Newly approved funding from Ottawa is coming to Coquitlam to help upgrade to the Lake Loop Trail in Town Centre Park.
Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, announced today, Oct. 24, that $750,000 from PacifiCan's Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) has been granted to the city to help refresh community spaces and stimulate local economy.
The announcement, made on behalf of Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will allow for upgrades in 700 lineal-metre loop trail around Lafarge Lake.
This includes widening and paving the pathway, updating lighting and landscaping, and installing benches to make the trail safer and more accessible, according to a news release.
McKinnon added the revitalized community park is also set to accommodate more visitors, special events and enhance the overall park experience.
"Coquitlam's Lake Loop Trail is a vibrant space for residents to connect and stay active," he said.
"Ensuring that Tri-City residents can live, work, and play in our community improves our quality of life and helps fuel local economies."'
Safe and inclusive public spaces are key to building vibrant communities, the release noted, bringing people of all ages and abilities together, attract new visitors, support local businesses and boost economic vitality.
The project's goal is to help Coquitlam communities and businesses welcome visitors "from near and far," improve residents' wellbeing, create jobs and grow the local economy.
"This investment in Coquitlam's Lake Loop Trail demonstrates how the Government of Canada is helping to boost economic development in communities across British Columbia," Sajjan explained in the same statement.
"Investing in shared public spaces brings communities together and will ensure that cities like Coquitlam thrive well into the future."
"Coquitlam values partners who help us provide the community access to green spaces," said Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart..
"Through this additional funding we will be able to continue to enhance accessibility at Town Centre Park so that visitors of various abilities are able to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment."
The CCRF, launched in summer 2021, has provided $500 million to Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure, making public spaces safer, greener and more accessible over the two years.
For more information, you can visit the Government of Canada's website.
