Port Coquitlam, BC...Oct. 24 2023... The City of Port Coquitlam unveiled the final proposed design for its new fieldhouse, a modern public recreation amenity that will serve a state-of-the-art soccer and community hub, a PoCo Soccer office and B.C. Soccer's new headquarters at Gates Park.
On Oct. 24 Council reviewed the design that staff provided as an update on the Gates Park fieldhouse with timing and next steps. Final construction documents will be prepared during the next few months, and the City anticipates issuing a RFP by early 2024. Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2025.
"I'm extremely excited to move forward with a first-class facility that puts our community on the map as the premier sports city in our province. This will provide Port Coquitlam residents, and especially our kids, a second-to-none sports field experience, will allow us to address the significant demand for more field time, and delivers a multi-purpose community space that has a number of potential uses," said Mayor Brad West. "The proposed design fits very well into Gates Park, recognizing the natural setting and other community activities that take place there, and provides enhanced pedestrian trail connection, as well as additional parking. This is an investment into the future of our growing city and creates huge opportunities that extend well beyond sports and delivers significant benefits, not the least of which is supporting active, healthy living for our residents."
Included in the conceptual renderings are exterior roof designs, site plans, and building floor plans. The main floor of the fieldhouse includes a lobby, change rooms, locker rooms and an atrium that can be used for social gatherings. The bleachers would fit approximately 1200 spectators.
The vision for the facility is to be an intergenerational community recreation and activity centre that supports the City's vision of becoming a leading City in B.C for sports, recreation, parks and trails.
"This design will serve as a hub for sports and entertainment, attracting major events to the city that improve our quality of life," said Cllr. Darling, council designate for sports and recreation. "The new fieldhouse will offer a great central and accessible location for a vibrant sports and recreation hub."
In consultation with B.C. Soccer. Port Coquitlam Euro-Rite FC (PoCo Soccer) and with PoCo Sport Alliance, the new fieldhouse facility will feature:
- A state-of-the-art synthetic turf field built to international competition (FIFA) standards - replacing a grass field that is underutilized due to turf conditions and drainage issues,
- A new fieldhouse -including storage, meeting space, accessible public washrooms and other amenities,
- A multi-use public plaza for community gathering and events,
- A road along the south side of the park from Reeve Street, leading to a car and bus parking area adjacent to the new hub,
- Field lighting, bleachers and covered team benches,
- A synthetic turf soccer warmup area,
- An enhanced central pedestrian boulevard extending from Reeve Street, and
- Additional parking will be developed behind the field house. Parking at Riverside Secondary School is available for use as well.
In addition to helping to build the sport of soccer in B.C. and Canada, the project will bring a number of community benefits, such as local jobs, a public plaza, improved facilities and field time for local sport groups. There will also be significant economic spinoffs related to the B.C. Soccer headquarters and FIFA-calibre field, which will enable the City to host matches and events related to high-level tournaments, such as Vancouver 2026 World Cup.
The $15 million project will be funded with approximately $9 million in provincial funding and the remaining from a partnership between B.C. Soccer PoCo Soccer and the City. The City will fund its share from accumulated surplus funds.
Next Steps
The City will continue to update the public as it moves through the project over the coming months in anticipation of construction beginning in late 2024.
Public access will continue along the park's perimeter trail. The upcoming planning work will include robust consideration of potential environmental and community impacts, including public access to the park and trails during and after construction, protection of nearby natural spaces and waterways, drainage, rainwater runoff, and traffic.
Updates will be provided as information becomes available through the designated webpage portcoquitlam.ca/soccerhub and the City's social media channels. Comments and questions may be directed on webpage as well.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]