PORT COQUITLAM, BC – March 30, 2023… Progress continues on two construction projects that are reshaping Port Coquitlam’s civic spaces as key elements of the City’s downtown revitalization. 

The redevelopment of Veterans Park is now in its home stretch and expected to wrap up by May, not long before construction is anticipated to kick off in nearby Leigh Square. Both City-led projects are part of a multi-year revitalization of Port Coquitlam’s iconic downtown that is intended to boost economic development and livability by creating a safe, welcoming and walkable hub for visitors and locals alike.

“A robust, lively and safe downtown will not only create a focal point for community gathering and celebration, but will bring opportunities for new and existing businesses that provide much-needed jobs, services and amenities to the community,” Mayor Brad West said. “In tandem with our Civic Centre enhancements, we’re encouraging strategic redevelopment that will bring new businesses and homes, while also building up the resident population that is needed to create a thriving, viable downtown business district that benefits the whole community.”

The transformed civic spaces will greet many new residents who will be moving into the many of new multi-family buildings that are now under construction in or within walking distance of Port Coquitlam’s downtown. A larger population centralized around the downtown will strengthen existing businesses and encourage new investment.

Veterans Park Nearing Completion

Completion of the Veterans Park upgrades is now anticipated by May, a delay of about a month primarily due to extended stretches of snow cover and low temperatures, along with delivery delays.

Crews are now working hard to finish the project, including completing the concrete pouring this week as well as installing irrigation, relocating the cenotaph, laying paving stones and adding lighting, seating, sod and other finishing touches in the coming weeks. 

The final open-plan design will feature new plazas, accessible pathways, new seating and lighting, grassy spaces for public use, and a new prominent and raised cenotaph location in the centre of the park.

Leigh Square Up Next

Tendering is now in progress for a major overhaul of Leigh Square with a new performance pavilion at the north end and an expanded plaza with new seating decks, enhanced lighting, landscaping and a water feature. The work will also include an extension of Donald Pathway, weaving through the site between Wilson Avenue and a new plaza on the north side of McAllister Avenue.

Site preparation and construction are expected to begin in May and take approximately a year. City Council approved two permits yesterday in anticipation for the work to begin.

A new pavilion structure will back onto the south wall of City Hall and overlook the length of Leigh Square, improving the flow and sightlines on the site. Featuring a contemporary West Coast design, the new stage will have a functional rectangle shape, lighting and electrical services that better meet the needs of performers.

While construction of Leigh Square is under way, any civic or community events that typically take place there in May and throughout 2023 will be relocated to other spaces.

For example, the Party in the Square that will follow the May Day parade on May 13 will take place at Terry Fox Hometown Square off Mary Hill Road and Kelly Avenue. The Port Coquitlam Farmers Markets kicking off June 1 will return to that location as well.

Starting the work as early as possible in the year allows the City to maximize the construction season – particularly important as the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable.

“We all want to start enjoying our new downtown public spaces as soon as possible,” West said. “Thankfully we have a beautiful outdoor space close by at the Terry Fox Hometown Square, as well as indoor options at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, that do a wonderful job hosting our public events and celebrations while the Civic Centre enhancements take place.”

More information about the downtown revitalization can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/downtown.