Volunteering

Volunteers are an essential part of the operation and culture of the City of Port Coquitlam. They provide much-needed support in recreational programming, emergency preparedness and community services, environmental programs, and much, much more. The City is proud of and grateful for the citizens who offer up their time and energy to make our City what it is!

Current Opportunities

The following volunteer opportunities are currently available:

Adopt-a-SPOT

Adopt a street, park or trail and help keep it clean and safe for the whole community by performing litter clean-up at least once a month and reporting any issues to the City. Clean-up supplies are provided, and volunteers will be recognized for their efforts with a sign installed in their area.

Visit the Adopt-a-SPOT webpage here for more information or click here to apply!

Swim Lessons

Assist in the delivery of high quality Red Cross Swim Lessons by providing instructional support, demonstrating skills, and helping children to achieve their learning goals. This is a great opportunity to practice your lifesaving skills and training while working towards a position as a lifeguard or swim instructor.

Requirements:

  • Must be 15 years of age or older
  • Patient, enthusiastic and safety-focused
  • Completion of Bronze Cross, Water Safety Instructor and Standard First Aid certifications

Apply now! Application deadline is March 25 for Spring programs.

Please note that some procedures have temporarily changed to ensure physical distancing. Volunteer interviews, orientations and training may be delivered over phone or video chat.

Want to be notified when additional opportunities become available? Fill out the application below to receive email updates when opportunities re-open to new applications.

Expression of Interest

Volunteer Expression of Interest
First
Last
Please note: The City of Port Coquitlam does not currently have any volunteer opportunities for youth under the age of 13, and has limited opportunities available for youth ages 13-15.
I am interested in volunteering with: *
Check all that apply.
I am interested in volunteering at:

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with the City of Port Coquitlam is a great way to gain hands-on experience in a variety of leadership roles while enhancing your community. Volunteering has numerous benefits and is a great way to achieve personal success.

Here are just a few examples of the benefits of volunteering:

  • A chance to better your community
  • Be a positive role model and leader
  • Develop new skills
  • Gain experience and knowledge
  • Gain and enhance your leadership skills
  • Explore career options
  • Get motivated and motivate others
  • Have a sense of achievement
  • Make new friends
  • Meet new people
  • Gain confidence
  • Share your talents and passions
  • Stay active physically and spiritually

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteers play an important part in building the spirit of our community. Volunteer Spotlight highlights volunteers who have made an incredible impact on our City programs and events.

Volunteer Spotlight: Michele Malmberg

by | May 16, 2022 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

Michele Malmberg has been a volunteer with the City of Port Coquitlam since 2008. She first started volunteering with the Emergency Preparedness Program after being inspired by her parents’ own volunteer work there. In 2014, she also joined the Adopt-a-SPOT program to...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Denis Sleightholme

by | February 1, 2022 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“Helping each other makes us stronger.” Denis Sleightholme’s mantra for life is “helping each other makes us stronger.” Part of the way he has decided to help people was to join the City of Port Coquitlam’s Emergency Preparedness (EP) team as a volunteer in 2015....
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Fran Laidlaw

by | October 5, 2021 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

Fran Laidlaw is a community-minded individual who has called Port Coquitlam home for the last 30+ years. During this time she has contributed to numerous community initiatives, inclusive of the RCMP’s victim services program and the City’s Bear Aware program. However,...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Lori Nick

by | March 30, 2021 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“I really like having a Little Free Library in my neighborhood because I can see the community using it… as much as I’ve given in volunteer time, I’ve gotten way more back.” Lori Nick come by her love of reading honestly. Both of her parents were readers,...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Ethan Jang

by | January 26, 2021 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“Every shift, we meet new people and learn something new. I’m always proud that I can contribute my time to keep our community safe and stay connected with our community members.” Ethan Jang started volunteering with the Port Coquitlam Community Police Station’s...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Caroline Sigrist

by | March 26, 2020 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“It’s good to be involved in the community and to meet new people.” Caroline Sigrist grew up in Ontario; her father had been transferred to British Columbia and after a few visits she knew she would like it here and decided to make the move herself. She has been...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Helen Mitchinson

by | February 28, 2020 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“If everyone stepped out of their house and picked up just one piece of litter, our community would be so much more beautiful.” Helen Mitchinson, a long time Port Coquitlam resident, has a weekly routine: she walks a two and a half kilometre stretch of Confederation...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Lucas Hotra

by | January 23, 2020 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

Lucas Hotra is a twenty-three year old Port Coquitlam resident and an active volunteer at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Lucas does an exceptional job organizing pool equipment and ensuring that the pool deck is clear and safe for participants. On top of volunteering,...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Melia Rokosh

by | December 17, 2019 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“I loved the way it made me feel so accomplished to know that I was making a difference in their lives” Melia, a grade 12 student at Riverside Secondary School, is passionate about staying active and helping others. When she’s not studying or volunteering, Melia...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Joan Gould

by | April 30, 2019 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“Volunteering can become a way of life; the rewards are precious and opportunities are limitless. The pure enjoyment I have walking into the rec complex every day, engaging with patrons, staff and fellow volunteers is what keeps me going.” Joan Gould has worn a number...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Jake Rogalski

by | March 26, 2019 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“My experience volunteering with youth has been very impactful… As someone who is looking to become a future educator for youth, it’s definitely been encouraging knowing that my passion is transparent; being a role-model and leader for these kids is an amazing...
Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Emma-Jane Richards

by | February 26, 2019 | Volunteer | 0 Comments

“I’ve learned a lot about myself while volunteering with PYC. I’ve gained a lot more confidence as a person; I’m no longer hesitant to voice my opinion on topics and experiences that matter to me.” Emma-Jane, a Grade 11 student at Terry Fox Secondary, has been an...
Read More

Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

Contact

Rob Loxterkamp
Port Coquitlam Volunteer Specialist
Phone: 604.927.7953
Email: volunteer@portcoquitlam.ca

Location and Mailing Address

Recreation Department
#200 – 2253 Leigh Square
Port Coquitlam, BC
V3C 3B8

8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)