1808

• Simon Fraser's party travelled the Fraser River in 1808, down to the Gulf of Georgia.

1813

• The Fraser River name was first used on an 1813 map of Western Canada prepared by David Thompson.

1853

• The First Nations were residents of the area for at least 4,000 years; the McLean family became the first European family to settle here.

1903

• One thousand acres of land was purchased by the province for a new hospital for the mentally disabled, which would later be known at Riverview Hospital.  Part of the area purchased became "Colony Farm".  Dairy products, meat and produce were grown and eventually the farm would supply the hospital's dietary needs.  Colony Farm became a landmark where produce and horses were entered into agricultural contests across Canada.

1911

• The Canadian Pacific Railway Company moved freight operations here from Vancouver because of the level and available for workshops and yards.  It became one of the City's largest employers.

1913

• The City of Port Coquitlam became incorporated on April 18, with the inauguration of Mayor James Mars Esq., J.P.

1914

• Mayor Mars officially opened up the Port Coquitlam City Hall on October 27, 1914.  This is the same building that is used today.

1920

• On August 5, 1920 a fire swept through the downtown Kingsway area causing a quarter million dollars worth of damage with the destruction of several buildings.  After the fire, the Shaughnessy Street area began to develop into "downtown".

1921

• On October 28, 1921, a flood covered the city's business area, cutting off communication and destroying property.

1922

• In 1922 Pacific Stages Transport began a route from Vancouver to Port Moody and Westminster Junction.  Later this was extended to Haney and eventually became Pacific Stage Lines.

1925

• May Days began officially in 1925 and is one of Port Coquitlam's most celebrated annual events, which includes a parade, and the crowning of Miss May Day.

1930's

• Although the 1930's depression was hard, the citizens banded together for "Hard-Times" suppers, picnics and entertainment.  During the depression, the City Hall gave vegetable seeds to residents, so they could sell or trade their produce.

1940's

• During World War II residents registered at City Hall to obtain ration books for staples like tea, coffee, sugar and butter.  Because of Port Coquitlam's strategic location in Canada's rail system during the war, the federal government established guards on the Pitt River Bridge and stationed soldiers in the area.

1950's

• The new Lougheed Highway linkup and reasonable real estate prices brought new businesses and industry to the area.  During this period the population almost doubled.

1960's

• The 60's stared not unlike the 20's with a major flood.  City Mayor Robert Hope wanted a long range prevention plan to avoid a repeat natural disaster.  The Red Bridge Dyke was build in 1967 to protect the city from further floods.

1970's

• PoCo Trail, a 22 mile nature recreation trail was built around the City of Port Coquitlam.

1980's

• One of Port Coquitlam's most memorable citizens, Terry Fox, began his "Marathon of Hope" across Canada to raise money for cancer research.  Terry fox received the Order of Canada, at the Port Coquitlam City Hall in September 1980.  Since his death from cancer in 1981, a commemorative nationwide Terry Fox Run is held annually every September.
  
  In October of 1988, the newly restored City hall was reopened.  The renovated City Hall preserved the original city hall's natural charm and character.