Manager of Cultural Services for the City of Coquitlam, Hilary Letwin, joins host Nancy Furness to discuss streetscape enhancement in Coquitlam. Story by LJI reporter Geoff Scott.

Coquitlam's Streetscape Enhancement program began in 2023 under the Engineering and Public Works department, funded by the Provincial Government’s Destination Development fund, with matching contributions from the City of Coquitlam.

The program focuses on "artful street furniture," expanded street lighting, and murals to create a more vibrant and welcoming pedestrian experience. Additionally, the initiative aims to support small businesses, particularly through enhanced street lighting, which is expected to attract more evening shoppers. These improvements have already been implemented around Pinetree by Lafarge Lake, the City Hall area, Maillardville along Brunette Avenue, and Mackin Park.

While the "artful street benches" have yet to be installed around City Hall and in the Austin Heights area, Hilary encourages residents to keep an eye out for them later this year.

Among the projects she has worked on, Hilary has a clear favorite: the mural "Paperback Dream" by Vancouver artist Carolyn Wong, now gracing the northern face of the Coquitlam Central Library. She describes it as a beautiful representation of imagination and exploration through reading.

Hilary also highlights the city's interest in collaborating with more businesses to create murals. Several artists are already lined up, and the city welcomes additional partners who would like to feature artwork on their buildings.

Another notable mural recently completed is "The Ripple," painted by the Raven-Tacuara Collective. Located across from City Hall, it symbolizes diversity, human connection, and the relationship between water and all living beings. The collective also worked with the Kwikwetlem First Nation to produce "Ancestral Legacy," a mural adorning the new Town Centre Park Community Center.