Coquitlam History
Maillardville was founded September 28, 1909 when 110 French-Canadian workers arrived from Rockland (Ontario), Hull, and Sherbrooke (Quebec) to staff Fraser Mills — then the largest lumber mill in the British Commonwealth. Western Canada's largest francophone community outside Quebec. Named for Father Edmond Maillard, an Oblate priest.
Quick Answer
What should you know about Maillardville History Coquitlam?
Maillardville was founded September 28, 1909 when 110 French-Canadian workers arrived from Rockland (Ontario), Hull, and Sherbrooke (Quebec) to staff Fraser Mills — then the largest lumber mill in the British Commonwealth. Western Canada Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through the local context. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours.
Verified facts · Coquitlam History
Founded
September 28, 1909
Original settlers
110 French-Canadian workers, ~40 families
Origin cities
Rockland (Ontario), Hull, Sherbrooke (Quebec)
Recruiters
Frank Ross & James McLaren (Fraser Mills)
Namesake
Father Edmond Maillard, Oblate priest
Anchor industry
Fraser Mills — largest lumber mill in the British Commonwealth
Anchor church
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic — completed Christmas 1910
Status
Western Canada's largest francophone community outside Quebec
Mill closed
2001 — site later rezoned residential
Annual event
Festival du Bois
Coquitlam History · Real estate connection
Maillardville's heritage shapes the streetscape — older homes, narrow lots, mature trees, French street and place names. Buyers gravitate here for the genuine community character and the historical density that newer Coquitlam neighbourhoods cannot replicate.
A 47-year Coquitlam resident and licensed REALTOR® at The MACNABS, Royal LePage Elite West. The local context that makes the numbers make sense.
Tri-Cities monthly
April 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,635,700, -7.7% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime.
No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident.