The City is upgrading drainage to protect neighbourhoods in north Port Coquitlam, including Cedar Creek Pump Station.
- Status: Tendering
- Construction: Summer 2026 to Summer 2027
- Funding: 2026 Capital Plan
- Locations: Cedar Drive near Chelsea Avenue
What is happening
Renewing a key part of the drainage network
The City of Port Coquitlam is upgrading the Cedar Creek Pump Station near the northeast end of the city. The pump station is located within the existing dike system at Cedar Drive, immediately upstream of the confluence with Hyde Creek. The pump station and flood box are designed to protect a large upstream community of homes, businesses, schools, and other developments from flooding by pumping water downstream during high water level conditions. Water from the station flows into Hyde Creek, then into DeBoville Slough and ultimately the Pitt River.
Proposed upgrades to the pump station will include replacing the existing submersible pump with two fish friendly axial-flow propeller pumps and related infrastructure, upgrades to the electrical system, install of a backup generator and seismic upgrades.
Why it matters
To meet current and future needs
The existing pump station was build in the 1970s. The station does not currently have provisions for safe fish passage and requires upgrades to provide additional capacity for increased flows during significant rain events.
Channel upgrades and diversion (future works)
While a hydraulic analysis of the Cedar Creek and pump station system was being completed, it became clear that an upgraded pump station on its own would not be enough to handle heavy rainfall and support future growth. In addition to upgrades to the pump station, upgrades to the Cedar Creek channel would be required to further strengthen flood protection, support future growth, and enhance environmental outcomes.
To do this, it is envisioned that a new diversion system near Fraser Avenue will redirect high water flows underground during major storms, while everyday flows stay in the creek.
Together, the new pump station and the creek and diversion upgrades will help keep water levels safe and protect the community.
Community benefits
- Flood protection: The upgrades will manage high water flows so the creek stays within its banks during major storms. This helps prevent flooding in surrounding neighbourhoods and reduces risk to the most vulnerable areas.
- Room to grow: With more capacity, the drainage system can support new and planned homes, including townhomes and apartments, that are essential to meeting the community’s future housing needs.
- Stronger community assets: The upgrades help protect important places and routes, including three elementary schools, one middle school, and Cedar Drive, a key road that connects to nearby neighbourhoods.
- Healthier creek: A modern, fish-friendly axial-flow propeller pump combined with creek improvements allows safe fish passage, even during heavy rain, supporting a healthy creek alongside better flood protection.
The Cedar Creek Channel Upgrades and Diversion system are planned as part of a future project.
Project Status
The pump station is in the tender phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026.
Project Renderings
Funding
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. This project is a shared investment in the community. Investing in core infrastructure like this helps keep the community safe and resilient for years to come.
