Headlines from the past is a recurring feature looking back at stories we've covered over the past 40+ years.
The Tri-City News’ print newspaper landed on readers doorsteps for the last time in August 2023.
But in October 2000, the paper was so flush with advertising and stories it expanded to a third edition with papers delivered by its fleet of carriers to homes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“From a news and advertising standpoint, the Tri-City News is the community’s leading newspaper,” said Brian McCristall, the News’ publisher at the time.
“In this rapidly growing marketplace, there is increasing demand for more frequent delivery of news and advertising.”
While the News continues to cover the Tri-Cities, it’s no longer in print. Instead, stories and photos are delivered on our website seven days a week, 24 hours a day, as well as in a daily electronic newsletter sent to subscribers’ email every morning.
It’s not the only community print publication to succumb to a market where most people now get their news and information on their mobile phone or home computer.
The Local News Research Project, a crowd-sourced initiative led by Ryerson University in Toronto and the non-profit National NewsMedia Council, said between 2008 and Aug. 1 of this year, 400 community publications across Canada closed.
While some of those have carried on in a digital format, they’re doing it with fewer resources.
But some communities have lost coverage altogether. Such “news deserts” mean there’s no impartial eye keeping a watch on local government and other authorities, as well as sharing stories that can help create a sense of community.
“A good local newspaper shows you how you’re related to people you may not know you’re related to,” said one researcher at the University of Kentucky.
The Tri-City News has covered civic affairs, local crime, festivals, events, personalities, sports and arts in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody since 1983. Bound back issues of the paper are available at the Coquitlam Archives, while digital versions of several past years can be found at issuu.com.
