PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Mar. 03, 2021… Plans are being finalized for a major reconstruction of McAllister Avenue this year that will kickstart the City’s downtown revitalization efforts.

Construction is anticipated to begin in June to redevelop McAllister into a world-class streetscape with the feel of an open-air plaza, intended to attract people into the downtown to shop, stroll and celebrate. The design includes street trees and landscaping, dedicated space for people to walk, cycle and rest, a level street surface, and engaging street-level building design with patios and storefronts that spill out onto the sidewalk.

“We see McAllister Avenue becoming a lively and welcoming destination in our community and we’re excited to see this vision for the downtown start to come to life with this project,” Mayor Brad West said. “The new elements will deliver on what our community has been asking for and will make our downtown one of a kind.” 

Funded through the City’s capital budget, grant funds and developer fees, the upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the year. A firm project timeline will be established after the contract tender process takes place in March and April.

The streetscape concept was selected to create a lively and unique focal point in the downtown, while having a limited impact on downtown traffic overall and retaining a large portion of the on-street parking. The design features:

• A wide pedestrian concourse on the north side and multi-use path on the south side,
• One-way east-bound traffic and angled parking to provide more space for those on foot and bicycle,
• Engaging street-level building design with patios and storefronts that spill out onto the sidewalk,
• A level street surface with unique paving materials to delineate walking, driving and parking areas,
• Planters and furniture that can be removed during events,
• A modern approach to utilities, with wires buried underground and sustainable drainage that directs rainwater toward street trees, and

• A 2,500-square-foot plaza alongside the future Donald Pathway extension through the downtown and the planned Quarry Rock Developments housing-commercial project on McAllister Avenue.

Together, McAllister and Donald Pathway will be key features connecting the downtown’s amenities, services and businesses.

“While there will be some inconveniences, we’ll be doing what we can to reduce impacts for businesses in the area including getting the word out that our downtown is open for business during construction,” said Cllr. Dean Washington, Council’s designate for downtown matters. “In the long-term they’ll benefit from the unique and lively streetscape McAllister will become.”  

Information was mailed out this week and posted at portcoquitlam.ca/mcallister to provide area businesses and residents with advance notice of the project and construction impacts.

The City has committed to working with the contractor and local business community to reduce inconveniences and disruption from construction as much as possible. Additional information will be provided as details, such as phasing, are finalized over the coming weeks.

Watch portcoquitlam.ca/mcallister for updates over the spring.

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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