PORT COQUITLAM, BC – November 13, 2019…In time for holiday gift-giving, significant recreation value is on the way for Port Coquitlam residents, with a new multi-site pass covering all pools and recreation facilities and reduced rates for young adults.

From Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, Port Coquitlam residents can purchase a One City pass that covers drop-in recreation activities across the city for the same price as a 2019 Hyde Creek-only membership. Rates are set to go up two per cent on Jan. 1. As a bonus, anyone who renews or extends an existing pass or buys a new One City pass by Dec. 31 will be entered to win a free annual family pass, a $1,000 value.

The pass will include drop-in swimming, skating, fitness, racquetball/squash and gymnasium sports at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), and Centennial and Robert Hope outdoor pools. Registered programs and specialty drop-ins will be excluded.

More savings are also planned for young adults. Ages 19 to 24 will be included in the youth rate (currently age 13-18) to encourage ongoing participation. Many in this age group are students or new to the workforce.

“We recognize cost can be a barrier and we want to do everything we can to encourage families, young adults and people of all ages to use our great recreation facilities,” Mayor Brad West said. “Our new One City pass offers great value – it’s essentially four facilities for the price of one, and will soon include the new fitness centre opening at Port Coquitlam Community Centre in December and the leisure pool in spring 2020.”

The new One City pass and expanded youth category are part of a fee overhaul approved Nov. 12 by City Council, intended to simplify the fee structure, increase participation, and ensure pricing is aligned with the marketplace and the cost of services.

Based on a comprehensive fee review, admission and facility and field rental fees will see a general two per cent increase as of Jan. 1, 2020 – an increase similar to other cities in the region. However, some fees may stay the same or even decrease due to the new simplified rate structure and young adult discount.

Even with the changes, Port Coquitlam will still be in the low-to-mid range of most fee categories. Fees at PCCC have not increased since 2015, and the last increase at Hyde Creek was in 2018.

Additionally, individuals and families with a One City pass could save hundreds of dollars per year in recreation costs if they make regular use of public swimming, skating, fitness and other drop-in activities throughout the year.

“We take a close look at our fees each year, and with the new recreation services coming on stream, it made sense to offer an all-inclusive option in Port Coquitlam,” said Cllr. Glenn Pollock, Council’s designate for recreation issues. “Ultimately this is about helping our residents have a healthy and active lifestyle. If we start at a young age, we’re more likely to continue it throughout our life.”

The new One City pass will be available in monthly and annual increments, with different rates for children (age 4-12), youth/young adults (13-24), adults (25-59), seniors (60-85), super seniors (85+) and families (up to two caregivers and all dependents under age 18 at the same address). Children three and under will continue to be free.

Monthly passes (with optional auto-renew) offer a 10 per cent discount, while annual passes offer a 25 per cent discount.

Single admission, 10-visit and 20-visit passes (now multi-site), and outdoor summer pool passes will continue to be available, along with Youth Access and Wilson Seniors annual memberships.

Existing Hyde Creek all-inclusive passes will be valid at PCCC and outdoor pools until they expire, although pass-holders may renew or extend their term before the end of the year to continue the 2019 rate.

Information about the passes and new fees are posted at portcoquitlam.ca/recfees. The new fees are also included in the updated Fees and Charges Bylaw posted at portcoquitlam.ca/bylaws.

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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