COQUITLAM, B.C., Aug. 30, 2021 – Coquitlam is preparing for the return of its Poirier facilities to recreation use after the Fraser Health vaccination clinic wraps up Sept. 3.
Operating in the City’s Poirier Forum and Centennial Pavilion since March 15, the Tri-City hub clinic has been a key location in Fraser Health’s vaccination program, and has administered more than 2.5 million doses to date. Now that the Tri-Cities have achieved a 79 per cent vaccination rate (second dose, ages 12+), the clinic is being wrapped up.
A Community Public Health Effort
Coquitlam is proud to have supported the COVID-19 BC Immunization Plan – the largest immunization program in our province’s history – by providing indoor spaces, parking, and logistical support to the mass vaccination clinic. With their first responder medical training, a number of Coquitlam firefighters also joined the effort by administering vaccinations.
Many Coquitlam user groups and program participants also played an important role in supporting this critical public health campaign, by either accommodating alternate arrangements or foregoing their usual space allocations.
For example, the Getaway Youth Centre relocated to the Poirier administration building, and the Coquitlam Farmers Market moved its Sunday markets across the street to the Coquitlam Public Library parking lot, where it will remain until the season ends Oct. 31.
Vaccinations Still Readily Available
Fraser Health is shifting to a more targeted approach to vaccinations, including community and pop-up clinics in places where people gather, such as the Coquitlam Central SkyTrain station and movie theatres. Walk-in vaccinations are available to anyone 12 years and up, with or without a personal health number. For up-to-date information about walk-in clinics, visit www.fraserhealth.ca/VAX. To register to book an appointment, visit www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca.
Facilities Transition Back to City Use in September
With the return of the Poirier Forum and Centennial Pavilion to Coquitlam Sept. 3, City recreation staff are planning activities and programs for the fall, and working with user groups to coordinate a return to these spaces as they become available.
Activities are not anticipated to resume until late September, as it will take two to three weeks to transition the buildings back to regular City use.
The Poirier Forum is an accessible, 25,000-square-foot facility that is considered a covered outdoor facility and is typically used for sports such as lacrosse, ball hockey and inline skating. It has also hosted community events, such as craft markets.
The adjacent Centennial Pavilion is a 4,000-square-foot multi-purpose building that had hosted many of the City’s group fitness classes in the months leading up to the vaccination clinic.
Keeping You Safe
All City facilities and recreation offerings comply with current COVID-19 health protocols. Facility access and programs may be adjusted at any time based on new direction from the Provincial Health Officer and other pandemic impacts. The City will update the public as these changes take place, including advising user groups and those registered in programs of any changes that affect them. Please refer to www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates.
Stay Connected
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Media contact:
Jennifer Keefe
Manager, Community Recreation and Culture Services
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4386 (4FUN)
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca