PORT COQUITLAM, BC – July 29, 2021… The construction of the bright, modern community centre in downtown Port Coquitlam is on track to be completed by the end of summer, on time and within budget.

The 205,000-square-foot (19,000-square-metre) Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) is now in the final stretch of the construction journey that began in 2017, with substantial completion planned for mid-September and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 2. Built in phases to allow for continuous public service, the PCCC project has gradually replaced the aging recreation facilities and library in the City’s downtown with a vibrant community hub featuring new and enhanced amenities.

“It’s very exciting to finally be in the home stretch for this project – an incredible new recreation facility and community gathering place that will benefit our residents and serve our community for generations to come.” Mayor Brad West said. “Since 2017 there has been a concerted effort to make sure construction of this important City asset has stayed on track and on budget, and we have achieved that despite the unprecedented challenge of a world-wide pandemic. It’s a testament to the hard work and focus everyone involved has brought to this project. I have no doubt that once fully open, with all of the amenities and services available, our community will be incredibly impressed.”

Phase 1 of construction, from spring 2017 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 mid-September 2021. It includes:

• A third arena for 790
• Gymnasium
• Play rooms for preschool programs 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.

Based on COVID-19 public health protocols and logistics, the City has been gradually opening completed PCCC amenities for public use. Expanded hours and programming will be phased in over the coming weeks. Information will be posted at portcoquitlam.ca/restart.

Details about the PCCC’s Oct. 2 grand opening will be provided in the coming weeks.

“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.”

The City is constructing the project with design-build partner Ventana Construction and owner’s representative, Tango Management .

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 facility services is posted at portcoquitlam.ca/pccc.

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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