Maillardville is one step closer to getting a new recreation facility.
Coquitlam council unanimously approved moving forward with plans to construct a new Place Maillardville Community Centre, which will be built on vacant land next to the existing Cartier Avenue building. While a detailed budget has yet to be put forward, the city has earmarked $22 million for the project.
“This is a project the residents of the Maillardville area and certainly the rest of Coquitlam have been waiting for for many years,” said Coun. Craig Hodge. “It will certainly fill a need in the neighbourhood.”
When it is complete, the 22,000 sq. ft. facility is expected to include multi-purpose spaces, a lounge for seniors and youth, a teaching kitchen and meeting rooms. There will also be child-minding space, offices, underground parking, an outdoor plaza next to Laval Square and a new gymnasium.
Because the new Place Maillardville will be built on vacant land next to the old building, staff said programs could continue while construction takes place. The current Place Maillardville is 39 years old and accommodates up to 10,000 visitors a year.
Work on the new building will begin next year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
In 2009, council earmarked Place Maillardville’s replacement, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the project was made an “A” priority. Since then, city staff have undertaken a geotechnical review, bought surrounding lots and conducted other studies while consulting with stakeholders.
