The North Road and Clarke Road Enhancement Project, led by the City of Coquitlam in partnership with the City of Burnaby, TransLink, and the Province of B.C., was approved in 2015. It planned for the creation of attractive and functional streetscape enhancements along the rapidly growing transit corridor.

The North Star Gateway Feature was designed as a public art installation in which all other enhancements in the area relate.

The city’s aim was to create a safe and functional transportation network, as well as, ensuring the streets and town centres are attractive and welcoming for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists alike.

The North Star is the brightest star in the constellation and was used by travellers as a navigational tool due to its constant position in sky.

The North Star public art installation is one of the ways the city has intended to preserve North Road’s historical significance as a goods and people movement corridor.

Throughout the year, the feature provides an LED light display which is programmed to highlight each season.  Winter features hues of blue and white, spring features hues of pink and purple, summer features hues of yellow and pink and fall features hues of orange and white. The LED light display will also be programmed to highlight statutory holidays and special events.

The Feature is now installed in front of a multi-family residential development and a public plaza area.