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.
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 50-year Coquitlam resident and licensed REALTOR® at The MACNABS, Royal LePage Elite West. The local context that makes the numbers make sense.