Pile driving is set to begin at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) site on Nov. 18 to prepare for construction of a third ice arena, gym and other new amenities in Phase 2.

As in 2017-2018 during Phase 1, pile driving is necessary to prepare the ground and ensure the safe construction and long-term stability of the 205,000-square-foot (19,000-square-metre) building in downtown Port Coquitlam. Crews will install the remaining 490 steel piles by March 2020, for a total of 825 piles site-wide. 

The PCCC will remain open throughout, including the two arenas, recreation programs, youth and seniors’ activities, Terry Fox Library, and new fitness centre opening in December. The pile driving will be completed before the new leisure pool, sauna and whirlpool open in the spring.

Residents, businesses and facility users can expect a similar level of noise and vibration as was experienced during the Phase 1 pile driving. The city will be working closely with design-builder Ventana Construction to minimize the impact on services and nearby properties as much as possible. However, it should be noted that pile driving is an inherently disruptive activity, and the public’s patience during this necessary work is appreciated.

The pile driving equipment will operate between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. No pile driving will take place on Sundays or statutory holidays.

No health or structural impacts are anticipated. The noise will not cause hearing loss for PCCC users or people walking or driving by, waiting for a bus nearby or going in and out of the facility. However, those who wish to spend prolonged time around the site watching the construction are recommended to wear CSA-approved hearing protection.

The pile driving follows the demolition of the remaining buildings on the site (including the old library and arenas), the last of the tree removal, and the closure of Kelly Avenue to make way for the new amenities. The Terry Fox statue has been placed into storage for safekeeping. 

Phase 2, opening in 2021, will feature a 780-seat spectator arena, gymnasium, children’s area, more multi-purpose space, a café, about 75 surface and 425 underground parking spaces, two large pedestrian plazas, outdoor sport courts and a splash park.

Parking in the area is still extremely limited, and will remain so for the remainder of the construction. PCCC visitors are encouraged to give themselves extra time before any scheduled events, and to walk, cycle or take transit whenever possible.

Posted parking limits on site and around the facility are being enforced to ensure parking is available for facility users, residents and customers of nearby businesses.

More information about the PCCC amenities and construction is available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/pccc. Questions may be directed to recreation@portcoquitlam.ca.

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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