PORT COQUITLAM, BC - July 5, 2023... Construction fencing will go up around Leigh Square at the end of July in preparation for the next stage of Port Coquitlam's Downtown Revitalization Civic Centre renewal.
The City plans to break ground in August on a major update of the Leigh Square plaza and celebration space, including an open and accessible design, extension of Donald Pathway, new performance area, lighting, seating and other features. The improvements, which will take about a year to complete, build on other City upgrades that support the broader revitalization of Port Coquitlam's iconic downtown, including the refurbished Veterans Park, updated McAllister Avenue streetscape and new Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC).
"It's exciting to see tangible progress on this project, which builds on the work we've been doing to support livability and economic development in our downtown," Mayor Brad West said. "Throughout our Civic Centre upgrades, we're remaining true to our vision of the downtown as a safe, welcoming and thriving hub that attracts visitors and residents. Others are investing in our vision as well, with new housing construction and growing interest from businesses in the downtown and Port Coquitlam as a whole. As we see our vision through, we'll continue to make decisions that protect our taxpayers while delivering the downtown improvements the community has been calling for."
Bringing New Life to Leigh Square
Leigh Square has been the setting for hundreds of celebrations and events over the years since it was last updated in 2007. However, this large public space in the heart of the downtown has largely been underutilized between events.
The updates rolling out over the coming year will bring life and energy to the space 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.
"We're planning to unleash the untapped potential of Leigh Square with these improvements," said Cllr. Dean Washington, Council's designate for downtown matters. "Tied in with the recent upgrades to Veterans Park, the transformation of Leigh Square will provide important public amenities while supporting local businesses by encouraging people to stop and stay a while in our downtown."
Protecting Taxpayers
During and since the pandemic, all construction projects have been affected by inflation, labour and supply chain issues, causing costs to spike. The City has been working to shield taxpayers from these impacts, including closely assessing all project elements and materials, working with contractors to achieve cost savings, and evaluating project timing to gain construction efficiencies.
The total cost of these important projects totals $11.85 million, however the cost to city taxpayers is significantly less.
To fund these projects, the City was able to take advantage of a number of grant and external revenue sources to ensure minimal impact to taxpayers. Accumulated Surplus funds (largely resulting from provincial COVID-19 restart grants), along with the Province's recent Growing Communities Fund grant were the largest sources for the projects. Federal, Translink and other external sources funded the remaining, leaving only approximately $360,000 that was funded from City tax payers.
Construction Impacts
While Leigh Square is under construction, the City will continue to host events nearby at Terry Fox Hometown Square next to PCCC off Mary Hill Road and Kelly Avenue.
The City will soon begin working with area businesses, residents and event organizers to identify and mitigate impacts from the construction project, including access and parking.
Details will be provided to those who live, work and visit downtown prior to the start of construction, and regular communications will take place throughout the project. As with all construction, the work will cause some noise and other disruptions, but the City is committed to working closely with the contractor to minimize impacts as much as possible.
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]