The first phase of the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre will open Aug. 27 with a community celebration featuring free skating, entertainment and family activities.

Two of the three planned ice arenas, Terry Fox Library and multi-purpose spaces will be the first elements to open in the 205,000-square-foot (19,000-square-metre) community centre under construction in downtown Port Coquitlam. The leisure pool and fitness centre will open by early 2020.

“It’s been more than two years since we broke ground and we can’t wait to start using the much-needed services and amenities that will be rolling out over the next few months,” Mayor Brad West said. “The community – and particularly the nearby businesses and residents – deserve a big thank-you for their patience and support so far. We encourage everyone to come out and celebrate this major project milestone with us on Aug. 27.”     

The Phase 1 grand opening festivities will run from 4 to 7 p.m. and include free skating, entertainment, games, children’s activities, refreshments, prizes, full library services and more. Event-goers are encouraged to walk, cycle, take transit or carpool as parking in the area is limited.

To be completed in 2021, the project is replacing aging recreation and library facilities with new and enhanced services that will meet the growing community’s needs. The spacious new Port Coquitlam Community Centre – featuring B.C. wood, ample natural light and mountain views – will be a catalyst for future growth and a vibrant community hub where residents will gather and socialize, watch and participate in activities, and access a variety of services.

The city is constructing the project with design-build partner Ventana Construction, using a phased approach to allow for continuity of ice, library, seniors, youth and children’s services while new elements are built.

The $132-million project received $12.5 million of federal infrastructure funding through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component and more than $1 million through the federal Gas Tax Fund.

“We are very pleased to see federal infrastructure funding supporting dynamic community-driven recreational facilities like new Port Coquitlam Community Centre,” said Ron McKinnon, member of parliament for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Investing in local infrastructure helps build safe inclusive communities where residents and families will have opportunities to grow and thrive for years to come.”

Following the opening on August 27, visitors will enter the building and access Terry Fox Library and other amenities through the modern and airy main lobby, featuring a soaring ceiling, the main reception desk, and future café and Sports Hall of Fame. Programs for seniors, youths and children will be offered in new multi-purpose spaces that include a games room, lounge and kitchen. Regular schedules for the facility will begin the day after the grand opening event.

With the opening of Phase 1, demolition can begin to make way for Phase 2, which will open in 2021 and include a third ice arena, gymnasium, children’s area, more multi-purpose spaces, parking and an outdoor plaza.

Information about the facility and construction project is available 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