A major piece in the revitalization of Port Coquitlam’s downtown will reopen next month.
And a party to celebrate the update of Leigh Square — a gathering space next to city hall — will be held on Friday, April 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. to welcome the community to the modernized hub.
Started in 2023, the square update is part of an $11.85-million revisioning of the civic centre that also includes changes to McAllister Avenue, Donald Pathway and Veterans Park (in front of city hall) and follows the rebuild of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre that opened in late 2021.
According to a city news release, the new Leigh Square will include such features as:
- a stage facing city hall
- seating areas
- better lighting and clear sight lines
- accessible pathways and surfaces
- landscaping and a water feature
As well, a playground will also be installed in the future.
Coun. Dean Washington, the council liaison for downtown projects, said the Leigh Square update will be an economic driver as the space will host special events and bring the community together.
“Leigh Square is now a true community hub, designed to bring people together at all times,” added Mayor Brad West in the news release. “This revitalized space has many new, unique features and things to do, which will give residents more reasons to visit regularly. Not only will Leigh Square be able to host more community events, festivals, live music and performances, it also will be a great place to connect with our community any day of the week.”
The money for the downtown transformation came from the federal and provincial governments, TransLink and other external sources. The municipality also paid about $360,000.
As for the April 4 reopening of Leigh Square, the celebration will include live music, food vendors, family-friendly fun in The Outlet at 7 p.m. and a ribbon cutting at 8:30 p.m.
For more details about the downtown revitalization project, please visit portcoquitlam.ca/downtown.
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