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.

Please note: We are not accepting volunteer applications for the Adult & Senior Services (Wilson Centre) area at this time. We look forward to exploring volunteer opportunities in our Adult & Senior Services area as we transition into the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre later this year.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Swim Lesson Volunteer
• 
Masters / Triathlon Coach

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Event Volunteer
• Children’s Camp Leader

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Afterschool Programs
• Beyond the Bell
• Children’s Day Camps
• Children’s Pro D Day Camps
• Preschool Programs
• Swim, Play, Pizza
• Swimming Support

Frequently Asked Questions:

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: Promote community-based programs, crime prevention education, and extend police services. Volunteer hours and programs vary depending on interest and season.

Volunteers play a large role throughout the city and RCMP. The roles vary from being extra eyes and ears for the police through foot or bike patrols, providing community information and administrative supporting in the office, reporting distracted drivers through our Cell Watch program, dressing up as the community mascot and much more! This is a great way to learn about the community, make new friends, and find a great group of people to be around.

Facilities: Port Coquitlam Community Police Stations (Mary Hill Rd. & Coast Meridian Rd.)

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Bike Patrol
• Foot Patrol
• Cell Watch
• Special Event Volunteer
• Community Police Office

Click here for more information and to apply to volunteer.

Mission: To assist our community in preparation of a large scale disaster.

Emergency Support Services volunteers are ambassadors of the community and assist in preparing others on how to respond to different emergency and disaster scenarios.  Volunteers will learn through training how to respond to support others in the community when an emergency or disaster occurs.  This includes the ability to set up a reception centre where displaced residents can be provided with basic services to educating the public on their individual roles in a disaster.

Our group is a leader amongst other communities in the region and is an integral part of a fulsome emergency management program.

Facilities: Port Coquitlam Fire Halls (1725 Broadway Street & 3196 Toronto Street)

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Assist fellow residents in times of despair
• Public Engagement and Awareness
• Facilitation of FREE Emergency Preparedness courses
• Committees and Planning Groups

Click here for more information 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.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Leisure Buddy

Frequently Asked Questions:

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 12, 2019!

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:

• Athlete Accommodation
• Racecourse Fencing and Signage
• Course Marshaling
• Traffic and Parking Control
• Event Setup and Takedown
• Spectator Engagement / Fundraising
• PoCo Grand Prix Expo (Trade Show)
• And other areas

For more information about volunteering with the PoCo Grand Prix, please contact:

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

Volunteer Opportunities:

• PoCo Youth Crew

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Learn to Skate / Learn to Play Hockey Program (September – March)
• Skate Lesson Host (September – March)
• Special Event Skate Support (September – March)
• Little Sprockets Bike Program (April – August)
• Trail Blazers Bike Program (April – August)
• Multisport Camp (Spring Break and Summer)

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

Q: Do I need to be a confident skater to volunteer with skating programs?

Not necessarily. Volunteers who wish to volunteer as a Learn to Skate Instructors Assistant must have at least an intermediate skating proficiency (the ability to skate forwards and backwards with good control and balance, and come to a controlled stop). However, volunteers with less skating experience can help participants in the lobby as a Skate Lesson Host (directing participants to their lesson area and helping to get skates and helmets secured correctly) or as Special Event Skate Support, leading crafts and other activities for the public during special public 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.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Arts and Crafts
• Event/Activity Planner
• General Special Events Volunteer
• Merchandise Sales
• Stage Hand

Frequently Asked Questions:

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!

Task Forces Include:

• May Day Task Force
• Canada Day Task Force
• Rivers & Trails Festival Task Force
• Committees based on other events

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Task Force Committee Member
• Sub-Committee Member

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

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

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Youth-led Basketball Program
• Youth Afterschool Programs

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer with Youth Services?

Volunteers in Youth Services must be 16 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.

Click here to view more opportunities and to apply to volunteer.