Finishing touches are under way on a $132-million community centre in Port Coquitlam that will provide local residents with sports, leisure and recreation activities into the next decade and beyond.
On Saturday, Oct. 2, the city is planning a grand opening for the 205,000 sq-ft. (19,000 sq-m.) Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) located at the crossroads of Kingsway, Wilson and Kelly Avenues and Mary Hill Road in the downtown core.
“It’s been amazing to watch this space gradually transform over the past four years into a gorgeous facility with the amenities our community needs now and in the future,” Mayor Brad West stated in the news release.
“We’ve delivered this ambitious project on time and within budget — even with the challenges of the [COVID-19] pandemic — and that’s definitely worth celebrating. We’re determined to hold this grand opening safely and in compliance with all protocols, but we’re also going to do everything we can to create the atmosphere and experience of the festivals PoCo is known for.”
One of the city’s largest-ever capital projects, the PCCC is set to be substantially completed by mid-September after four years of construction.
It was built over two phases: the first of which included two ice arenas, a leisure pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, library, Wilson Lounge and kitchen, games room, multipurpose rooms, offices, reception, concession and leisure pool.
Unfortunately, public use of facility has been curtailed due to the pandemic.
The second phase — which completes the project — includes the long-awaited landscaping to the west of the building and 425 underground parking spots, third arena, gym, preschool and playgrounds.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE GRAND OPENING
More details about the grand opening will roll out over September, and will be in line with the latest provincial health orders, but residents can expect:
- Activities starting at noon including a ribbon cutting, activities for all ages, free fitness classes and other try-it activities, roving performers and more
- Live music from 1 to 6:30 p.m. on the outdoor main stage with headliner Daniel Wesley along with children’s performers Rick Scott and Nico Rhodes, country artist Shylo Sharity and R&B artist Krystle Dos Santos
- Outdoor, site-wide liquor licence with on-site food trucks and local breweries and distilleries
- Free swimming, skating and access to all site amenities including the water park, playgrounds, fitness centre, gym, community garden and more
- Exhibits, displays and a community group showcase
- Free cake and light refreshments in Wilson Centre
- A scavenger hunt and opportunities to win prizes, including individual drop-in passes and five family one-year One City passes
- Ample underground parking
More information will be posted on the city of Port Coquitlam's website as plans are confirmed.
Meanwhile, volunteers are sought for set-up, tear-down and other support on Oct. 2. Those interested are encouraged to apply.
FAST FACTS
Phase 1 of construction wrapped up in spring 2020 and included two ice arenas, a leisure pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, library, Wilson Lounge and kitchen, games room, multipurpose rooms, offices, reception, concession and leisure pool.
Phase 2 just wrapping up now includes:
- A third arena with seating for 790
- Gymnasium
- Playrooms for City Preschool and childminding
- Multipurpose space including the large Mabbett Hall
- Washrooms and change-rooms including universal and accessible options
- Underground parking with 425 spots and a pick-up/drop-off area
- Leased space for a future café and active rehab/physiotherapy
- North-side plaza and main entrance at Wilson Avenue and Mary Hill Road
- South-side concourse with seating, lawn, multi-use sport courts, a spray park, playgrounds, walking path, outdoor fitness equipment, community gardens and an outdoor spray park connected to the leisure pool
PHASED OPENING DETAILS
In the lead-up to the event, amenities will gradually open as the city transitions back staff and confirms plans to implement the new Provincial Health Orders, including the vaccination requirement for indoor social and recreational activities starting Sept. 13.
Information will be provided to the public in the days to come.
Opening plans include:
- Drop-in public skating and fitness centre: now open
- Leisure pool: gradual re-opening starting mid-Sept.
- Mabbett Room (large multi-purpose room): Oct. 2
- Other multi-purpose rooms: Oct. 2
- Underground parking: Oct. 2 – maximum three hours for facility users (enforced)
- Gymnasium: Oct. 2
- Childminding and City Preschool: Oct. 2
Visit portcoquitlam.ca/restart and portcoquitlam.ca/pccc for updates.
