One of Port Coquitlam’s prettiest little parks is about to undergo a transformation into a multi-use plaza for gatherings and entertainment.
Changes at Leigh Square are expected to start in early August with construction fencing and demolition, according to the city.
Wilco Civil Inc. has been hired to do the project, part of $11.85 million in upgrades to the city’s downtown, which also includes recent improvements to Veterans Park and the Donald Pathway extension.
However, those used to having lunch in a quiet space in the shade next to the Leigh Square bandshell will have to find somewhere else to relax.
What’s staying, what’s going
Construction is expected to take a year and, when it’s complete, the area will be more open.
There will still be plenty of seating, a new interactive water feature will be installed and a new stage will be constructed next to city hall.
Still, the planned revamp will be a stunning change to the square, which was constructed in 2007.
The city has promised that no significant trees will be chopped down to make way for the space, however, some small trees, shrubs and flowers will be removed.
As well, the entrance sign, which includes a water feature, will be demolished, as well as the pool and fountains.
However, one of the signature pieces of Leigh Square is also coming down.
The bandshell — constructed when Leigh Square was built 16 years ago — has to go.
“Due to the type of structure of the bandshell It will not be repurposed,” Joshua Frederick, the city’s director of engineering and public works told the Tri-City News in a statement.
Visitors to the square told the Tri-City News on a recent visit that they weren’t concerned about the changes.
“It will probably make it more usable,” said one of the visitors, as they ate lunch sitting on one of the benches in the shade.
One important memento from the brick-sided bandshell will be kept.
The plaques acknowledging all the donors and contributors will be saved and kept in a safe place.
As well, the Pride artwork will be removed and relocated to a future area yet to be determined.
Where the money is coming from
Money to pay for the upgrades comes from Accumulated Surplus funds (mostly from provincial COVID-19 restart grants), along with the province’s recent Growing Communities Fund grant of $3.32 million.
Federal, TransLink and other external sources funded the remaining, leaving only approximately $360,000 that was funded from city taxpayers.
What’s happening with Elk’s Hall
Meanwhile, downtown PoCo residents can expect some changes in the future to the Elk’s Hall property, which the city has sold.
The developer (Shaughnessy Wilson Properties) has expressed interest in developing commercial business space for ground floor medical/commercial uses with residential condos above as well as patio spaces for a restaurant and possibly a coffee shop.
In a statement, city CAO Rob Bremner said the developer submitted rezoning and development permit applications in October, 2022.
Staff have provided comments on the applications and are awaiting resubmission.
“Staff have advised the applicant to undertake community consultation, such as an open house and once they addressed staff’s comments, only then can the application proceed to committee,” Bremner confirmed.
Find out more about the city’s plans on its website.
