Nestled between the Fraser, Pitt, and Coquitlam rivers, Port Coquitlam (PoCo) offers a rich heritage combined with the warmth of a close-knit community. Whether you are considering calling PoCo home or looking to deepen your connection to the area, understanding its story and vibrant lifestyle shows why it remains one of the most desirable places to live in the region.

A Glimpse into PoCo’s Heritage

Port Coquitlam’s history is deeply tied to its rivers and railways:

• Indigenous Beginnings: Long before European settlement, the land was home to the Kwikwetlem First Nation ("Red Fish Up the River"), who relied on the abundant waterways and salmon runs.

• Incorporation & Railway Boom: Incorporated as a city in 1913, Port Coquitlam quickly established itself as a key transportation hub when the Canadian Pacific Railway relocated its freight switching yards here from Vancouver.

• The "Great Fire" of 1920: Early disaster struck when a massive fire destroyed much of the downtown commercial district, but the resilient community rebuilt, laying the foundation for modern Downtown PoCo.

• Terry Fox’s Legacy: Port Coquitlam is proudly the home of Canadian hero Terry Fox. Raised in PoCo, his Courageous Marathon of Hope continues to inspire the community, celebrated annually through local monuments, the Terry Fox Hometown Run, and community facilities named in his honour.

What to See and Do in Port Coquitlam

Port Coquitlam blends small town community charm with outdoor recreation and modern amenities:

1. Outdoor Recreation & Trails

• The Traboulay PoCo Trail: A local favourite, this continuous 25 kilometre loop encircles the entire city. It guides walkers, runners, and cyclists through diverse terrain, including riversides, forests, and parklands.

• Colony Farm Regional Park: Featuring sprawling wetlands and trails, this park is a haven for birdwatchers, walkers, and community gardeners offering views of the Coast Mountains.

• Gates Park & Lions Park: Ideal for family outings, sports leagues, and weekend picnics along the Coquitlam River.

2. Downtown PoCo & Local Dining

• Leigh Square Cultural Centre: The heart of arts and culture in PoCo, hosting outdoor summer concerts, farmers' markets, and seasonal community events.

• Boutique Shops & Local Culinary Scene: Downtown features independent cafes, craft bakeries, and local eateries offering everything from cozy brunch spots to craft breweries like TAYLIGHT Brewing and Boardwalk Brewing.

3. Community & Recreation Facilities

• Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC): A state-of-the-art multi-sport complex complete with ice rinks, a fitness centre, aquatic facilities, and community gathering spaces designed for all ages.

Why People Love Calling PoCo Home

With its scenic parks, excellent schools, convenient transit access (including the West Coast Express for easy commuting), and dedicated local spirit, Port Coquitlam offers an exceptional quality of life. It’s a city where neighbours know one another and local heritage is celebrated every day.

Looking to make a move in Port Coquitlam?

Whether you're ready to list, searching for your next home, or simply have questions about the local market, I’m always here to help you navigate your real estate journey with confidence.

Sincerely,

Tara Kennedy

📞 Tara Kennedy
🏡 REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📱 236-992-8989
🌐 www.tarakennedy.ca

#PortCoquitlamRealtor #RealEstateInvesting #DownsizingHomes #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #POCORealEstate #TaraKennedy #RoyalLePageWestRealEstateServices #PortCoquitlam

If you own a home or other eligible residential property in British Columbia, staying informed about activity affecting your land title is an important part of protecting your investment.

The Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) has introduced BC Property Connect, a new online service that allows eligible property owners to create a secure digital connection between themselves and their property.

The service is designed to help property owners stay informed about changes submitted to their property title, allowing them to review activity and take appropriate action when necessary.

What Is BC Property Connect?

BC Property Connect is a service from the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) that connects eligible property owners directly with information about activity affecting their land title.

Once a property is connected to an account, the owner can receive property alerts when an application is submitted to change the property's title. LLTSA+1

This can provide an additional layer of awareness for homeowners who want to know when activity involving their property title occurs.

