Coquitlam’s Sensory-Friendly Skates at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (PSLC) offer a calm and welcoming experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities and anyone seeking a quieter, more relaxed skate.
COQUITLAM, B.C., November 20, 2024 – Coquitlam’s Sensory-Friendly Skates at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (PSLC) offer a calm and welcoming experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities and anyone seeking a quieter, more relaxed skate.
Following a successful fall pilot, Coquitlam is excited to carry Sensory-Friendly Skates into the winter season, reinforcing the City’s commitment to accessible and inclusive recreation that meets the diverse needs of residents. This program provides an opportunity for those who may prefer low-sensory environments to participate in community recreation and aligns with Coquitlam’s dedication to accessibility, equity, and building an inclusive, supportive community.
With softened lighting, no music, and arena buzzers turned off, these monthly skates allow individuals and families to enjoy the ice at their own pace. To maintain a sensory-friendly, calm atmosphere, attendance is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged through SignMeUp. Regular drop in rates apply.
For upcoming dates and more details, visit our Recreation Inclusion page.
Access and Inclusion in Coquitlam Recreation
Coquitlam is dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive recreation experiences for people with a range of abilities and needs, providing programs and resources to ensure they can participate fully. Offerings include:
- Financial Assistance for Recreation Program – Eligible residents receive 50 free drop-ins plus a $225 credit toward admissions, programs, lessons, and more.
- Free and Low-Cost Programs – Enjoy options like free swim times, a $25 Summer Child and Youth Pass, and a free Grade 5/6 Active Pass.
- Virtual Facility Tours - Explore life-like maps of the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way) and Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street). These tours highlight entrances, sensor activation areas, accessible change rooms, and other features to help you plan your visit with ease.
- Adapted Equipment - Our indoor and outdoor pools, as well as fitness centers, offer a range of adapted amenities. These include accessibility ramps, transfer lifts, and water wheelchairs at pool facilities, along with assisted machines and adaptive aids in our fitness centers to support inclusive workouts for users with mobility needs.
To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/RecAccess or contact the Community Services team at 604-927-6076 or CommunityServices@coquitlam.ca.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Coquitlam
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is about breaking down barriers to ensure that people – regardless of ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity characteristics – are able to live, work, play and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by applying EDI principles to all City work, policies, operations, language and services. EDI is a top organizational priority that guides decision-making across all lines of business. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/EDI.
Media contact:
Vinh Truong
Manager Community Recreation
604-927-4386
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.