Partial Reopening of Port Coquitlam Facilities Begins Sept. 8

Port Coquitlam, BC, Aug. 24, 2020. . . Enhanced public health measures will be in place when Port Coquitlam reopens select facilities starting in September for activities such as tax payments, Council meetings and some recreational uses.

The city is finalizing its plans to partially reopen City Hall and the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) after the Labour Day long weekend, in line with public health protocols and the BC Restart Plan. Outdoor pools will also remain open into fall weather permitting and based on demand.

“We’re very pleased to be able to resume some safe public indoor activities again,” Mayor Brad West said. “We’ll be taking a responsible approach to ensure the safety of the public and staff as we gradually reopen our facilities. I ask everyone to follow the appropriate safety guidelines and continue to do their part to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

Protecting Public Health
Strict adherence to public health directives will be in effect at all facilities as they reopen. Measures will include:

  • Hand sanitizing stations,
  • Signs, physical barriers, floor markings and one way traffic to ensure physical distancing and to direct traffic flow,
  • One way entrance to and exiting from facilities,
  • Masks worn by all staff when physical distancing requirement cannot be maintained,
  • Signs encouraging visitors to wear masks, and
  • Enhanced cleaning, particularly of common touchpoints such as door handles and countertops.

Specific health measures, services, hours of operation and other details for the various facilities will be provided at www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 before Sept. 8. The city’s reopening plans will be scaled back or changed as necessary to ensure public health and comply with orders from the Provincial Health Officer.

At the moment, the plans include the following:

Tax and Utility Payments 

  • Property tax and utility bill payments are due Sept. 30.
  • City Hall will reopen Sept. 8 primarily for property tax and utility payments, with public access limited to the first floor.
  • Property owners are encouraged to avoid the lineups at City Hall and pay online – options are noted at www.portcoquitlam.ca/taxes.

Recreation Services

  • At PCCC, two arenas will open Sept. 8 for user groups with approved COVID-19 safety plans. Public skating, fitness and weight training areas will also open in late September. All services will require advanced pre-registration.
  • Outdoor pool season has been extended at Robert Hope and Centennial Pools based on weather and demand.
  • At Hyde Creek, indoor swimming, fitness and weight training areas will open later in the fall once key maintenance activities are completed. Advanced registration will be required. Details will be available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/recreation in early September.
  • In Leigh Square, pre-registered programs at the Gathering Place and the Outlet will be available later in the fall.
  • The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market will continue outdoors in the parking lot next to Leigh Square on Thursday afternoons, from 3 to 7 p.m. until Oct. 8. Curbside pick-up from the Gathering Place will also continue to be available at www.farmersandmore.org.

Council Meetings and Public Hearings

  • In-person Council meetings and public hearings will resume on Sept. 8 at the Gathering Place with limited capacity.
  • Meetings will comply with the current Provincial Health Officer Orders, and all attendees will be required to provide contact information for potential contact tracing.
  • Council and Committee meeting recordings will continue to be posted to www.portcoquitlam.ca/council within 48 hours.

Business and Development Services

Additional Services

Stay Informed
Many city services continue to be available by phone, email and online. For information, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 or follow the City of Port Coquitlam on social media.

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line a: 1-833-784-4397, or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool, visit BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.ca.

For more information and updates please contact the following resources:

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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