Port Coquitlam will be buzzing with several events scheduled for next weekend.
And the city's mayor claims they'll mean much more than just more opportunities for local residents and families to enjoy the community.
All will be highlighted by the McAllister Avenue street party, which is set to celebrate the completion of the thoroughfare's $4.3-million upgrade.
Mayor Brad West believes the new streetscape symbolizes the future of PoCo's downtown core.
"We're excited to invite everyone to join us downtown for a fun family-friendly street party recognizing the completion of the McAllister Avenue improvements," said West, noting the new features are the first of the city's downtown revitalization plan to come to fruition.
"This is a major step toward achieving our vision for the downtown, and will set the tone for many other improvements that will transform the Civic Centre over the next two years. It's a milestone we want to celebrate hand-in-hand with our community."
McAllister Avenue is a one-way eastbound stretch from Maple Street that connects with Mary Hill Road.
Upgrades, which were officially completed at the end of February, included were a fresh new street-level black top and angled parking on the north side, as well as planters and bollards.
According to the city, the new features are set to make hosting festivals, like the upcoming street party, smoother and easier for live entertainment and food vendors.
"The modern streetscape was designed to emphasize safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists, and also features a sustainable drainage system that directs rainwater toward street trees," the city adds in a statement.
As well, improvements are coming soon to include a 2,500 sq-ft. plaza alongside the Donald Pathway extension next to The Met housing-commercial project by Quarry Rock Developments.
Street party
The McAllister Avenue street party is set to take place Sept. 10 from 1 to 7 p.m.
Included in the event's plans are community displays, a food and beer garden, family-oriented activities and free live entertainment on the main stage from Brad Lovell, Michaela Slinger and Side One.
As a result, the one-way will be closed to traffic between Shaughnessy Street and Mary Hill Road.
For more information, you can visit the City of Port Coquitlam's website.
Other events slated for next weekend in PoCo include:
- Moon Festival in Leigh Square
- Sept. 10 = 1 to 6 p.m.
- Firefighters vs. RCMP charity hockey game
- Sept. 10 = 3 p.m. at Port Coquitlam Community Centre
- WHL preseason game between Prince George Cougars and Victoria Royals
- Sept. 10 = 7 p.m. at Port Coquitlam Community Centre
