What kind of programming could be available to residents that plan to utilize the new Place Maillardville Community Centre (PMCC)?
Coquitlam is set to host a pair of workshops later this month — both in-person and online — as city staff say they're hoping to ensure the $25-million facility can be as welcoming as possible.
In a release today (May 17), city community recreation and culture services manager Jennifer Keefe says the 22,000 sq-ft. building is set to be a new cornerstone of Maillardville when it's scheduled to open this fall.
"[It] presents an opportunity to reflect the historical significance of the neighbourhood in a modern facility. The city is collaborating with the Coquitlam Heritage Society (CHS) in planning a large-format graphic display for the lobby including a mural of images from the City of Coquitlam Archives.
"The new Community Centre will respond to changing neighbourhood needs while also honouring Maillardville’s history."
The previous Place Maillardville (1200 Cartier Ave.) was 40 years old and was run by the Société Place Maillardville Society (SPMS).
The city's current plan shows demolition of the old building in early 2023.
In a statement to the Tri-City News on March 9, SPMS president Bill Boons said he's looking forward to seeing the PMCC become a reality later this year.
"While we are disappointed with the decision of the city to take over the operations of the new facility, the society remains committed to finding ways to continue delivering important and popular programs to this community, many of which we deliver off-site in a variety of locations."
Boons added the society is set to continue to work closely with the City of Coquitlam "to ensure a smooth transition and a continuity of programming that reflects the variety and scope that have been delivered by the society for many years."
Coquitlam is set to take over the operations in an effort to ramp up access to several forms of programming in the French-Canadian neighbourhood, potentially including:
- Teaching kitchen
- Multicultural cooking programs, nutritional education, family picnics and youth socials on Friday nights
- Flex space
- Social activity space for seniors during the day and for youth in the afternoon or evening
- Dedicated gymnasium
- Drop-in sports (basketball, pickleball, badminton, etc.), large fitness classes, children’s sports and active play, family time and rental opportunities for community groups
- Active studio fitness space
- Group fitness classes for all ages, dance, yoga and tai chi
- Children’s area
- Children’s focused activities such as French and English play-and-learns, camps and family drop-in opportunities
As well, Coquitlam residents will be able to use the city’s ONE PASS card at the renovated centre and sign up for programs via the city’s website.
According to the 2021 census, the Maillardville neighbourhood — once the largest Francophone community in western Canada because of the Fraser Mills sawmill — is now made up of residents whose first language is English, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese or Tagalog.
The PMCC public workshops are set to ensure the facility's efficiency in delivering the programs in demand from the community.
The sessions are as follows, and more information can be found on Let's Talk Coquitlam:
- Virtual
- May 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
- In-person
- May 28, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- Dogwood Pavilion (1655 Winslow Ave.)
- Free, supervised activities for kids will be offered for parents in need of childminding
- with files from Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News
