PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Sept. 1, 2021… An afternoon of live entertainment, active fun, food and drinks, children’s activities and more is planned for Oct. 2 to celebrate the much-anticipated opening of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC).

One of the City’s largest-ever capital projects, the PCCC will be substantially completed by mid-September after four years of construction that kicked off in 2017. The City will open up the bright modern 205,000-square-foot (19,000-square-metre) facility and its spacious outdoor plazas to the public on Oct. 2 with a free community celebration held in line with public health protocols.

“It’s been amazing to watch this space gradually transform over the past four years into a gorgeous facility with the amenities our community needs now and in the future,” Mayor Brad West said. “We’ve delivered this ambitious project on time and within budget – even with the challenges of the pandemic – and that’s definitely worth celebrating. We’re determined to hold this grand opening safely and in compliance with all protocols, but we’re also going to do everything we can to create the atmosphere and experience of the festivals PoCo is known for.”

The City is preparing contingency plans to ensure the celebration will meet all COVID-19 protocols in effect at the time. More details about the grand opening will roll out over September, but residents can expect:

• Activities starting at noon including a ribbon cutting, activities for all ages, free fitness classes and other try-it activities, roving performers and more,
• Live music from 1 to 6:30 p.m. on the outdoor main stage with headliner Daniel Wesley along with children’s performers Rick Scott and Nico Rhodes, country artist Shylo Sharity and R&B artist Krystle Dos Santos,
• An outdoor, site-wide liquor licence with on-site food trucks and local breweries and distilleries,
• Free swimming, skating and access to all site amenities including the water park, playgrounds, fitness centre, gym, community garden and more,
• Exhibits, displays and a community group showcase,
• Free cake and light refreshments in Wilson Centre,
• A scavenger hunt and opportunities to win prizes, including individual drop-in passes and five family one-year One City passes, and
• Ample underground parking

More information will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/pccc as plans are confirmed.

Volunteers are sought for set-up, tear-down and other support on Oct. 2. Those interested are encouraged to apply at portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer.

Gradual Opening of PCCC Amenities

Perched on the edge of downtown Port Coquitlam, the PCCC is a vibrant community hub offering a wide variety of new and enhanced amenities.

Phase 1 of construction, which wrapped up in spring 2020, included two ice arenas, a leisure pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, library, Wilson Lounge and kitchen, games room, multipurpose rooms, offices, reception, concession and leisure pool.

Phase 2 includes:

• A third arena with seating for 790
• Gymnasium
• Play rooms for City Preschool and childminding
• Multipurpose space including the large Mabbett Hall
• Washrooms and changerooms including universal and accessible options
• Underground parking with 425 spots and a pick-up/drop-off area
• Leased space for a future café and active rehab/physiotherapy
• North-side plaza and main entrance at Wilson Avenue and Mary Hill Road
• South-side concourse with seating, lawn, multi-use sport courts, a spray park, playgrounds, walking path, outdoor fitness equipment, community gardens and an outdoor spray park connected to the leisure pool.

“The timing couldn’t have been better,” said Cllr. Steve Darling, Council’s designate for recreation issues. “As we gradually and safely make our way back to some semblance of normal life, these amazing new recreation and community amenities will be there to greet us and help us resume the activities that keep us healthy, active and connected to each other and our community.”

In the lead-up to the event, amenities will gradually open as the City transitions back staff and confirms plans to implement the new Provincial Health Orders, including the vaccination requirement for indoor social and recreational activities starting Sept. 13. Information will be provided to the public in the days to come.

Opening plans include:

• Drop-in public skating and fitness centre: now open
• Leisure pool: gradual re-opening starting mid-Sept.
• Mabbett Room (large multi-purpose room): Oct. 2
• Other multi-purpose rooms: Oct. 2
• Underground parking: Oct. 2 – maximum three hours for facility users (enforced)
• Gymnasium: Oct. 2
• Childminding and City Preschool: Oct. 2

Watch portcoquitlam.ca/restart and portcoquitlam.ca/pccc for updates.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca