Stories from Tri-City News headlines of decades past will be a recurring feature as the publication marks its 40th anniversary in 2024.
Pool halls were all the rage 30 years ago.
Except in Port Coquitlam.
Local resident John Liston and his son Jim wanted to open a 10-table centre and coffee shop on Coast Meridian Road. But the city's mayor wasn’t so keen.
Len Traboulay said he didn’t have a good impression of such establishments.
“I must say, my experience has not been good,” he told the Tri-City News, adding he would be willing to meet with the Liston's to see if they could change his mind.
John Liston said the centre would be family-friendly and any troublemakers would be dealt with by his son.
“My son and his friends grew up here in PoCo, they played soccer and other sports,” he said. “They’re well-known, not as tough — but not as weak.”
Rick Lavallee, the manager of Plateau Billiards in Coquitlam, said plenty of families frequent his establishment. He said he’s quick to deal with potential problems.
“We watch the crowd,” he said. “People aren’t allowed unless they behave and follow house rules. You won’t find any drug deals in the corner.”
The Tri-City News has covered civic affairs, local crime, festivals, events, personalities, sports and arts in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody since 1983. Bound back issues of the paper are available at the Coquitlam Archives, while digital versions of several past years can be found at issuu.com.
