PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Jan. 21, 2021… The construction of the bright, modern community centre in downtown Port Coquitlam is on track for completion this fall. 

City Council toured the work zone this week for the 205,000-square-foot (19,000-square-metre) Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) – now in the final stretch of the construction journey that began in 2017.

Built in phases to allow for continuous public service, the PCCC project has been gradually replacing the aging recreation facilities and library in the City’s downtown with a vibrant community hub featuring new and enhanced amenities. 

“There are a lot of reasons to be hopeful and excited about 2021 – and in Port Coquitlam, that includes the opening of an incredible new recreation facility and community gathering place that will benefit our residents and serve as a catalyst for our downtown,” Mayor Brad West said. “It’s great to finally be on the home stretch for this project. There has been a concerted effort to make sure construction of this important City asset has stayed on time and on budget, right from when the first shovel hit the ground four years ago.”    

Phase 1 of construction, which took place from spring 2017 and to spring 2020, focused on the north half of the site and included two ice arenas, a leisure pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, library, Wilson Lounge and kitchen, games room, multipurpose rooms, offices, reception and concession. 

Phase 2, primarily focused on the southern half of the site and nearby roadworks, began in fall 2019 and is scheduled to wrap up by fall 2021. It includes:

• Phases 2A and B, set for completion this summer – a third arena with seating for 780, gymnasium, children’s area, large multipurpose room, and the north-side plaza and entrance at Wilson Avenue and Mary Hill Road, and
• Phase 2B and C, set for completion by early fall – underground parking with 425 spots, a café (private vendor), the south-side plaza with seating, sports courts, a walking path, playgrounds, a community garden, and a spray park.

Opening dates for the Phase 2 elements will depend on COVID-19 public health protocols at the time.

“The community has welcomed each new amenity as it has opened and eagerly awaits the project’s completion,” said Cllr. Steve Darling, Council’s designate for recreation issues. “It will open up so many new opportunities in Port Coquitlam to be healthy, active and engaged, and to come together as a community.”

Roadwork around the area is also progressing which includes the installation of new curbs, sidewalks and street lighting along Kingsway Avenue, Wilson Avenue and the westside of Maryhill Road. Parking is also limited in the area as this construction will require temporary closures of the adjacent parking areas. Facility users are advised to follow posted directional signage and encouraged to take transit, walk or cycle.

The City is constructing the project with design-build partner Ventana Construction.

The $132-million project has been funded by the City (a combination of land sales revenue, phased-in property taxes and a parcel tax from 2017 to 2020) along with a $12.5-million federal infrastructure grant through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component, and $1.1 million through the federal Gas Tax Fund.

More information about the construction and alternative parking in the downtown area is available at portcoquitlam.ca/ccproject, and information about the facility services is posted at portcoquitlam.ca/pccc.

– 30 –

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