COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 8, 2020 – The public is invited to weigh in on an updated concept for major upgrades to the Lafarge Lake loop trail at Town Centre Park.
The budgeted project – part of the implementation of the Town Centre Park Master Plan – will cover about 23 acres of area along the 1.2-kilometre trail and bring lighting and trail improvements, new gathering spaces, enhanced plantings, wayfinding and other amenities.
Design Modified Based on Feedback
A survey and the revised concept is available at letstalkcoquitlam.ca/towncentrepark until Friday, Oct. 23.
The planned improvements will span about a quarter of Town Centre Park, the gem of Coquitlam’s park system and a local and regional destination for festivals and recreation.
Based on feedback from Council and the public, the refined concept no longer includes plans for a bridge or viewing area on the lake’s island, which will instead be retained as a natural, untouched parcel. A proposed wharf on the lake’s west side has also been deferred.
The refined concept retains most of the other original proposed features, however, and continues to meet the project objectives of improving capacity and the overall user experience, enhancing safety and access for people of all abilities, and augmenting the park’s trees and greenery. Three distinct zones are proposed:
- A Garden Walk on the east side of the lake, with plantings for year-round visual interest, a network of secondary trails and seating areas, lighting, new lawn areas and, if budget permits, tiered steps to the water next to the TD Community Plaza;
- An Urban Walk on the west side with new lighting, outdoor furnishings for social gathering, and a two-stall universal washroom near Evergreen Cultural Centre (currently under construction and set to open in the spring); and
- A Forest Walk on the south side, featuring a widened asphalt trail with sections of boardwalk, extensive tree planting, lighting and new meandering trails.
The new feedback from the public and Council will be incorporated into the detailed design, implementation plan and budget to be presented to Council and the public in early 2021.
Reducing Public Impact
Work on the improvements is anticipated to begin in 2021, with provisions in place to limit the impact on park visitors as much as possible during the construction.
This includes using City crews for added flexibility and efficiency, maintaining public access to the main lake loop throughout construction with only temporary closures and detours, and keeping park users up-to-date about potential impacts throughout the project.
With the latest changes to the concept, project costs are expected to stay within the original $4.55 million budget, which will be funded by developer fees and the 2021 Capital Plan.
Improvements Guided by Park Master Plan
The lake loop project stems from the 20-year Town Centre Park Master Plan (TCPMP), adopted in 2018 to guide the park’s development.
Projects related to TCPMP to date have included improvements to the festival lawn, a new plaza with seating, a new washroom and servery building (nearing completion), a new universal washroom now under construction at the south end of the park, and additional enhancements to the lawn, gardens, trails and lighting.
Information about planned Town Centre Park improvements can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/parkprojects. Master plan details can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/tcpmp.
Capital Projects Bring Community Benefits
Coquitlam continues to advance budgeted capital projects as part of its support for the community during the pandemic. Primarily funded by development contributions and charges, the range of capital projects being constructed at this time also help stimulate economic recovery by generating employment and promoting spending at local businesses. Proceeding with planned upgrades to parks and recreation facilities is essential at a time when these services are in high demand, while roads and other infrastructure works help support private development that, in turn, provides a number of benefits and an economic boost to the broader community.
To learn more about how the City is supporting the community during these challenging times, read about the COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan at www.coquitlam.ca/csrp.
Media contact:
Lanny Englund
Manager, Park Planning and Forestry
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3549
Email