The story
In October, Mayor Richard Stewart announced Coquitlam had purchased Booth Farm, a 112-year-old former dairy farm on Brunette Avenue that's considered to be the oldest or second oldest property in the city.
A century ago, Booth Farm was a place where Coquitlam pioneers gathered after church for Sunday picnics.
City officials, who are pushing to preserve heritage homes and buildings, are hoping to re-create the same community activities at the 1901 home (bought for $590,000) and at an adjoining lot (bought for $510,000). The purchase was a special moment for Coun. Craig Hodge, a past president of the Coquitlam Heritage Society, who when elected two years ago, sought to have Booth Farm as a public asset.
The latest
A city spokesperson said managers will be looking at plans for Booth Farm next year "including interim use and long-term development, and will be reporting out to council following that review." Hodge hopes Booth Farm will be ready for public use in time for Coquitlam's 125th birthday celebrations in 2016.
