Our Theme of the Year, Evolve, is about more than just our growth as a company and community. It’s also a recognition of the astonishing development happening around us in BC every day.
Three years ago, the Oakwyn brand expanded to the Tri-Cities with the addition of the Oakwyn Encore office in Coquitlam. “Oakwyn strives to be ahead of the curve with education, technology, ethics, and compliance,” said Oakwyn Encore part-owner Craig Dickson on bringing Encore under the Oakwyn banner. Those qualities of drive and leadership were exactly what was needed to not just keep pace with, but take charge of, the rapid growth happening in the Tri-Cities.
“It all comes down to the people,” says Keith Strang, Oakwyn Encore Managing Broker. “The longer I’ve been working in the Tri-Cities, the more I realise how much of a tight community it is, that is constantly evolving. I truly feel there’s a sense of community here.”
To highlight the joys of living and working in this ever-evolving region, we asked our Oakwyn Encore agents to recommend some of the local businesses that make the Tri-Cities so special.
Welcome to the Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities represent some of the best of BC living: a perfect balance of industrial and commercial development, lush green space, and the beautiful waterfront encircling the Burrard Inlet. “The atmosphere here is great for growing families,” Craig tells us. “Our community really cares and works hard at creating this element. As a dad, I really enjoy watching my children get outdoors and have fun with all kinds of different activities in all seasons.”
Encompassing Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, as well as Anmore and Belcara in the northeast, the Tricities have undergone incredible growth. Oakwyn Encore has been right at the heart of it. “We are witnessing constant change in the neighbourhood with all the new developments and additions popping up,” says Elaine Luu, Conveyancer at Oakwyn Encore. How does Encore stay ahead in one of the fastest-growing regions in Metro Vancouver? “A lot of our agents work and play in the Tri-Cities,” Elaine says, so “there really is a true sense of community that’s constantly evolving while still remaining authentic.”
We are thrilled with Oakwyn Encore’s leadership in the Tri-Cities, embodying Oakwyn’s values of Putting People First and Creating a Community every day.
Oakwyn Encore Recommends:
Morning Tide Eatery
Morning Tide Eatery is a favourite of the whole Encore Office. “Since Morning Tide opened two years ago, we’ve used them several times for catering and office events,” says Keith Strang, Oakwyn Encore Managing Broker. Morning Tide Eatery serves casual but high-quality brunch fare—bennys, handhelds, bowls, smoothies, and more, plus local beers—with Filipino influences from the owners’ own heritage. Specialties include the house-made Longanisa Sandwich: a sweet Filipino pork patty topped with pickled papaya and fried garlic aioli.
Contact Keith Strang to discuss living and working in the Tri-Cities.
Doughnut Love
“Kat and Clint make the best doughnuts,” says Oakwyn Encore agent Reza Shei. At Doughnut Love, Reza’s favourite doughnut shop, gourmet doughnuts are baked fresh daily and served in a cheerful space with prim wainscoting around the counter and an exposed brick feature wall. “They have new flavours every month,” Reza adds. “The current lineup includes tiramisu, cherry pie, blueberry old-fashioned, birthday cake, and more.” Every month, one flavour is chosen by owners Kat and Clint as part of their Community Love Doughnut Initiative, with a portion of sales going toward a good cause.
Contact Reza Shei to learn about more great, community-minded businesses in the Tri-Cities.
Phở Phú Thịnh
Encore agent Julia Vu recommends Coquitlam’s Phở Phú Thịnh Vietnamese restaurant. “I love coming here on a cold day for a hot bowl of Phở,” says Julia, “or to grab an iced coffee on a warmer day.” With plenty of table-space and beautiful, red wood panelling, Phở Phú Thịnh is just minutes away from the Coquitlam Centre, Evergreen Cultural Centre, and Lafarge Lake—a perfect lunch stop on a busy afternoon in the city. Try the House Special Phở, with mouthwatering broth, beef prepared four different ways, delicious noodles, and sliced green onions served on top.
Contact Julia Vu for more information about the best lunch spots in the Tri-Cities.
