Construction crews and equipment will arrive in downtown Port Coquitlam Monday to begin the transformation of Leigh Square.
Starting July 31, the parking lot between City Hall and the Leigh Square bandshell and Leigh Square will be closed. Crews will begin constructing on a major update of the Leigh Square plaza and celebration space.
The updates rolling out over the coming year will bring life and energy to the space at all times, with an open and welcoming design including:
- An extension of Donald Pathway from Wilson to McAllister Avenues,
- Conversion of Donald Street to a northbound one-way roadway,
- Fully accessible pathways and surfacing,
- Clear sightlines and new lighting for improved safety at all hours,
- New seating to encourage people to rest and relax,
- New landscaping and a water feature, and
- A new stage that will back onto City Hall, for improved views and efficient site use.
The improvements, which will take about a year to complete which build on other City upgrades that support the broader revitalization of Port Coquitlam's iconic downtown, including the refurbished Veterans Park, updated McAllister Avenue streetscape and new Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC).
Construction Impacts
Once construction begins Monday, detour signs will direct vehicles to nearby route options as well as to alternative accessible parking in lots or on streets within walking distance.
Safe access for pedestrians and cyclists to local businesses and other properties will be maintained throughout construction. When access changes are required, properties will be notified in advance and signs will be installed to show alternate safe routes.
Donald Street will remain open up to McAllister, with the one-way being implemented in late August. Some parking will be temporarily unavailable along Donald Street once construction moves into its full phase. A map is being provided at portcoquitlam.ca/downtown for parking options within the area.
Ongoing communication will take place with area residents and businesses, including notices alerting them of the coming work and potential construction impacts, which may include noise, vibration and dust when crews are working close by.
The City has been working with the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association to support downtown businesses and is committed to working with the contractor and local business community to reduce inconveniences and disruption from construction as much as possible.
Visiting construction workers - including about 10 to 20 people each day - will also be encouraged to eat and shop downtown.
Information about the project construction, parking options and the City's plans for the downtown are provided at portcoquitlam.ca/downtown.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]