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!
Please see our resources for New Volunteers below for more information or select the department you would like more information about.
Please see our resources for Active Volunteers below or visit myvolunteerpage.com to access your volunteer profile.
Volunteering with the City of Port Coquitlam is a great way to gain hands-on experience in a variety of leadership roles while bettering 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:
There are many volunteer opportunities available with the City of Port Coquitlam. Whether you’re interested in working with children, embracing the arts, organizing events or helping to keep your neighbourhood clean and safe, there’s sure to be something that will fit your interests and your lifestyle.
For opportunities, check out an area below that interests you:
Mission: Adults can enjoy a wide variety of Recreation programming. Daytime programming at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex is primarily targeted to adults 50 years of age or better.
Volunteers play a large role in our Adult Services’ day-to-day operation. From preparing and serving food at our kitchen program to helping with programs and providing services such as income tax preparation and blood pressure monitoring, they are an essential part of the community.
Facilities: Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: To provide accessible and enjoyable aquatic based activities, programs, and education to the community.
Facilities: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Outdoor Pools (Late June – Early September)
All Aquatics volunteers are required to be at least 15 years of age and to have current Water Safety Instructor certification. Volunteers are required to provide copies of their current certifications. Looking to become a lifeguard? Check out the How to Become an Aquatics Leader chart for a breakdown of the steps and requirements.
Q: I need to complete hours for my WSI certification – how do I sign up?
Volunteer hours required for WSI certification courses taken at Hyde Creek can be arranged with Aquatics staff without having to register as a volunteer. If you are taking WSI with another organization or municipality and would like to complete your hours through the City of Port Coquitlam, please contact Annali Haydamack for more information about how to arrange this.
Q: Can I volunteer with special events or other Aquatics opportunities that do not require lifeguarding skills?
Opportunities to volunteer with special events and other programs in the Aquatics area may be made available to volunteers in our Children Services and Special Events areas. These opportunities will be posted in the appropriate area on MyVolunteerPage accordingly.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: To produce quality, creative and fun programs for the whole community to enjoy. Our programs are aimed at bringing the community together and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of Port Coquitlam for children, youth, adults and seniors.
Facilities: The Outlet at Leigh Square, Leigh Square Community Arts Village
Q: Once assigned, where do volunteers meet on the day of the event or program?
All volunteers check in at The Outlet building at Leigh Square with their supervisor unless otherwise indicated.
Q: Are there any long term volunteer opportunities available?
Most of our volunteer opportunities are short term and event based. Volunteers are typically needed between 1-5 days depending on the program. There are some volunteer opportunities available for those truly motivated and interested in joining a planning committee (dependent on experience and qualifications). Please contact us to find out more.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: The Children’s Service Team’s Mission is to create unforgettable experiences for children, parents & families. We will do this by always greeting everyone with a great big smile and creating strong relationships with children, parents and each other. Our programs will always include unique, diverse, exciting opportunities that all can master and be filled with active, creative, and safe social environments promoting life-long friendships.
Facilities: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex
Q: How old do I have to be to work with children?
Volunteers must be 13 years of age to be involved in most volunteer opportunities. Some Children’s Day Camps volunteers must be at least 15 years of age. These programs will be note their additional requirements on MyVolunteerPage.
Q: What is High Five training? Where can I get it?
High Five is a program that teaches people interested in working with children ages 6-12 in a recreation setting about the principles of Healthy Childhood Development. We use the High Five principles and guidelines in all of our children’s programming, and this course is a requirement for all of our Children’s Recreation Leaders. It is also highly recommended for volunteers, especially if they are interested in a career in recreation or working with children. High Five is offered seasonally through the City of Port Coquitlam along with a variety of other program providers.
Check out the High Five training calendar for upcoming courses.
Q: Do I need to have my First Aid to volunteer?
No. First Aid is an asset, but it is not a requirement.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: To provide and assist individuals of all ages living with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy recreational opportunities throughout the City.
Facilities: All facilities where volunteers are needed.
Q: Why should I become a Leisure Buddy?
Do you enjoy taking part in recreation programs? If you’ve had a recreation experience that made a difference in your life, whether it was a summer camp or a sports program, you can understand why we want to make these programs accessible to people of all levels of ability. By becoming a Leisure Buddy, you can help those who are not able to attend a camp on their own by providing supervision, support and guidance.
Q: What are my responsibilities as a Leisure Buddy?
As a Leisure Buddy, you are there to provide one-on-one support to your buddy to help them participate in the program. While each individual is unique, this can often involve tasks such as helping them to focus on a task, encouraging them to participate in activities, providing additional instruction or reminders, and accompanying them out of the room if they are feeling over-stimulated. Leisure Buddies will never be responsible for providing personal care to participants, such as toileting, assisting with changing, or administering medications.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Volunteer for the PoCo Grand Prix on July 13, 2018!
Thousands of people will converge on Port Coquitlam on Friday, July 14 for the third annual PoCo Grand Prix – part of BC Superweek, Canada’s largest professional road cycling series.
Held in downtown Port Coquitlam, the criterium-style race will feature a mass start and a 1.3-kilometre circuit that approximately 200 top male and female cyclists will navigate for 40-65 laps.