What Kind of Property Alerts Can You Receive?

A property title can contain information about ownership, mortgages, liens and other interests affecting a property.

According to LTSA, BC Property Connect alerts can be triggered by applications involving things such as:

• Transfers of ownership

• Mortgages

• Liens

• Changes to a name or mailing address

• Corrections to title information

• Other applications affecting the property's title LLTSA+1

Many title changes are completely legitimate and expected. For example, if you refinance your mortgage or sell your property, activity on the title is part of the normal process.

However, if you receive an alert about something you weren't expecting, the notification gives you an opportunity to investigate the activity and, where appropriate, seek professional advice.

Why Should Homeowners Consider BC Property Connect?

For many homeowners, their property is one of their largest financial assets.

It can be difficult to keep track of what is happening with a property when you are busy, travelling, living away from the property, or simply not expecting any changes to your title.

BC Property Connect can provide an additional way to stay informed.

LTSA specifically highlights the potential benefits for new homeowners, established homeowners, landlords and people who are away from their property for extended periods. LLTSA

Think of it as an early notification system for activity submitted against your property title rather than a guarantee that unauthorized activity cannot occur.

Does BC Property Connect Prevent Property Fraud?

It's important to understand what the service does and what it doesn't do.

BC Property Connect provides alerts about applications submitted to change a connected property's title. It does not mean that a property is continuously monitored in the sense of preventing every possible fraudulent activity.

LTSA notes that BC's land title system already includes safeguards designed to protect property ownership, and that title fraud is exceedingly rare in British Columbia. LLTSA

The value of BC Property Connect is that it can help an owner become aware of title activity and respond more quickly when something unexpected occurs.

If you receive an alert that you don't recognize, LTSA recommends reviewing the information and considering advice from a legal professional where appropriate. LLTSA

Who Can Use BC Property Connect?

As of September 2026, BC Property Connect is available to eligible private residential properties in British Columbia.

There are several requirements.

Generally, the property must:

• Be a private residential property in BC

• Have no more than four owners listed on title

• Have a maximum of two ownership groups

• Be owned by individuals rather than a corporation

• Not be held in trust or owned by an estate

• Not be a leasehold property

You also need a verified BC Services Card Account and the BC Services Card app installed on your mobile device. LLTSA+1

You can connect up to five properties to a BC Property Connect account. LLTSA

What If You Receive an Unexpected Alert?

Don't panic.

Receiving an alert doesn't automatically mean something fraudulent has happened. There are many legitimate reasons an application may be submitted against a property title.

For example, an alert could relate to a mortgage, a legal transaction, a change of address, or another legitimate title-related application.

However, if you don't recognize the activity, it's worth taking the time to understand what has been submitted.

LTSA advises that property owners who receive an unexpected alert may wish to review the details and seek advice from a legal professional to understand the application and its potential impact. LLTSA

A Simple Step for BC Property Owners

Your property title is an important record of your ownership and the interests registered against your property.

BC Property Connect gives eligible homeowners another way to stay informed about activity affecting that record.

For homeowners who qualify, setting up the service can be a straightforward step toward being more aware of what is happening with their property.

Want to learn more or find out if your property is eligible?

Visit the official LTSA BC Property Connect information page for current eligibility requirements and instructions for creating an account.

Learn more about BC Property Connect — LTSA.  https://bcpropertyconnect.ltsa.ca/

Final Thoughts

Homeownership comes with ongoing responsibilities, and keeping an eye on your property's records is one of them.

BC Property Connect isn't a replacement for professional legal advice, title searches, or the other safeguards within BC's land title system. Instead, it provides eligible property owners with a convenient way to receive notifications when applications are submitted that could affect their title.

For BC homeowners, staying informed can help you recognize unexpected activity sooner and make informed decisions about what to do next.

