Close to a 140,000 new residents — more than currently live in Coquitlam — are expected to move to the Tri-Cities by 2041, according to population projections from Metro Vancouver.
Coquitlam will see 73.4% jump, going from its 129,000 residents (2011 census) to a projected 224,000 in 2041 while Port Coquitlam will climb 47.8% from 57,500 to 85,000 people. Port Moody's population is projected to increase 48.8%, from 33,600 to 50,000.
That means more employment and new residential construction will be required in the area, numbers of which Metro Vancouver also project will increase over the next 25 years.
For example, the most recent census data shows that Coquitlam currently has approximately 45,000 units of housing — apartments, townhouses or single-family detached homes. To accommodate the expected influx of new residents, Metro Vancouver projects the number of homes to rise 109% to 94,100 by 2041.
PoCo's number of dwelling units will increase 65% from 20,600 to 34,300 while Port Moody will see a 57.9% rise from the current 12,600 to 19,900.
Jobs will also be necessary and Metro Vancouver projects an increase in the amount of total employment. Projections show that in Coquitlam, a 100.8% jump in total employment is expected, rising from 46,800 to 94,000 jobs.
PoCo's job numbers are expected to climb at roughly the same pace as its population, with total employment increasing from 48.3% going from the current 23,600 to
35,000. Port Moody's employment numbers are expected to see the largest gains in relation to population, increasing 102.2% from the current 8,900 to 18,000.
The Metro Vancouver report notes the numbers are growth projections and not specific targets. The numbers are approximate and have been worked out with input from the individual municipalities.