The day will also include a kids’ race, Corporate Challenge races, live entertainment, a Kids’ Zone, beer garden, VIP tent and other activities.
Volunteer for the PoCo Grand Prix to be involved at the ground level in hosting this exciting event, and to help showcase Port Coquitlam!
Opportunities are available for people of all ages and abilities, in areas such as:
Rob Loxterkamp
Recreation Program Assistant – Volunteer Services
Tel: 604.927.7953
Email: loxterkampr@portcoquitlam.ca
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: Join the PoCo Youth Crew, a youth-led leadership team and work with peers to make positive change in your community. Develop your leadership and communication skills while creating and implementing programs and projects. Volunteer opportunities are available for youth 13 years of age and older.
Facilities: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre
Q: What kinds of things does the PoCo Youth Crew do?
The PoCo Youth Crew looks for ways to contribute positively to the community. Past projects have included assisting in special events, hosting the Tri-Cities Youth REACH Awards, and fundraising for a variety of initiatives.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: To create a community where active and healthy lifestyles are promoted and integrated into daily life. Our goal is to increase the awareness of daily physical activity, healthy living and participation in sports through the provision of programs, education and lasting partnerships.
Facilities: Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex
Q: Do I need to own skates to help out with skating programs?
No. Rentals will be provided to volunteers during volunteer shifts if they do not have their own skates.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Facilities: Parks and facilities across Port Coquitlam! Special Events run rain or shine.
Q: What kinds of Special Events can I help out with?
Port Coquitlam is host to a number of Special Events throughout the year, including traditional events such as May Day and Canada Day celebrations, as well as several events unique to Port Coquitlam, including the Rivers & Trails Festival. We have a variety of volunteer needs at each of these events!
Q: I am more interested in helping plan Special Events than participating in them. Is there an opportunity for me?
Yes there is! We are always happy to have new members join our committees and task forces. Planning Special Events can be a big job, and we welcome those with a variety of expertise and interests to help it happen!
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Mission: To provide a sense of community identity, spirit, pride and culture, by providing a fun, family-orientated and accessible-to-all festival or event.
Facilities: All across Port Coquitlam!
Q: What are my general responsibilities as a member of a Task Force?
As a member of a Task Force or Committee, you work alongside other community volunteers in planning a community festival or event. Depending on the role you take on, you may be responsible for contacting other individuals or groups to coordinate the successful running of your area. Please see the volunteer opportunity descriptions for Task Force members and Sub-committee members for more information.
Q: What is my time commitment?
We are looking for a minimum 1 year commitment, with a preference for a commitment of 2 years (2 program cycles) overall. Task Force members normally commit 9 months before an event takes place. During this time there are monthly meetings and members then work independently between meetings following up in their area of responsibility. Closer to the event, meetings may be more frequent (bi-weekly or weekly). In addition, Task Force members are asked to commit availability for the day(s) of the event/festival.
Q: Can I just volunteer to help the day of the event?
Yes! Please see our Special Events opportunities above for more information about volunteering with our Special Events in a non-Task Force capacity.
Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.
Please Note: Youth Services is not accepting volunteers at this time. For information about other volunteer opportunities involving working with youth, please contact Rob Loxterkamp at loxterkampr@portcoquitlam.ca. If you are a Youth looking to volunteer, check out the PoCo Youth Crew!
Mission: To create relationships with youth that is based on mutual trust and respect. Staff mentor participants and provide opportunities to recreate and take on leadership roles. This empowerment allows youth to acknowledge their own self-worth, and make positive decisions in their lives.
Facilities: Hyde Away Youth Activity Centre, Offside Youth Activity Centre
Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer with Youth Services?
Volunteers in Youth Services must be 19 years of age or older.
Q: I am attending a private or public post-secondary program in Child and Youth Care or Recreation Leadership – does Youth Services offer practicum opportunities?
Yes, we do! Youth Services has worked with a number of institutes, including Douglas College, MTI and Sprott-Shaw Community College to provide students with practical learning experiences. Please contact the Volunteer Supervisor for more information.
Curious about volunteering, but looking to learn more about what opportunities are available? Or ready to volunteer and just need to be shown the ropes? Check out our upcoming Volunteer Orientations.
Has volunteering made a positive impact on your life? Has it helped you make new friends, learn new skills, embrace a new passion, get a job or become a greater part of the community? If so, we want to hear from you. E-mail us at volunteer@portcoquiltam.ca or write us a letter at the address below. Your story could be featured on the City of Port Coquitlam website, in a Volunteer Services pamphlet, or in other City of Port Coquitlam publications.
At Port Coquitlam Recreation, we understand that Volunteering is one of the greatest things a person can do in their free time and we want to recognize your efforts and the impact they make. We hope that the difference volunteering has made in your life is something worth talking about – it just may inspire someone else to join!
Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret MeadDeanna Hall
Port Coquitlam Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 604.927.7906
Email: volunteer@portcoquitlam.ca
Recreation Department
#200 – 2253 Leigh Square
Port Coquitlam, BC
V3C 3B8
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)