#BCPropertyConnect #BCRealEstate #BritishColumbia #Homeownership #Property #RealEstate #Vancouver #VancouverRealEstate #YVRRealEstate #BC #BCHomes #BCHomeowners #PropertyOwners #RealEstateBC

Published: September 22, 2026

Tonight, at exactly 5:04 p.m. PDT, the sun will cross the celestial equator, marking the official arrival of fall in British Columbia. The Fall Equinox is here — and with it comes shorter days, spectacular wildlife events, and some of the best aurora viewing of the year.

Whether you're a skywatcher, a nature lover, or simply someone who loves the crisp feeling of autumn air, here's everything you need to know about this beautiful seasonal shift on the West Coast.

What Is the Fall Equinox?

The word "equinox" comes from Latin, meaning "equal night." On this day, the sun sits directly above Earth's equator, meaning neither hemisphere is tilted toward or away from it. The result? Roughly equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe.

However, there's a subtle twist that many people don't know about. Due to atmospheric refraction — the way light bends as it passes through our atmosphere — we actually experience a little extra daylight on the equinox itself. The true "equal light" day, known as the equilux, happens a few days later. So if you're soaking up those final moments of evening light, you're not imagining it — you're experiencing a fascinating quirk of physics.

Why the Fall Equinox Matters for Skywatchers in BC

If you've ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, this is your season.

Around the fall equinox, something remarkable happens in our planet's magnetic environment. Earth's magnetic field and the Sun's magnetic field align in a way that opens "cracks" in our magnetic shield — a phenomenon scientists call the Russell-McPherron effect. During this window, solar particles can penetrate more easily, causing auroras to be brighter and visible farther south than usual.

For British Columbians, this means the odds of catching the aurora borealis improve dramatically. Even if you're not in the far north, keep an eye on the sky — especially on clear, dark nights away from city lights.

A Season of Wildlife Spectacle

Fall in British Columbia is defined by one of nature's greatest events: the salmon run.

As rivers fill with spawning salmon, the region's wildlife gathers for a pre-winter feast. In the Great Bear Rainforest and along northern Vancouver Island, grizzly and black bears can be seen fishing in the rivers, fattening up for the cold months ahead. It's a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems.

This is also a prime time for whale watching. Marine life becomes more active in our coastal waters during the fall, making it an excellent season for spotting orcas, humpbacks, and other marine mammals.

Embracing the Season

The arrival of fall is more than just a date on the calendar. It's a reminder of the natural cycles that connect us all — a time to reflect, give thanks for the gifts of the year, and prepare for the darker, quieter months ahead.

So tonight, take a moment to step outside. Feel the shift in the air. Watch the sunset a little earlier. And welcome the new season with open arms.

Happy Fall, British Columbia. 🍂

Quick Facts: Fall Equinox 2026

What are you most excited about this fall? Let us know in the comments below!

Enjoyed this article? Share it with a friend who loves autumn as much as you do. 🍁

#FallEquinox #FirstDayOfFall #Autumn2026 #BritishColumbia #BC #WestCoast #NorthernLights #SalmonRun

#FallEquinox #FirstDayOfFall #Autumn2026 #Canada #CanadianWeather #Equinox

September 18, 2026

A planned expansion of British Columbia’s Provincial Sales Tax (PST) that was set to affect certain professional services on October 1, 2026, has been paused by the provincial government.

For the real estate industry, the announcement is particularly relevant to commercial and other non-residential real estate services.

What Was Changing?

Under the 2026 provincial budget, B.C. had planned to expand the 7% PST to certain professional services beginning October 1, 2026.

For real estate, the proposed change would have applied PST to non-residential real estate services, including commissions and certain other services relating to commercial property. BCFSA previously advised real estate professionals that the new tax would apply to qualifying services involving non-residential property, while residential property remained exempt.

This meant that commercial real estate transactions could have faced an additional 7% PST on applicable real estate services.

The Planned Change Has Now Been Paused

On September 18, the Province announced that the planned October 1 expansion of PST to professional services is being paused.

