Two new recreation facilities, a new park and upgrades to a number of public spaces are on track for delivery in Coquitlam this year, part of the City’s $160-million investment over 2021 and 2022.
COQUITLAM, BC, May 31, 2022 – Two new recreation facilities, a new park and upgrades to a number of public spaces are on track for delivery in Coquitlam this year, part of the City’s $160-million investment over 2021 and 2022.
The opening of the new Place Maillardville Community Centre, Coquitlam Family YMCA and Sheffield Park this year are among 14 major recreation, facility and outdoor space projects delivered in 2021 and 2022 through the City’s Capital Plan to meet the community’s current and future needs.
Upcoming Projects for 2022
Coquitlam’s investments in new and enhanced facilities, parks, fields and trails help ensure the City can continue to provide high-quality services as the community grows.
Projects now in progress and slated for delivery this year include:
- Place Maillardville Community Centre – The 2,000-square-metre (22,000-square-foot) replacement project set to open in September;
- Coquitlam Family YMCA, Community Policing Station and Park and Ride – A new 5,100 sq.m. (55,000 sq.ft.) facility to be completed fall;
- Sheffield Park – A new 0.81-hectare (two-acre) park on Burke Mountain, with playgrounds, water play area, a youth space and pathways, to be completed in June;
- Lakeside Loop Trail at Town Centre Park – New pathways to be completed in June followed by landscaping and lighting in July;
- Mundy Park washrooms – Two universal accessible washroom buildings with bottle filler to be completed near the Chilko Drive entrance in June;
- Pop-up parks – Five pop-up park locations will be offered this summer through the former Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP); and
- Park renewals – Equipment, landscaping, drainage and other upgrades at 10 parks.
The City is also renewing the Austin Works Yard with new and upgraded facilities and a reconfigured space. Project completion is expected in 2024.
Several New Community Amenities Completed Over Last Year
Over the past year, the City has completed eight major projects:
- Centennial Artificial Turf Field – New state-of-the-art field and other improvements for school/community use at Centennial Secondary;
- Town Centre Park Washrooms – Two universal accessible stalls at the southwest end of Lafarge Lake behind Evergreen Cultural Centre;
- Burke Mountain Discovery Centre and Coffee Shop – Completion of building in 2021 with tenant upgrades now in progress for the IBEX Café + Kitchen;
- Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex – A new addition to Arena 3 including player and referee change rooms with showers;
- City Centre Aquatic Complex – Renovation and expansion of fitness area;
- Buchanan Square – Replacement of the parkade roof and updates to public amenities including lighting, games and seating;
- Cottonwood Park Phase 1B – New sport court, parkour area, ball diamond and playing field (to open once weather allows for final completion); and
- Town Centre Fire Hall – New fire training tower.
A variety of park upgrades were also delivered in 2021, including a new playground at Mundy Park, playground and access improvements at Nestor Park, tennis court upgrades at Hickey Park, new staircase at Durant Linear Park, and a pedestrian bridge at Panorama Park. Summertime pop-up parks were offered at three locations in 2021 through the CSRP.
Providing Amenities Amid Escalating Construction Costs
The pandemic and extreme weather has led to a major increase in construction costs, exacerbated by supply chain issues and competition.
Within this environment, Coquitlam continues to plan and build amenities for current and future community needs. This work is supported by long-term financial planning – including the Five-Year Capital Plan for 2022-2026 – and overall strong fiscal responsibility.
City staff are continually working to enhance processes to deliver value, while minimizing disruption to the community. Coquitlam also maximizes funding sources that don’t impact local taxpayers, such as developer contributions and grants.
Updates on parks projects can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/parkprojects. Information about facility projects can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/facilityprojects.
Media contact:
Scott Groves
Director, Strategic and Capital Projects
Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities
604-927-6967
sgroves@coquitlam.ca