COQUITLAM, B.C., May 16, 2023 – Coquitlam continues to invest in community amenities for public enjoyment and has approved the final design and building of a new outdoor plaza at the Maillardville Community Centre.
With the new 2,000 square metre (22,000 square foot) community centre now fully operational, and demolition complete on the old facility, construction can move ahead for the outdoor space.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2023 and will be complete later in the year. Funding for this project is from the City’s Density Bonus Reserve, ensuring that amenities required to support the growing community are provided through non-tax revenue.
Flexible Outdoor Space to Complement Indoor Activities
When complete, the 0.18 hectare (0.44 acre) plaza will provide flexible outdoor play and gathering space in the heart of the Maillardville neighbourhood that also complements the indoor activities at the Community Centre.
The space has been designed to serve community centre visitors, future residents of the non-market seniors’ housing being designed for the east end of the site, as well as the social and recreational needs of the neighbourhood around the facility.
The plaza design includes many of the features that the community identified through public engagement in 2019:
- Tiered seating for social connections and small gatherings, transforming a sloped portion of the site into social space.
- Creative play area for children through climbable rubber surfacing and a slide.
- Cultural and historic connection through a direct physical link to Laval Square, as well as timber seating elements to reference the milling and logging history of the neighbourhood, and garden elements that reflect the rich cultural history of the area.
- A social plaza with movable furniture, shade elements, court games and timber elements that could provide seating and/or a stage for small events or performances.
- An open lawn area that can be used for picnics or other outdoor recreation activities.
- A future mural across the existing retaining wall at the north end of the plaza that reflects the neighbourhood’s history.
The plans also include improved lighting, electrical receptacles, enhanced plantings and parking.
Updates and information, including renderings of the new space, are available at coquitlam.ca/mcc.
About Maillardville Community Centre
The new Maillardville Community Centre (MCC), located at 1200 Cartier Ave., offers a diverse range of drop-in sessions, classes and programs that cater to all ages and interests.
The new 22,000 square foot facility doubles the size of the previous community centre and features the City's first dedicated gymnasium, children’s program area with large covered outdoor space, multipurpose rooms, sprung-floor active studio and much more. Sports drop-ins, fitness classes, cooking classes, social activities, birthday parties and other educational programs are all available at MCC. Underground parking is available behind MCC off of Proulx Lane, making it easy and convenient to visit. Learn more, register or find a drop-in program at coquitlam.ca/mcc.
Coquitlam’s Summer Child and Youth Pass
Kids and teens up to age 18 can look forward to a summer of fun for one low price with Coquitlam’s Summer Child & Youth Pass, on sale starting May 23. An annual favourite, the 2023 pass will provide unlimited access to drop-in activities at Coquitlam’s pools and recreation centres – including Maillardville Community Centre – from June 16 to Sept. 4, all for $25 including taxes. For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/SummerPass.
Financial Assistance Available for Recreation
It is now easier than ever to access financial support for Coquitlam’s recreation services. The City’s Financial Assistance for Recreation program is more user-friendly with a much simpler application process and income verification, and more flexibility than ever. Each year, qualifying Coquitlam residents will receive 50 free drop-in visits plus a $225 credit they can use for an expanded range of admissions, passes, programs, lessons, exam fees, supplies, rentals and more. For details or to register online, visit coquitlam.ca/FinancialAssistanceRec.
Stay Informed on Coquitlam Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities
To stay up to date on Coquitlam Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities news:
- Subscribe to the PRC E-news Newsletter at coquitlam.ca/enews to receive bi-weekly updates delivered right to your inbox
- Check out the weekly City Page on page 6 of the Tri-City News or at coquitlam.ca/connect
- Follow @cityofcoquitlam on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
- Download the free CoquitlamConnect app from the App Store or Google Play, or through the links at coquitlam.ca/coquitlamconnect
Media contact:
Ted Uhrich
Manager of Recreation and Culture Facilities Planning
604-927-6710
tuhrich@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.