City’s ongoing investment prioritizes aging infrastructure and coordinated upgrades across five zones

Port Coquitlam is rolling out another season of improvements under its long-standing Neighbourhood Rehabilitation Program, a key infrastructure initiative that targets aging roads and underground utilities across the city. With a carefully structured, zone-based approach, the city aims to modernize critical infrastructure while balancing budgets and responding to community needs.

Targeted Upgrades Guided by Data and Geography

Each year, Port Coquitlam allocates significant capital funding to restore and upgrade infrastructure within one of five defined “neighbourhood” zones. This rotational system ensures that improvements are geographically distributed over time, allowing the city to deliver infrastructure renewal in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Within each zone, the selection of paving and underground utility projects—such as drainage, sanitary, and water systems—is driven by a combination of technical assessments and budget availability. Roads are prioritized based on pavement condition ratings, while the need for underground work is determined through analyses of system capacity and condition. These overlapping improvements are intentionally bundled to save costs, minimize disruption, and prevent the need to dig into freshly paved roads.

Balancing New Infrastructure with Rehabilitation Needs

While the program’s core mission is to replace aging assets, there’s also growing community interest in adding new infrastructure—such as sidewalks, pedestrian safety features, and streetlights—during the course of these major construction projects.

The City, however, must weigh such additions carefully. New infrastructure may seem like a logical add-on during active rehabilitation, but unplanned expansions can quickly erode the budget meant for essential upgrades. This tradeoff could result in fewer overall improvements in a given neighbourhood.

To manage this balance, the City evaluates new infrastructure requests against specific criteria:

• Priority projects already identified in approved capital programs—such as pedestrian safety enhancements or traffic calming—are given greater consideration.

• Curbs are upgraded from extruded asphalt or older concrete to new concrete curb and gutter systems where appropriate.

• New curbs may also be added if a storm sewer system already exists, since this adds only incremental cost.

• Storm sewer upgrades, due to their high cost and complexity, are assessed independently. If current drainage service is deemed sufficient, these upgrades are generally postponed to preserve budget capacity for broader rehabilitation work.

Long-Term Planning with Community in Mind

The Neighbourhood Rehabilitation Program represents more than just roadwork—it’s a strategic investment in the city’s long-term livability and sustainability. By coordinating upgrades to surface and underground infrastructure, Port Coquitlam is working to extend the life of its systems while addressing today’s public safety and mobility needs.

Residents interested in seeing which projects are currently underway or upcoming can visit the Capital Projects page on the City’s official website. Additional details about sidewalk improvements and traffic calming initiatives are also available online.

Looking Ahead

As infrastructure ages and demands continue to grow, programs like this one will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of Port Coquitlam's neighbourhoods. The City’s methodical, data-driven approach ensures residents benefit from smarter planning and minimized disruptions.

Curious how these upgrades might affect your street or neighbourhood? We’re keeping a close eye on local infrastructure developments to help our clients and community stay ahead of the curve. Want to be one of them?

Downtown Port Coquitlam is undergoing a significant transformation. With roots in a vision laid out more than two decades ago, the City is breathing new life into its core through the ambitious Civic Centre redevelopment and associated public realm improvements. From revitalized parks to pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and engaging public spaces, the City’s renewed downtown is emerging as a dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant hub for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Reimagining the Heart of the City

The revitalization project zeroes in on Port Coquitlam’s Civic Centre—bounded by McAllister Avenue, Shaughnessy Street, Wilson Avenue, and Donald Street—as the focal point of its transformation. With the goal of creating a walkable, safe, and welcoming downtown, the City’s plans emphasize retaining the area’s historic charm while enhancing its commercial and residential appeal.

Key elements of the Civic Centre redesign include upgraded parks, improved pedestrian connections, modern streetscapes, and flexible event spaces that draw people downtown to live, shop, and socialize. Many of these projects are now complete, with others soon to follow.

McAllister Avenue: A Pedestrian-First Streetscape

Once a simple thoroughfare, McAllister Avenue has been redesigned as a one-way, eastbound street with a focus on foot traffic and street-level vibrancy. The reconstruction, completed in 2022, features wide sidewalks, patio-friendly storefronts, trees, public seating, underground utilities, and event-ready infrastructure like electrical hookups for food trucks and performers. The design’s emphasis on accessibility and celebration aligns with the broader vision for a lively, people-centric downtown.

Veterans Park and Leigh Square: Green Spaces That Welcome and Connect

At the heart of the Civic Centre lies the newly redeveloped Veterans Park, completed in June 2023. This open-concept green space now offers accessible pathways, improved lighting and safety sightlines, modern landscaping, and a repositioned cenotaph thoughtfully designed with input from the Royal Canadian Legion. It’s become a serene yet social space for residents and visitors alike.

Leigh Square, once a more utilitarian plaza, now thrives as an open festival space following its 2024 reopening. New features include accessible paths, additional seating, improved lighting, and a performance stage facing City Hall. A future playground is also in the works, helping to draw families into the fold and making the square a multi-generational gathering space.

The Donald Pathway extension, now completed, links these redeveloped spaces together and enhances walkability through the downtown core.

Community-Driven Design Backed by History

This revitalization journey is not a sudden pivot but the result of more than 25 years of planning. It builds on the Downtown Plan ’98, which first envisioned a dynamic city centre with pedestrian pathways, housing diversity, and vibrant civic spaces. Follow-up efforts like the 2003 Leigh Square study, the 2016 Cultural Plan, and the 2018 Downtown Concept Plan have all contributed to shaping today’s redevelopment priorities.

