During this week’s Clean City Blitz, several instances of illegally dumped large items were discovered in our community. This ongoing issue not only affects the cleanliness and appearance of our neighbourhoods, but it also creates unnecessary environmental and safety hazards.

Fortunately, the City of Port Coquitlam offers a convenient and free solution for properly disposing of unwanted large household items. The Large Item Pick-Up Program is designed to reduce illegal dumping and ensure that bulky items are disposed of responsibly and efficiently.

What is the Large Item Pick-Up Program?

This program allows qualifying households to schedule two free curbside pick-ups per calendar year, with a maximum of three items per pick-up (for a total of six items annually). Items commonly accepted include:

• Mattresses (must be plastic-wrapped)

• Furniture

• Appliances

• Tires

• Exercise equipment

• And more

Please note: only households that receive City waste services and pay a solid waste levy on their property tax bill are eligible. If you're a renter, you can still use the program with your landlord's permission. The property owner must contact the City to authorize participation.

How to Book a Pick-Up

Booking your large item pick-up is easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Ensure Eligibility
   Confirm that your household qualifies under the program guidelines. Renters must have the property owner's approval in advance.

2. Submit a Request Online
   Fill out the online booking form at portcoquitlam.ca/largeitem. You can schedule up to two pick-ups per year, with a limit of three items per pick-up.

3. Wait for Confirmation
   The City will send you an email within 2-5 business days to confirm your pick-up date. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the email.

4. Prepare Your Items
   Do not place items curbside until your confirmed pick-up date. Any items left out in advance may be considered illegal dumping and can result in fines. On the day of your appointment, place your items at the curb by 7:00 am.

Please keep in mind that requests submitted in the final two weeks of the calendar year may count toward the following year’s allotment. Also, pick-ups can only be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.

Know Before You Book

Not all items are accepted. Submitting unapproved items or failing to follow the preparation criteria may result in your pick-up being denied. Before scheduling your appointment, review the full list of accepted and unaccepted items on the City’s website to avoid any issues.

Let's Keep Port Coquitlam Clean

By using the Large Item Pick-Up Program, residents can help maintain a clean, safe, and beautiful city for all. Avoid the fines and frustration that come with illegal dumping—take advantage of this free and accessible service instead.

For more information or to book your pick-up, visit: www.portcoquitlam.ca/largeitem

#PortCoquitlam #LargeItemPickup #PoCoProud #CurbsideCleanup #IllegalDumping #WasteSmart #CleanCityBlitz #CommunityCleanup #ResponsibleDisposal #WasteManagement #CityServices #EcoFriendlyLiving #DeclutterResponsibly #BulkyItemDisposal #SustainableLiving #KeepPoCoClean #PublicWorks #UrbanCleanUp #PoCoCleanup #GreenCommunity

Today marks 20 years since you passed away, and I miss you more than words can say. There’s an ache that doesn’t fade, and on days like today, that ache feels louder. Mother’s Day brings a mix of gratitude for the time we had and sorrow for the moments we’ll never share.

I’m thinking of you today and cherishing every memory we shared. The little moments, the laughs, the advice - the way you always knew how to make things better. Even though you’re no longer physically here, your love, strength, and influence are still with me every single day. It’s not always easy, and I often find myself wishing I could hear your voice or feel your hug. But your presence in my heart, your lessons, and your wisdom continue to shape who I am.

But I’m learning to carry you with me, to honour you in how I love my own children, and to keep your spirit alive in the choices I make. I miss you sooo much, and I Will Always Love You.

#MothersDay #InLovingMemory #MissYouMom #ForeverInMyHeart #MomInHeaven #CherishedMemories #GratefulForYou #RememberingMom #LoveAndLoss #20YearsWithoutYou #MomentsInTime #AlwaysWithMe #Heartfelt #FamilyLove #Motherhood #MothersDayLove

The spring real estate market is in full swing, but things are looking a little different this year—and that’s great news for buyers!

According to the latest stats from the Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, home sales in April 2025 dropped nearly 24% compared to April 2024. While that might sound concerning, it’s actually opening up incredible opportunities for buyers in Metro Vancouver, including the Tricities.

