Lafarge Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lafarge Lake |
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 Lafarge Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Coquitlam, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°17′13″N 122°47′20″W / 49.287°N 122.7889°W |
| Type | Artificial lake |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface area | 5 ha (12 acres) |
| Average depth | 4 m (13 ft) |
| Max. depth | 8 m (26 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 31 m (102 ft) |
Lafarge Lake is a cool, man-made lake right in the heart of Coquitlam, British Columbia. It's a big part of Town Centre Park, a popular spot for families and friends to hang out. The lake is about five hectares (that's like 12 football fields!) and is a great place to enjoy nature, even though it's in the middle of a city. You can find the Evergreen Cultural Centre on one side of the lake, which is a place for arts and culture.
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How Lafarge Lake Was Made
Lafarge Lake wasn't always a lake. It used to be a big hole in the ground called a quarry. A quarry is where people dig up rocks and sand to use for building things.
From Quarry to Park
Back in the 1970s, the land where the quarry was located was given to the city of Coquitlam. The city then started a big project to turn the old quarry into something beautiful and useful for everyone. This process is called reclamation, which means making a damaged area healthy and natural again. They filled it with water and created the lovely park you see today.
Animals and Fish at the Lake
Lafarge Lake is home to many different kinds of animals, especially those that love water! It's a busy place for wildlife.
Waterfowl and Other Animals
You'll often see many types of waterfowl swimming on the lake. These are birds that live near water, like ducks and geese. Keep an eye out for beavers too! Beavers are amazing builders and sometimes you can spot their homes or signs of their work around the lake.
Fish in the Lake
The lake is also full of fish. Some of the fish that live there naturally include common carp, brown bullhead, and bluegill. But that's not all! To make fishing even better, the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout every spring and fall. This means that new trout are added to the lake so there are always plenty for people to try and catch.
Fun Things to Do at Lafarge Lake
Lafarge Lake is a hub of activity and a great place for outdoor fun.
Festivals and Events
One of the most exciting events held at the lake is the Water's Edge Festival. This unique festival happens in March and lasts for 25 continuous hours! It's a celebration of the lake and the community, with lots of activities and entertainment.
Activities for Everyone
Besides festivals, Lafarge Lake is perfect for many other activities. You can go for a walk or a run around the paved path that circles the lake. It's also a popular spot for fishing, especially when the rainbow trout are stocked. Many people enjoy simply sitting by the water, watching the birds, or having a picnic with friends and family.
