Interested in learning more about Port Coquitlam? The 2024 Annual Report, now available online, showcases the City’s progress last year addressing community priorities and preparing for the future.
Entitled Practical Solutions for a Growing City, the Annual Report is a synopsis of the City’s achievements of 2024 and plans for 2025. Audited financial statements as well as statistical data are also included.
Annual Reports are a statutory requirement. The 2024 report is available for review and comment at portcoquitlam.ca/annualreport and will be considered at the June 24 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 19 years. The City will also submit the 2024 report for the GFOA award.
Highlights of the City’s Work in 2024
The theme of the 2024 report is a reflection of the City’s successful approach, which focuses on core services and practical solutions to deliver what the community requires to thrive today and in the future.
The report includes the following highlights, organized around the six 2023-2026 Council Priorities:
Planning for a Livable, Fun and Vibrant City:
- Approved 779 net new housing units, a record for the City.
- Introduced technology and streamlined processes to increase housing approval efficiency.
- Saw a record 583 new licensed child care spaces in the community.
- Held a public naming contest and completed the first phase of the PoCo Climb, a challenging loop trail in the Mary Hill area.
- Advanced plans for a new multi-use sport covered facility in north Port Coquitlam.
- Began construction of the Gates Park soccer hub, including a new turf field, grandstand, washrooms and other upgrades.
- Created an event resource guide to support the development and hosting of great events.
- Supported over 1,500 residents through the Financial Assistance Program and provided $53,000 in subsidies, up 28 per cent from 2023.
- Increased presence of community safety officers with more patrols in key areas.
Supporting a Thriving Local Economy:
- Continued the upward trend for business licences, with 4,420 in 2024 compared to 4,265 in 2023.
- Approved 500,000 square feet of new industrial/commercial space.
- Continued downtown revitalization efforts with continuing reconstruction of Leigh Square and extension of Donald Pathway.
- Added 250 new parking stalls downtown and adjusted street parking limits to free up more parking for shopping and visitors.
- Launched Biz News e-newsletter for local businesses.
Managing City Finances and Assets Responsibly:
- Adopted the lowest municipal tax increase in Metro Vancouver.
- Conducted successful blitzes to fill potholes, clean up litter and graffiti, and clear unsightly weeds and vegetation.
- Received $9.6 million in federal funding for key flood mitigation upgrades at the Cedar Creek and Maple Creek pump stations.
- Developed a formal corporate sponsorship program to offset event and program costs.
- Enhanced management of City-owned lands with dedicated resources and planning.
Striving for Organizational Excellence:
- Supported City Council to adopt new priorities for 2023 to 2026.
- For the second year, received a record level of budget public engagement, with 1,524 survey responses.
- Began implementation of asset management plans.
- Continued to seek public advice and guidance through the Mayor’s Citizen Advisory Roundtable, Community Mosaic Roundtable and Cultural Roundtable.
Improving Transportation and Mobility:
- Adopted and began implementation of the Master Transportation Plan.
- Began enhancements to Kingsway Avenue including a multi-use pathway connecting the PoCo Trail to Port Coquitlam Community Centre and downtown.
- Continued to invest in active transportation and safety to support walking, cycling transit and e-mobility.
Enhancing Environmental Sustainability:
- Planned for the introduction of curbside glass recycling in 2025.
- Conducted 16,196 waste cart compliance audits to reduce contamination.
- Signed up almost 300 participants in the annual City-wide Garage Sale promoting reuse of usable items.
- Transitioned large-item pickup from pilot to ongoing program.
- Began feasibility study for a district energy network along the Kingsway Avenue industrial corridor.
Public Review of Report
Port 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. Monday, June 23 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 24 at 6 p.m., at City Hall or online at portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeeting.
###