Why is this your moment to make a move?

✔️ Inventory is up 30% from this time last year, with over 16,000 homes currently for sale—the highest since 2019
✔️ Borrowing conditions are improving, with rates at their lowest in years
✔️ Home prices have remained steady for several months, giving buyers more time and flexibility

Benchmark Prices – April 2025:

• Detached Homes: $2,021,800 (down 0.7% year-over-year)

• Townhomes: $1,102,300 (down 2.9% year-over-year)

• Apartments: $762,800 (down 2% year-over-year)

Sales-to-active listings ratio is sitting at 13.8% overall—signaling a balanced market and more negotiating power for buyers.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing, or exploring investment options, I'm here to help you navigate it all with clarity and confidence.

Let’s connect and turn this market shift into your opportunity.

Tara Kennedy
REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
236-992-8989
TaraKennedy.ca
TaraKennedySells@gmail.com

#TricitiesRealEstate #MetroVancouverHomes #CoquitlamRealtor #PortCoquitlamRealEstate #PortMoodyHomes #VancouverRealEstateMarket #HomePrices2025 #SpringHousingUpdate #BuyerOpportunities #RealEstateInsights #MarketShift #RealEstateTrends #RoyalLePageEliteWest #TaraKennedyRealtor #GreaterVancouverRealEstate #InventoryUpdate #DetachedHomesBC #TownhouseMarket #ApartmentPricesBC #BuyingInVancouver

Proud Mom Moment
On June 9th, 2025, my son Jaden will cross the stage and graduate from Simon Fraser University (SFU) with a degree in Biological Sciences — and what a journey it’s been to get here.

Jaden was part of the high school graduating class of June 2020, with his final semester abruptly ending on March 15, 2020, when Alberta schools closed due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite the upheaval and uncertainty, he stayed focused and steady. He began university that fall, which was entirely online, and was advised to take general electives while saving the more rigorous core science courses for when in-person learning resumed.

Then, in August 2021, just before starting another term of online classes, Jaden broke his tibia and fibula in a soccer match while going in for a clean slide tackle. The opposing player’s kick fractured his leg in two places — and yet, he powered through recovery and his second year of university with quiet strength.

In September 2022, he made another courageous leap — moving from our small Alberta community of Ardrossan to British Columbia, leaving behind the only home he’d ever known… and both his Mom and Dad. He moved into SFU dorms with his brother and had to adjust to a new province, a new school system, and a new life. Because of differences in academic recognition, he even had to retake several elective courses. And through it all — he never once complained.

Coming from a high school of 600 students to university classes with 300 students per course, Jaden not only adjusted — he thrived. He took every challenge in stride and built a life here with grace, grit, and quiet determination. He was named to the Dean’s List for his academic excellence.

And now, as he closes this chapter, he’s preparing for the next big one: Jaden is scheduled to write his MCAT in September 2025, with the dream of becoming a Sports Medicine Doctor — a perfect combination of his love for science and sport.

Jaden is intelligent, humble, kind, and one of the most resilient and compassionate humans I’ve ever known. He faces difficulty without drama, leads with heart, and brings integrity into every space he walks into. I am so deeply proud of him — words hardly do it justice. Watching him grow into the man he is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and a future that’s just getting started.

From My Family to Yours

Life is full of transitions — and watching our children step into the next chapter is one of the most emotional and fulfilling ones of all. Whether it's a cross-country move for school, downsizing after graduation, or planting new roots closer to family, real estate is always about more than properties. It’s about people, purpose, and finding a place to belong.

If you're navigating a new chapter in your own story — I'd be honoured to help you find the right place to call home.

Tara Kennedy
REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
Phone: 236-992-8989
Website: TaraKennedy.ca
Email: TaraKennedySells@gmail.com

I believe every home has a story — and so does every family. This is ours.
Thanks for letting me share a personal piece of my journey. If you’re navigating your own transition, whether it’s a move for school, family, or fresh beginnings, I’d be honoured to help you find your next place to call home.