The City of Port Coquitlam invites residents to celebrate Culture Days this October with free arts and culture programming for all ages. 

Self-guided Tour – Donald Storywalk (Donald Walkway and Terry Fox Library)
Take a stroll along the Donald Walkway and enjoy an illustrated story told in 8 panels. The Storywalk features Port Coquitlam resident Jade Wong’s winning story from the May Days 2020 Flash Fiction contest, titled The Seed of Happiness, illustrated by Wen Wen Lu, the City’s 2020 Lions Park Artist-in-Residence. The story starts at the newly updated Elks Park and ends at Wilson Avenue. Families are invited to continue on to the Terry Fox Library to pick up a take-and-make activity connected to the story (while supplies last).

The Donald Storywalk is a collaboration between the City of Port Coquitlam and the Terry Fox Library. This community arts project promotes literacy and enhances the City’s outdoor spaces. For more information, or to hear an audio version of the story, visit portcoquitlam.ca/storywalk

Lions Park Artists-in-Residence – Vote for your favourite tree costume (Lions Park and online)
Lions Park Artists-in-Residence Elvira Monteforte and Dolores Altin have been working with community members to design costumes for the trees in Lions Park as part of their project, The Social Connection. Now it’s your turn to visit the trees and vote for your favourite online by the end of October. For more information on the project, visit portcoquitlam.ca/air.

Wed Oct 13 (7 to 8 p.m.): Slumach’s Lost Gold (Gathering Place)
Join PoCo Heritage for a talk from expert Brian Antonson on the mystery of Pitt Lake’s lost gold mine. In 1891, Slumach, a q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) man who lived on the shores of the Pitt River, was hung for the murder of Louis Bee and with him died the secret of Pitt Lake’s lost gold mine. As time went on the legend of Slumach’s gold, a motherlode supposedly hidden right at our doorstep, grew to become one of Canada’s greatest lost-mine stories. Pre-registration is required. 

Thurs Oct 14 (6 to 8 p.m.): Art Exhibitions Opening Reception (Gathering Place)
All are welcome to attend the opening of three new art exhibitions in Leigh Square: 

• Snagged, a solo exhibition by Nadine Flagel (Michael Wright Art Gallery) 
• Symbols of Transformation, a collection of textile works from our Fall Artist-in-Residence, Jennie Johnston (Outlet Gallery) and 
• Lifeforms by Port Coquitlam artist, Jessie Somers (City Hall Gallery)

All three artists will be present at the opening reception. The exhibitions run until January 10, 2022. For more information on the artists and their work, visit portcoquitlam.ca/exhibitions

Sat Oct 16 (2 to 4 p.m.): Get Hooked by Rug Hooking (Michael Wright Art Gallery at the Gathering Place)
This hands-on workshop is a quick introduction to hand-hooking rugs and will appeal to those who want to extend the life of textiles. Surrounded by the vibrant textural layers of the Snagged exhibition, participants will learn how to create a rug pile, directional hooking and various stitches, as well as experiment with different types of fabric. Pre-registration required at portcoquitlam.ca/register (activity code #57718).

Sat Oct 23 (1 to 2 p.m.): Sew-In Mix & Mingle (Outlet Workroom)
Mending and stitching have been a source of connection for centuries. Gather around the table with Artist-in-Residence Jennie Johnston and mend a piece of clothing, knit, crochet, or hand stitch in a friendly studio atmosphere. Supplies will be available for trying out new skills like embroidery or using a sewing machine and all are welcome whether you are new to textiles or experts! Bring a non-alcoholic beverage and enjoy a chat in the community. Pre-registration required at portcoquitlam.ca/register (activity code #57700).

For more information on arts, culture, and heritage programs at Leigh Square call 604.927.8440 or visit portcoquitlam.ca/arts. For more information on Culture Days, visit culturedays.ca

Stay Informed
Based on Provincial Health Orders, the following apply for indoor activities:

• Masks are required for anyone age 9 and up in all common indoor areas (may be removed during physical activity)
• Proof of vaccination and photo ID will be required for those 22 years and older participating in fitness, sport and other physically active programs. Patrons unable to provide the required documentation will not be allowed to participate in these recreation programs. Proof of vaccination will not be required for preschool, children, and youth programs. 

The PHO order requires proof of first vaccination for:

• Indoor fitness classes, weight rooms (12 and older)
• Sport activities and arena sports (12 and older.) (12-21 years exempt if a youth-specific program)
• Any indoor event/activity attended by 50+ people, such as spectating at a hockey game (12 and older)

At this time, proof of vaccination is not required to participate in:

• Sport activities for age 21 or younger
• Indoor or outdoor pools and aquatic amenities – all ages
• Arenas (but does apply to 22+ ice sport)
• Terry Fox Library – all ages
• Non-recreation civic facilities such as City Hall and Annex, Public Works and Fire Halls 

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca