Port Coquitlam, BC - Dec. 6, 2023... Renewing City infrastructure will continue to be a top priority in Port Coquitlam's capital program for the next two years, along with investments that support housing, safety, recreation and the local economy.
Yesterday, Council approved $73 million in planned capital expenditures for 2024 and 2025 - close to two-thirds of which is dedicated to neighbourhood roads, sidewalks and utilities - to allow staff to proceed with project planning and procurement. The two-year capital budget will be adopted in May along with the 2024 budget and five-year Financial Plan.
"Our capital program will deliver real improvements that will make Port Coquitlam an even better place to call home. Our focus continues to be on getting the basics right, investing in the core municipal functions and responsibilities that our residents and businesses rely on," Mayor Brad West said. "This year's capital program will deliver more of the projects that residents have told us they want to see - and will contribute to the exciting renewal that is happening throughout our community. I'm proud of what we're delivering and how we're delivering it - respecting taxpayers, spending responsibly, wisely and on the priorities of our residents. Port Coquitlam's future is looking bright."
As with past years, the 2024-2025 capital budget places a strong emphasis on neighbourhood rehabilitation - upgrades to roads, curbs and gutters, sidewalks and underground utilities that take place concurrently in order to save money and reduce disruption.
Highlights for the $40 million program for 2024 include:
- Start of construction on the Gates Park soccer hub, a collaboration with BC Soccer and PoCo Soccer supported by provincial funding, with spinoffs for local businesses,
- Completion of upgrades to Leigh Square, creating an accessible, welcoming space for festivals and gatherings that support the revitalization of the downtown,
- Resources to update the Official Community Plan, critical for planning new housing,
- Support for community safety including sidewalk extensions, pedestrian flashing beacons, new streetlights, traffic calming, Coquitlam RCMP Public Safety Building upgrades, and a new signalized intersection at Riverside Drive, Riverwood Gate and Amazon Drive,
- Recreation improvements such as upgrades to Routley Outdoor Pool, continuation of trail resurfacing, and a challenging new 6.5-km loop trail linking Mary Hill area with __éx_t_m Regional Park (formerly Colony Farm), with a new crosswalk at Shaughnessy Street, steep inclines and 200 timber stairs,
- An artificial turf to be installed for the Jon Baillie Arena 1 at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre - one of few recreation centres in the lower mainland that would offer more indoor sports events,
- Projects addressing the impact of climate change, including expansion of the drainage channel in the Fremont area and updates to the Cedar Drainage Pump Station,
- Utilities updates for improved function and safety, including Handley and Dominion sanitary pump stations, City water meters and pump station controllers, and
- Environmental enhancements including a pilot subsidized rain barrel program for residents, and invasive species removal to protect habitat and the tree canopy.
Other 2024 expenditures include updating the Parks Masterplan and replacing outdated park furniture.
"Our new capital program will bring a number of improvements to public spaces and amenities, but importantly, it also invests in maintaining and updating the core infrastructure that we use every day but often don't think about," said Cllr. Dean Washington, Council's designate for budget matters. "While investments in roads, utilities and other infrastructure may not be as exciting as some other projects, they're crucial to the services we provide the community."
Highlights of the $33.5 million capital program for 2025 include:
- Utility upgrades including the Maple Drainage Pump Station and other water, sewer and drainage equipment replacements,
- Roadworks including Kingsway Avenue improvements,
- Upgrades to Sun Valley Pool,
- Various playground and park amenity enhancements,
- Trail network expansion and upgrades, and
- Fleet replacements to ensure continuing service.
The City continues to use a two-year capital plan format to facilitate long-term planning and more competitive pricing in the tendering process. The plan is reviewed and updated each year based on emerging issues and priorities.
The capital program is informed by Council priorities, resident feedback through the budget survey and other channels, staff input and City policies.
Capital projects are funded through development revenue, surplus, grants and capital reserve accounts.
For more information about the capital plan, visit portcoquitlam.ca/capital. Detailed capital project information can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/capitalprojects.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]