Want to be the first to skate at the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre? PoCo residents have until Aug. 22 to enter to win that opportunity at the grand opening festivities taking place Aug. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The free community celebration will officially open Phase 1 of the 205,000-square-foot (19,000-square-metre) facility under construction in downtown Port Coquitlam, including two of the three planned ice arenas, Terry Fox Library, multi-purpose spaces and a licensed concession. A leisure pool and fitness centre will open by early 2020, rounding out Phase 1.

The Aug. 27 festivities will include free skating from 5:30 to 7 p.m. – kicked off with a ribbon-cutting and first skate by the 10 contest winners, Mayor and Council – along with entertainment, games, children’s activities, refreshments, full library services, giveaways, celebrity guests and more. Event-goers are encouraged to walk, cycle, take transit or carpool as parking in the area is limited.

To enter the contest, post on social media why you’d like to be the first to skate on the new rinks, by either:

• Following the city’s Instagram or Twitter channel @cityofpoco, tagging the post with #PCCCFirstSkate and tagging two friends, or
• Sharing the Facebook event (found at facebook.com/portcoquitlam) and tagging two friends.

Email submissions are also accepted at communications@portcoquitlam.ca. The contest is open to Port Coquitlam residents of all ages who can skate, with one entry permitted per person (children under age 7 must be accompanied on the ice by a guardian 16 years or older on skates). The 10 winners will be contacted Aug. 23.

To be completed in 2021, the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) project is replacing aging recreation and library spaces with new and enhanced services to meet the growing community’s needs. Phase 2 of the project includes a third ice arena, gymnasium, children’s area, more multi-purpose spaces, parking and an outdoor plaza.

The vibrant community hub is envisioned as a place where residents will gather and socialize, watch and participate in activities, and access a variety of services.

Regular schedules at the PCCC will begin Aug. 28. Visitors will enter the building and access Terry Fox Library, reception desk and other amenities through the main lobby off Wilson Avenue. Programs for seniors, youths and children will be offered in multi-purpose spaces that include a games room, lounge and kitchen.

Details about the facility and construction are at www.portcoquitlam.ca/pccc. Questions may be directed to recreation@portcoquitlam.ca, 604-927-7529 (programs) or 604-927-5420 (project).

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca