Coquitlam ’proud’ of mass vaccination clinic at sites it offered for free

The city of Coquitlam is waiving its fees for Fraser Health to rent two public facilities for COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

But the deputy city manager said it’s not known how much the free use of the Poirier Forum and Centennial Pavilion will cost the municipality, until the immunizations are complete later this year.

Monday, deputy city manager Raul Allueva told council-in-committee that city hall is “proud” for partnering with the health authority to roll out the biggest vaccination program in the province’s history.

Under Phase 2, Fraser Health hopes to administer 9,000 doses per day in the region it serves — which includes the Tri-Cities — and, under Phase 3, about 23,000 doses daily.

The Coquitlam sites opened March 29, nearly a year after the state of emergency was declared by the province; the two locations were coordinated by Fire Chief Jim Ogloff, on behalf of the municipality.

“This is the largest vaccination program in the province, and we’re certainly proud to be a part of that,” Allueva said, noting the health agency is “largely autonomous” with its clinic operations.

In his report, Allueva also wrote, “It is premature to calculate the financial implications of this important public service until the ongoing work of reallocating facility space for impacted user groups and programs is complete, and until the full scope of logistics support for FHA is settled. Staff will report back to committee when these details and the net financial implications, if any, are known.”

Still, under its agreement with Fraser Health, the city will be reimbursed for operating and maintenance expenses such as utilities, non-biohazard waste removal and alarm monitoring fees as well as any labour.

Ogloff said some municipalities don’t have vaccination sites because they weren’t willing to give up their civic buildings without a charge.

Meanwhile, Allueva said the city has received positive comments, in general, about the mass vaccination clinics and support workers (furloughed Air Canada staff are also assisting with the program in Coquitlam).

Coun. Trish Mandewo, committee chair, said she’s also heard praise from the community about the efficient service.

Still, she said some residents are confused about the location: the Poirier Forum, at 618 Poirier Ave., has a white fabric roof while The Tennis Centre, located nearby at 1650 Foster Ave., has a similar appearance.