As a result, the PST exemption for non-residential real estate commissions and services will remain in place for now. The Province estimates that pausing the expansion will save businesses, individuals and local governments approximately $260 million in 2026–27.

What does this mean for real estate?

The important distinction is between residential and non-residential real estate.

🏡 Residential real estate: The proposed PST expansion did not apply to typical residential real estate services.

🏢 Commercial/non-residential real estate: A 7% PST was scheduled to begin October 1, 2026, but that change has now been paused.

Bottom line: The new 7% PST on qualifying commercial/non-residential real estate services will not take effect October 1, 2026, as originally planned.

Why This Matters

Taxes and transaction costs can have an impact on the overall cost of buying, selling, leasing or managing commercial property.

For businesses involved in commercial real estate, the pause means the previously announced additional PST cost will not be introduced on October 1 as scheduled.

It is also a reminder that tax policy can change and that buyers, sellers, investors and business owners should look at the tax treatment of their specific transaction rather than assuming that rules applying to residential property also apply to commercial property.

BCFSA notes that the proposed rules included specific definitions, exemptions and transitional provisions for non-residential real estate services. Anyone dealing with a complex commercial transaction should obtain appropriate tax or accounting advice for their individual circumstances.

What Happens Next?

For now, the planned PST expansion remains paused. The Province has indicated that the pause is being implemented through a temporary regulation.

For anyone involved in commercial real estate, this is an important update to keep on the radar as provincial tax policy continues to evolve.

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0034-001089?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ctct

Thinking about buying or selling real estate?

Understanding the financial and regulatory environment is an important part of making informed real estate decisions.

Tara Kennedy
REALTOR®, ABR, RENE, SRS
📞 236-992-8989
🌐 www.tarakennedy.ca

#BCRealEstate #BCBusiness #BritishColumbia #PST #RealEstateBC #CommercialRealEstate #SmallBusinessBC #BCEconomy #PropertyManagement #StrataManagement

Bear Aware Information Session 📝

Looking to learn more about co-existing with bears? Sign up for our next free Bear Aware Information Session. From securing attractants to understanding bear behaviour, it’s all about keeping everyone safe.

🗓️ Wednesday, September 16
⏰ 6:30pm-8:30pm
📍 The Outlet (#110 - 2248 McAllister Avenue)

SIGN UP:  https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/cityofportcoquitlam/activity/search/detail/115657?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

More Tips ✅

We can all do our part to safely co-exist with bears.

To help keep bears away from your home:

🔒Secure garbage and food scraps in either a wildlife-resistant enclosure (e.g. garage or shed) or use the City’s wildlife-resistant cart lock

➡️ Set out carts between 5:30-7:30am on collection day and re-secure carts by 7pm

🍎 Never leave out any other attractants: Freeze meat and strong-smelling food scraps until collection day, store pet food indoors and feed pets inside, remove ripe or fallen fruit as soon as possible, clean barbecues after use and keep freezers indoors or locked up

If you see a bear close by:
🤚 Stay calm
🚶‍➡️ Back away slowly (don't run!)
🗣️ Speak in a calm voice
↔️ Keep your distance (don't approach)

If you're out and about:
👀 Be aware of your surroundings
👨‍🤝‍👩 Enjoy our parks and trails in groups
🔔 Make noise to avoid surprising a bear
🐕 Keep dogs leashed and under control
🥪 Never leave food, garbage, or other attractants behind in our public spaces
Report Problems 📲

Unsecured carts/attractants in your neighbourhood can be reported to:
💻 portcoquitlam.ca/report
📱 Sort & Report App
📞 604.927.5440

#PortCoquitlam #BearAware #BearSafety #WildlifeSafety #TriCities #Coquitlam #CommunitySafety #Bears #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #RoyalLePageWestRealEstateServices 

Aggressive bears can be reported to the Provincial Conservation Officer Service:
💻 rapp.bc.ca
📞 1.877.952.7277 (RAPP)