A $15 million state-of-the-art soccer and community facility is coming to Gates Park in Port Coquitlam—an ambitious project poised to redefine the city’s role in B.C.’s sports and recreation landscape.
Construction of the new Gates Park Soccer Hub, a major collaborative effort between the City of Port Coquitlam, B.C. Soccer, and local sports groups, is expected to kick off in 2024. With a vision to create an intergenerational community hub, the development will combine world-class soccer infrastructure with inclusive public amenities designed for the entire community.
A Bold Vision for a Premier Sports City
At the heart of the project lies a shared ambition: to position Port Coquitlam as a leading destination for sport, community engagement, and healthy living. The Gates Park Soccer Hub will replace an underused grass field with a new FIFA-standard synthetic turf field, supported by top-tier facilities for athletes, spectators, and the wider public.
The facility will also house the offices for PoCo Soccer and B.C. Soccer’s new provincial headquarters—bringing a new level of prominence and economic opportunity to the area. The City sees this as a catalyst for both athletic development and civic pride.
“This will truly put Port Coquitlam on the map as a premier sports city,” said city officials at the unveiling of the final design concept in October 2023.
Features Designed for Players and the Public
The design, carefully crafted to respect the natural surroundings of Gates Park, integrates a range of facilities:
A modern fieldhouse with a lobby, locker and change rooms, meeting space, accessible public washrooms, and an atrium for social gatherings.
A FIFA-regulation synthetic turf field built to host international-level competition, replacing a grass field previously plagued by poor drainage.
New bleachers and seating for up to 1,200 spectators, including a 500-seat grandstand and covered team benches.
Expanded amenities such as a warm-up turf area, new scoreboard, accessible changerooms, and field lighting.
A multi-use public plaza for events, along with a refreshed northern entrance and pedestrian boulevard leading from Reeve Street.
Improved parking and access, including a new bus-friendly lot and overflow options at nearby Riverside Secondary.
With space dedicated not just to soccer, but also to field lacrosse and other community uses, the project blends high-performance sport with civic inclusivity.
Community-Driven, Taxpayer-Neutral Investment
The $15 million investment is a testament to the power of public-private partnership. Roughly $9 million is being contributed by the provincial government, with the remaining funds shared by B.C. Soccer, PoCo Soccer, and the City of Port Coquitlam. Importantly, the City has emphasized that its contribution comes from surplus funds—with no direct impact on local taxpayers.
This funding structure has enabled a visionary project without imposing new financial burdens on residents, a balance that’s been widely welcomed by the community.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The final design was reviewed by Council in late 2023, with construction documents prepared shortly thereafter. While sources vary slightly on timelines, construction is generally expected to start in 2024, with completion targeted between late 2025 and mid-2026.
A Lasting Legacy for Port Coquitlam
Beyond its athletic appeal, the Gates Park Soccer Hub will generate broader social and economic ripple effects. These include job creation, enhanced tourism potential, and new opportunities to host regional and even international tournaments—including potential tie-ins with the 2026 FIFA World Cup activities in Metro Vancouver.
Environmental stewardship also plays a role, with tree replanting (32 new trees replacing 16 removed) and trail access maintained throughout construction. The development aligns with the City’s 30-year Urban Forest Plan and commitment to preserving natural ecosystems.
Ultimately, the Gates Park Soccer Hub is about more than just soccer. It’s about building a healthier, more connected community—one that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to play, gather, and grow together.
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