Port Coquitlam residents can enjoy a free lunch and skating on Aug. 17 while finding out what’s going on in the recreation complex construction zone downtown.

Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex is staying open while the new Community Recreation Complex is being built, and a community barbecue on Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. will share information about the programs being offered on site as well as the plans and construction progress for the new complex, which will open in phases starting in 2019.

Live entertainment and hands-on activities are also planned for the event, taking place behind the recreation complex off Kelly Avenue. The city is hosting the barbecue in partnership with Ventana Construction, the design/builder of the new rec complex.

The event schedule is as follows:

• 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Free hot dogs, burgers, fruit, and water (while supplies last), and music by the Backup PoCo House Band
• 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Interactive stations – children’s and youth services, Wilson Centre senior activities, Terry Fox Library, Port Coquitlam Community Police Station and more
• 12 to 1 p.m.: Free public skating admission and limited rentals
• 1 to 2 p.m.: Information sessions on the new recreation complex construction

The event will give the public a chance to try out the new season’s ice for free, and to speak directly with city staff and the developers about various aspects of the construction project.

Construction began in spring 2017 on the 205,000-square-foot recreation complex, which will include a leisure pool, three ice sheets, a library, multi-use spaces, a games room and lounge, gym, fitness centre, café and outdoor plaza.

Existing recreation and library facilities will stay open until they are replaced. New amenities will start opening in 2019, with project completion in 2021.

An adjacent private development by Ventana’s partner Quantum Properties will include a mix of apartment buildings, seniors’ and rental housing, and a restaurant or café.

More information about the recreation complex project is available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/reccomplex.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Lori Bowie
Director of Recreation
City of Port Coquitlam
tel.: 604.927.7907
e-mail: bowiel@portcoquitlam.ca