Port Coquitlam has announced plans for upgrades at Gates Park to further contribute to its long standing role as a hub for community, recreation and sports activities. The vision is to create an intergenerational space that supports the City’s commitment to becoming a leader in sports, recreation, parks, and trails in British Columbia.
Developed in collaboration with local sports organizations, including Port Coquitlam FC (PoCo Soccer) and the PoCo Sport Alliance, the work will include:
- A multi-purpose synthetic turf field replacing an underutilized grass field with drainage issues,
- A new 500 seat spectator grandstand;
- New accessible changerooms,
- An updated park entrance and improvements to the northern plaza, including a refreshed pathway network,
- A upgraded access road from Reeve Street, leading to a parking area for cars and buses near the field,
- New field lighting, bleachers, score board and covered team benches
- Additional parking, with further spaces available at Riverside Secondary School.
The project will provide significant community benefits, including improved facilities, increased access for local sports groups, enhanced trail connections, public spaces for community and informal use, job creation, and economic opportunities through events and tournaments hosted at the new hub.
The project will be funded with approximately $9 million in provincial funding and the remaining from the City. The City will fund its share from accumulated surplus funds, with no impact to taxpayers.
The new planned upgrades being delivered have a Port Coquitlam focus and will meet the needs of our growing, local sports associations while also providing an enhanced experience for those who visit Gates Park to walk, meet friends and neighbours, and enjoy the park.
Community Benefits
- Enhances local recreation facilities with a new multipurpose turf field,
- Increases field time and amenities for local children, youth, adult and senior sport,
- Promotes greater participation in soccer, field lacrosse and other field sports within the community, and
- Provides modern playing and spectator facilities that support hosting a variety of local and regional events and tournaments.
- Creates jobs and economic opportunities related to the construction and operation of the new facilities,
Next Steps
Construction has begun and to be completed by Summer 2026. The City will continue to update the public as it moves through the project over the coming months in anticipation of construction.
Public access will continue along the park’s perimeter trail. The upcoming 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.
Protecting the Urban Forest
The City manages over 5000 trees in parks and boulevards throughout the community and countless trees in forested areas. Nearly 45% of the City’s tree canopy is on City-owned land.
The City is committed to protecting and expanding the community’s urban forest and currently working to develop an Urban Forest Plan to protect and grow the urban forest over the next 30 years.
An additional 32 trees will replace the 16 trees being removed along the pathways. Minimal impacts to the surrounding areas are expected during this work.
Updates will be provided as information becomes available here and the City’s social media channels. Comments and questions may be directed to [email protected].