Rocky Point Fitness and Health Club
Oakwyn Encore agent Ryan Jarvis recommends Rocky Point Fitness and Health Club for a high-quality, holistic fitness experience. “It’s one of my favourite spots in the Tri-Cities when it comes to health and fitness,” Ryan says, “and it’s only twenty seconds away from our Oakwyn Realty Encore office.” Ryan’s favourite workout at Rocky Point is Crossfit. In addition to personal training and group classes, Rocky Point—with their partners at the Coquitlam Wellness Centre—offers physiotherapy, chiropractors, massage therapy, kinesiologists, health coaching, and more. They offer a complimentary health and fitness consultation to first-timers interested in taking their fitness regime to the next level.
Contact Ryan Jarvis to learn more about the best activities in the Tri-Cities area.
Mama Said Pizza Co.
If you’re craving a taste of New York in Port Moody, check out the Mama Said Pizza Co. truck, parked just outside of Twin Sails Brewing right by the water. Oakwyn Encore agent Jenny Au recommends this Brooklyn-style deck oven pizza, made with 72-hour fermented dough, which can be preordered for pickup or purchased on a whim during a walk along the Inlet. The Gardener Pizza is an incredible vegetarian option, with fresh mozzarella, artichokes, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, arugula, and fennel atop their signature crust.
Contact Jenny Au to discuss your options in the Tri-Cities today.
Twin Sails Brewing
Right next door to the Mama Said Pizza Co. truck is Twin Sails Brewing, another recommendation from Jenny Au. Founded by twin brothers, the brewery is named after the sailboats you can see floating down the Burrard Inlet while enjoying a pint on the sunlit patio. Specialising in progressive American IPAs, stouts, sours, and wild barrel beers, Twin Sails Brewing is a highlight of Port Moody’s “Brewers Row” by the waterfront. Small bites are available to buy, or you can bring in a pizza from the Mama Said truck. “With Rocky Point just across the street, it’s a great area for family and friends to gather and really feel a sense of community,” says Jenny. “The breweries are children-friendly and select ones are dog-friendly!”
Big Flat Pancake
Oakwyn Encore agent Breanna Cabuco recommends this modern, light-filled breakfast and brunch restaurant for any family outing in Port Coquitlam. “This family-owned and -operated restaurant will be your new go-to breakfast spot,” Breanne says. They specialise in the “Big Flat Pancake,” available in a multitude of sweet and savoury options, such as apples and cinnamon, the Los Cabos with spicy Andouille sausage and jack cheese, or nanuk smoked salmon and Hollandaise. Breanne also highlights their classic eggs benny and the immaculate service. “If there’s a line, you know it’s good,” she says, “so practise patience because this place is worth the wait! Plan out your next Sunday with a great brunch here and a trip to Lions Gate Park, just a couple blocks away.”
Contact Breanna Cabuco to discuss more local Tri-Cities treasures today.
The Bone and Biscuit Co.
Located in New Port Village in Port Moody, The Bone and Biscuit Co. are your local experts in high-quality natural pet food. “This family-operated pet store provides the most amazing service I have experienced,” says Breanne Cabuco. “The staff are so educated. They will take the time to walk you through the food options so you know your pet is well taken care of.” They can provide guidance around pet allergies as well as the benefits of natural ingredients and a raw diet. They also have excellent deals and a Rewards program to make the right choice for your furry friend even easier. “I am a proud dog mom of a two-year-old Husky Mix and everything that I feed my pup is from here!” Breanne says. “While you’re in the Village, check out the other local shops—everything you need is in this Village!”
Visit The Encore Office
Come visit our beautiful Encore Office in southwest Coquitlam, just a short walk from the Fraser River or a short trip to the stunning Colony Farm Regional Park. Take a full day to explore all the best the Tri-Cities has to offer: spacious parks and fun playgrounds, perfect for picnicking with the kids; beautiful Burke Mountain, with hiking and mountain-biking for the adventurous types; and a year-round farmer’s market with fresh, local produce every Sunday. Our agents will happily share more recommendations and information about the explosive development in the region. The possibilities—for a day trip, for home ownership, and for career growth—are endless.
For more information about the Tri-Cities and our Oakwyn Encore Office, reach out to us to book an appointment, arrange a tour, or speak with our recruitment team.
For more recommendations in and around Metro Vancouver, see our guides to Burnaby North and the North Shore, as well as our 2020 Holiday Guide.
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