Port Coquitlam's efforts last year to build a successful, thriving future for the community are showcased in the City's 2023 Annual Report, now available online.
Entitled Celebrating Today, Taking Action for Tomorrow, the report reflects on the City's achievements of 2023, highlights its plans for the future, and includes audited financial statements as well as statistical data.
Annual Reports are a statutory requirement. The 2023 report is available for review and comment at portcoquitlam.ca/annualreport and will be considered at the June 28 Council meeting.
Port Coquitlam's public-friendly reports have won the Canadian Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for 18 years. The City will also submit the 2023 report for the GFOA award.
A Snapshot of the City's Work in 2023
The first part of the 2023 report's theme, Celebrating Today, speaks to Port Coquitlam's love of celebrating as a community, as well as the City's efforts to be a premier festival host, with more events as well as safe, functional public spaces for both festivals and day-to-day living.
The second part of the theme, Taking Action for Tomorrow, references the City's actions to meet the needs of residents today and in the future, summarized by the 2023-2026 Council Priorities described in the Annual Report. Underlying all City work is an ongoing focus on getting the basics right - the core municipal services the community relies on.
The report includes the following highlights, organized around the six Council Priorities:
Planning for a Livable, Fun and Vibrant City:
- Animated parks and public spaces with festivals that attracted thousands, including the 100th anniversary of May Days, Canada Day and Car Free Day.
- Welcomed the Trailblazers Pacific Junior Hockey League team as home team at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.
- Applied for $18 million in provincial and federal housing grants.
- Streamlined development and permit approvals with new digital submission software, and introduced an online portal for plumbing and sprinkling applications.
- Formed the City's first Accessibility Committee and adopted an Accessibility Action Plan.
- Provided $42,000 in recreational financial assistance to 1,220 residents and offered free swimming at all outdoor pools.
- Conducted community outreach and education on various public safety topics.
- Introduced a mobile response unit for people in mental health crisis.
Supporting a Thriving Local Economy:
- Made progress on revitalization of the downtown and Civic Centre, including reopening Veterans Park and starting construction on the Leigh Square upgrades.
- Partnered with Samz Pub and BC Hydro to open over 125 new parking spots downtown.
- Unveiled new design concepts for the planned Gates Park soccer and community hub.
- Supported businesses with the eighth annual PoCo Best Biz Awards, business markets at major community events, a food truck program, and shop local campaigns.
Managing City Finances and Assets Responsibly:
- Adopted the lowest municipal tax increase in Metro Vancouver.
- Secured $2 million in external grants and applied for $9.6 million in grants for infrastructure improvements.
- Conducted a City-wide pothole blitz filling 158 potholes, and two clean-up blitzes.
- Invested almost $28 million in maintaining and upgrading City assets, including roads, buildings, parks and other infrastructure.
Striving for Organizational Excellence:
- Supported City Council to adopt new priorities for 2023 to 2026.
- Received a record level of budget public engagement, with 1,446 survey responses.
- Ensured sustainable services by actively promoting City careers.
- Introduced a new public engagement platform for Let's Talk PoCo.
Improving Transportation and Mobility:
- Presented the draft Master Transportation Plan and related projects for public feedback.
- Continued to advocate for SkyTrain, including making a submission to TransLink.
- Invested in active transportation, including bus stop enhancements, multi-use paths, sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic calming.
- Continued to work with the City of Coquitlam on planning for the Fremont Corridor.
Enhancing Environmental Sustainability:
- Continued flood mitigation work and updated drainage system design criteria to address the impacts of climate change.
- Supported the community with resources to address climate change impacts such as extreme weather, wildfires and heat waves.
- Held a Golden Lawn contest to encourage water conservation.
- Held the City's first Car Free Day with education about zero-carbon travel options.
Public Review of ReportPort Coquitlam provides the public with a feedback opportunity for each year's Annual Report.
Residents may convey concerns, comments or questions about the report by 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 24 to Jeff Lovell, Director of Finance, at [email protected].
Citizens are also invited to watch the Council meeting when the report will be considered on June 28 at 6 p.m., at City Hall or online at portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeeting.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]