PORT COQUITLAM, BC - June 4, 2024... The transformation of Leigh Square is in full swing as Port Coquitlam works toward reopening the key downtown civic and celebration space by the end of the year.
Construction began last summer on the redevelopment of Leigh Square, part of the City's ongoing downtown revitalization project and Civic Centre renewal that has included upgrades to McAllister Street, Veterans Park and Donald Pathway. The Leigh Square improvements are anticipated to be substantially completed this fall, and the City has committed to removing the construction fencing and restoring access through the space as soon as possible. The official grand opening celebration will take place next spring.
"The excitement is growing as we see the continued progress in Leigh Square, building toward a more welcoming, safe, accessible and functional space for both festivals and day-to-day use," Mayor Brad West said. "Leigh Square is an important component of our focused effort to revitalize our downtown for the benefit of our residents and businesses. We can already see that the work we've been doing is drawing positive attention, attracting investment, and being embraced by our community. And importantly, we're making sure to protect our taxpayers along the way by leveraging grant funding and making prudent choices."
Leigh Square has been one of Port Coquitlam's prime celebration venues since its last update in 2007. However, this large downtown space has been underutilized between events.
The improvements under way will bring life and energy to Leigh Square at all times, with an open and welcoming design including:
- An extension of Donald Pathway from Wilson to McAllister Avenues,
- 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.
In April, the City restored road access to Donald Street just east of Leigh Square, in conjunction with opening the Donald Pathway extension and a new signaled crosswalk on Wilson.
Most of the utility work in Leigh Square has been completed, and crews are now working on park seating and other features as well as the pavilion stage located directly south of City Hall. The stage also includes an underground utility and storage room component which will serve as the operational hub of the square, out of site.
"This downtown refresh through the Civic Centre renewal and strategic redevelopment are much needed," said Cllr. Dean Washington, Council's designate for downtown matters. "There were many things to love about our downtown, but it also needed some care and attention to bring it up to date and meet the needs of our community and our businesses today and in the future. All the pieces are coming together and our efforts are being noticed."
Keeping Taxpayers in Mind
Port Coquitlam has kept taxpayers in mind throughout the project. Since construction costs spiked during and since the pandemic, the City has worked closely with the project team to achieve savings and efficiencies through material choices and project phasing.
The City has also maximized grants and external revenue sources, including Accumulated Surplus funds (largely resulting from provincial COVID-19 restart grants), the Province's Growing Communities Fund grant and funding from Government of Canada, TransLink and other external sources.
The total anticipated cost of the Civic Renewal projects total $11.85 million, however City taxpayers are funding about three per cent, or $360,000, over multiple years to spread out the impact.
Part of a Larger Vision for the Downtown
The vision for Port Coquitlam's downtown is for a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, safe and welcoming commercial and residential zone, with strategic redevelopment that retains the area's charm and heritage while supporting thriving businesses and attracting people to the downtown to live, shop, socialize and celebrate.
While private development is playing a role, the City has also gradually pursued ownership of select properties along McAllister Avenue, Shaughnessy Street and Elgin Avenue in order to ensure public control over how the downtown redevelops. This will also generate potential future revenue through leases and/or sales.
Over time, the City intends to consolidate several small parcels for future mixed commercial and residential redevelopment. There are no current timelines, given a variety of variables such as market timing, construction costs and overall downtown planning. The City does not see any future development on its properties occurring until at least 2026.
Information about downtown revitalization can be found 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]