COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 20, 2021 – Planning for a new community centre in Northeast Coquitlam continues to move forward with the release of the building program and site-fit concept for the proposed 430-square-metre (80,000-square-foot) facility.
Targeted to open in 2026 in the future Burke Mountain Village, the Northeast Community Centre (NECC) will include a range of services including aquatics, gymnasiums, fitness, library and community space sized to meet the anticipated need for recreation and community centre services in the area.
Following the presentation of the proposed NECC concept to Council-in-Committee on Monday, final public engagement is set for November and December before the project’s detailed programming, budgeting, design and permitting in 2022 to 2023. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023.
Vision for Community Centre Taking Shape
The NECC will serve the Burke Mountain community – expected to grow from the current 15,000 to about 50,000 in the next 25 years – as well as residents from across the city. Public engagement, strategic planning, best practices and other research have helped shape the vision for the NECC as an inclusive and accessible hub that will showcase the natural mountainside setting.
The City heard from more than 1,000 people during public engagement in 2019 to 2020, including 13 community groups and three interpreted sessions in Mandarin, Korean and Farsi. A summary of this feedback is available in the Northeast Community Centre What We Heard infographic.
Building Program Includes Pools, Fitness Centre
The building program and site-fit concept for the three-storey building includes:
- An aquatics centre with separate leisure and lap pools, whirlpool and sauna;
- Two gymnasiums for court sports and daytime preschool programs;
- Fitness centre with weight room and studio;
- Indoor and outdoor walking tracks;
- Community space including multi-purpose rooms, community kitchen, a ‘makerspace’ (i.e. collaborative working, learning and exploring space) and large atrium;
- Covered outdoor covered space for recreation and cultural programs;
- About 340 parking stalls;
- Public art; and
- A new branch of the Coquitlam Public Library.
Adjacent to the NECC will be a park and public plaza. Ice arenas are not currently included in the site, as the current demand for ice is satisfied with the existing supply.
Final Public Engagement in November
The City is committed to continuing to engage the community and stakeholders in the planning process to ensure the centre reflects the current and future needs of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The final public engagement planned for later this fall will seek feedback from residents and stakeholders on the proposed site-fit concept (facility’s layout on the property) and program.
Engagement is expected to include a range of information and tools including a virtual open house (with in-person session if Provincial Health Orders allow), online survey and materials on display at the Burke Mountain Discovery Centre. Ongoing staff engagement is also taking place with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation.
Residents interested in providing their feedback or staying up-to-date on the project are encouraged to sign up for updates at the City’s engagement site letstalkcoquitlam.ca/necc.
Following the public engagement, staff will report back to Council in early 2022 to lay out the next steps, including financing and the procurement process.
Stay Up to Date About Burke Mountain
For more information on the NECC project, including future input opportunities, visit www.coquitlam.ca/necc.
Those interested in development on Burke Mountain can find information on www.coquitlam.ca/burkemtn or sign up for Burke Mountain updates at www.coquitlam.ca/notifyme.
About Burke Mountain Village
Burke Mountain Village will be a unique regional destination, and the social and commercial heart of the growing master-planned community of Burke Mountain in Northeast Coquitlam, currently home to about 15,000 people.
The 16-hectare (39-acre) village will feature 11,200 square metres (120,000 square feet) of commercial space – including a grocery store, shops and restaurants – along with a public plaza, community centre, 2,000-plus apartments and townhomes, panoramic views, and easy access to nearby trails, parks and schools, as well as proximity to transit, including SkyTrain and commuter rail.
Formerly known as the Partington Creek Neighbourhood Centre, Burke Mountain Village is anticipated to begin development within the next several years. Visit www.burkevillage.ca for information.
Media contact:
Tiina Mack
Manager, Recreation & Culture Facilities Planning
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3494
tmack@coquitlam.ca