A prominent square in downtown Port Coquitlam is about to be re-opened to the public.
After months behind construction fencing, a grand opening is planned for the $2.1-million Veterans Park project.
On Tuesday, June 27 at 12:30 p.m., the fencing will come down and a ribbon-cutting will be held to mark the completion of the square, part of the city’s civic centre renewal project.
Open to all, the event will include refreshments and games for attendees to enjoy the welcoming, safe and accessible new open space at the corner of Shaughnessy Street and McAllister Avenue.
“We invite everyone to drop by the ribbon-cutting event to experience this beautiful new gem in the heart of Port Coquitlam’s downtown,” stated Mayor Brad West in a press release.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Veterans Park come alive with visitors and residents as they stroll or wheel along the new accessible pathways, relax on the lawn and new seating, and take a moment to reflect at the cenotaph in its new central location. It’s a space that invites you in and encourages you to stay — a precursor to what we’re working to achieve throughout our iconic downtown.”
Construction began last November to bring an open concept design to Veterans Park, with safe and welcoming spaces for visitors and residents of all ages to enjoy.
The refreshed new design includes:
- A new entry plaza at the corner of Shaughnessy Street and McAllister Avenue
- Accessible pathways criss-crossing the park for improved pedestrian access
- Seating and open lawn spaces
- New lighting, trees and planting beds
- Clear, unobstructed sight lines through the park
- A prominent new location for the cenotaph in the central plaza
- A new sidewalk on Shaughnessy Street fronting the park
The renewal of Veterans Park is part of a broader transformation of the civic centre — which also includes Leigh Square and the Donald Pathway — as well as the recent streetscape upgrades on McAllister Avenue that are intended to spur the revitalization of Port Coquitlam’s downtown.
As for the next phase involving Leigh Square and the Donald Pathway, the city is completing an assessment of tenders and will be providing an update in July.
The project’s completion will mean that the annual Nov. 11 Remembrance Day ceremonies will be able to take place in the newly upgraded space.
Helping to pay for the park was a Canada Community Revitalization grant of $750,000.
For more information about the city’s downtown revitalization plans visit portcoquitlam.ca/downtown.
Note: The story originally stated that the park cost $1.3 million, but has been updated with new information.
