sitting on the lid of an old teapot. Along with support from…read morethe lovely, fish design on the side of the pot. An old, well-crafted product, that includes such a cool, and natural design = a big wow from me! A much-enjoyed, and appreciated purchase, captured and gifted to this 'old guy' on his recent birthday.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this thrift store ! The prices , the staff , the vibe ! I have got so many deals…read morehere , it's insane ! 50% off sales everyday !

These two awesome young men removed 2000 pounds of garbage, recycling, reuse all with a smile on…read moretheir faces thanks 505 junk!

I almost never give reviews, but I was compelled to write this one. This company has amazing…read morecustomer service. They went out of their way to work around my schedule, did the job sooner than I expected and ended up being cheaper than expected. Everyone I dealt with was friendly and very professional. I would highly recommend them.

I used to go to this one all the time because my local depot BIGGAR ENTERPRISES in Poco REFUSED to…read morepay full deposit. Once they were forced to I started going there because of its location. Well after some terrible disrespectful disgusting encounters with the horrific staff at BIGGAR I will return to this location. This place is safer, more secure, cleaner and all around a much more pleasant experience. This staff here is amazing and POLITE unlike the RUDE and literally CRAZY staff member who calls herself the " manager " at BIGGAR . If you have a car this place is worth the drive! Clean INDOOR sorting, lots of trays and trolleys and nice people work there. Win win.

Recycles all the usual beverage containers, but also cardboard, styrofoam (white and coloured) as…read morewell as plastic overwrap!!! They were also very friendly which I didn't expect, a great place to recycle in the tri-cities.