PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Apr. 16, 2020… Work will begin next spring to transform McAllister Avenue into a lively and walkable tree-lined street that will draw people into downtown Port Coquitlam to gather, shop, stroll and celebrate.

The revitalization of the city’s downtown took another step forward with Council giving approval of a distinctive streetscape concept for McAllister Avenue between Shaughnessy Street and Mary Hill Road.

“We have all seen examples around the world of amazing streets that complement and promote adjacent commercial uses and are bustling with activity and excitement,” Mayor Brad West said. “McAllister will be a showcase in our community, with unique features seen nowhere else in Port Coquitlam. The improvements will activate the space, creating a unique outdoor and social environment that is a destination for the community.”

Council selected a streetscape concept that is anticipated to have limited impact on the area’s current and future traffic and retains a large portion of the on-street parking.

However, the street will be reconstructed to focus on walking and socializing, with one-way east-bound traffic to provide more space for those on foot; engaging street-level building design with patios and storefronts that spill out onto the sidewalk; trees, landscaping and furniture; and the extension of Donald Pathway through the area, anchored by a plaza at McAllister. Together, McAllister and Donald Pathway will be key features connecting the downtown. 

“It will bring a fresh new appeal to our downtown and set the tone for the redevelopment we’re looking for there,” said Cllr. Dean Washington, Council’s designate for downtown matters. “Our downtown is a special place in our community and needs to be treated as such. We’re taking a leadership role here to signal to future investors the type of downtown we’re working to create.”

A multi-use path for walkers and cyclists is planned for the street’s south side, with a wider pedestrian concourse on the north side. Driving and parking areas will be delineated by different surface materials and physical barriers such as removable posts and planters. Angled parking spots will be provided on the north side.

To reinforce the feel of a large open-air plaza, overhead wires will be buried and underground drainage will be installed to allow for a level street surface, providing greater flexibility for events. Electrical hookups will be added to support food trucks and entertainment without the need for generators.

Funding for the project is already included in the city’s capital budget, with the detailed design scheduled to be completed this year, and construction in 2021. 

In the coming months, the city will also be considering options for extending the Donald Pathway through the downtown, which may include adjustments to adjacent areas such as Veterans Park, Leigh Square and City Hall to better interact with the new amenities and the vision for the downtown.

The work follows the path set out in the downtown concept plan, adopted in late 2018, that envisions redevelopment of selected under-utilized properties to make way for tree-lined streets and paths, apartment-style housing and a mix of existing and new shops, businesses and restaurants.

The city also continues to work with Quarry Rock on its proposal to redevelop the parking lot and adjacent lot at 2241-2251 McAllister Ave. with a mixed-use building featuring street-level commercial space and four storeys of housing above, including family-friendly units.

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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