Public consultation has played a critical role in informing design choices. Feedback collected through surveys, stakeholder meetings, and public workshops directly influenced outcomes like increased event space, better traffic flow, and a greater emphasis on art and culture.

Strategic Spending and Smart Funding

Despite rising construction costs and pandemic-era supply chain challenges, the City of Port Coquitlam has kept its taxpayer burden impressively low. Of the $11.85 million invested in key Civic Centre projects, only about $360,000 came from local taxpayers. The bulk was covered through provincial restart grants, the Growing Communities Fund, and contributions from other external agencies including TransLink and the federal government.

To further future-proof the area, a Downtown Parking Strategy is in development. Slated to begin implementation in summer 2024, the strategy includes improving lighting and signage, adding off-street stalls, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation. It also seeks to shift long-term staff parking away from high-demand street spots, preserving those for shoppers and short-term visitors.

Private Sector Joins the Momentum

The City’s efforts are already attracting private development. The Quarry Rock Development at 2241-2251 McAllister Avenue has transformed a former parking lot into a five-storey mixed-use building with street-level commercial space, public plazas, and 63 new apartments. It’s a prime example of how public investment can stimulate complementary private projects that add to the vibrancy and livability of the downtown area.

A Welcoming Future for Port Coquitlam

Port Coquitlam’s Civic Centre revitalization is more than a facelift—it’s a strategic investment in the city’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. By carefully balancing heritage preservation with forward-thinking design, the City is creating a downtown that’s not only more attractive, but also more accessible, inclusive, and resilient.

Curious how this could shape the future of downtown Port Coquitlam? We’re keeping a close eye on transformative projects like this so our clients always stay informed. Want to be one of them?

Port Coquitlam’s Kingsway Avenue is undergoing a multi-year transformation to enhance safety, accessibility, and traffic flow along one of the city’s most critical transportation corridors. The upgrades, unfolding in three phases through to 2026, aim to modernize the infrastructure for drivers, businesses, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

A Vital Link Gets a Long-Awaited Refresh

Kingsway Avenue, stretching between Kelly Avenue and Kebet Way (just east of the Mary Hill Bypass), is a vital artery in Port Coquitlam’s transportation network. Part of TransLink’s major road network, it serves as a key connector between provincial highways and the local road grid. Historically, the corridor has struggled with limited lane capacity, inconsistent sidewalks, and insufficient infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

Driven by the city's 2019–2020 transportation studies and planning efforts, the Kingsway Avenue Upgrades Project is a capital works initiative designed to address those gaps. The result? A safer, more efficient corridor designed to support growth, business access, and diverse transportation needs.

Phase 1: Setting the Foundation

The first phase of the project, which wrapped up in December 2024, focused on improvements along the north side of Kingsway Avenue between Kelly Avenue and Kebet Way. Constructed by GPM Civil Contracting, this phase introduced:

• A new multi-use pathway (MUP) for cyclists and pedestrians.

• Enhanced LED lighting and curbs along the MUP.

• Safer driveway crossings for pathway users.

• Concrete bus landing pads, tree planting, and landscaping.

Work progressed east to west, beginning near Kebet Way in June 2024 and concluding in late fall, with only minor restorative work remaining.

*Photo by city of Port Coquitlam

Phase 2: Expanding South and East

Set to begin in spring 2025, Phase 2 will expand the upgrades to the stretch between Kelly Avenue and west of McLean Avenue, as well as Coast Meridian Road to Mary Hill Bypass. Though a contractor has yet to be chosen, the near-complete designs include:

• Lane reconfiguration and curb realignment for improved vehicle flow.

• A new sidewalk along the south side with driveway tie-ins.

• Roadway lighting upgrades and improved drainage infrastructure.

Construction timelines will be finalized once a contractor is secured, and the city is committed to maintaining business and property access throughout.

Phase 3: Looking Ahead to 2026

The final phase, expected to launch in 2026, will introduce intersection upgrades, such as new or extended turning lanes where traffic volumes warrant them. Before Phase 3 can proceed, hydro pole relocations must take place—highlighting the complex, multi-agency coordination required for infrastructure projects of this scale.

Further details on exact intersections and configurations are expected closer to the project start date.

A New Kingsway: What to Expect When It’s Done

Once all three phases are complete, Kingsway Avenue will function as a thoroughly modernized corridor. Anticipated features include:

• One travel lane in each direction with a shared center turn lane.

• A parking lane on the south side and parking pockets on the north where possible.

• A new sidewalk on the south and a multi-use path with landscaping on the north.

• Fibre optic conduit, upgraded streetlights, and extensive landscaping.

• Intersection safety enhancements, including a right-in/right-out at Tyner Street.

To enhance pedestrian safety, the city plans to implement curb extensions along the north side. These will improve visibility for drivers and walkers using the MUP, while preserving most of the existing parking.

Navigating Construction Impacts

As with any major infrastructure overhaul, short-term disruptions are part of the process. Residents and businesses along Kingsway Avenue should expect:

• Temporary traffic delays, detours, and equipment movement during peak construction periods.

• Boulevard adjustments, including regrading, landscape changes, or relocation of encroachments like fences or sprinkler systems.

• Business access maintenance, with clear signage and advance notice for any temporary closures or alternate routes.

The city and its contractors will maintain open lines of communication throughout, ensuring stakeholders are informed and supported.

The Kingsway Avenue Upgrades are more than just a facelift—they’re a reimagining of how this key corridor supports the people and businesses of Port Coquitlam. Curious how this transformation could shape the future of your neighbourhood? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this so our clients always stay informed. Want to be one of them?

Port Coquitlam is stepping up its game with a major recreational investment: a brand new multi-use, covered sports facility designed to boost year-round athletic activity, support community wellness, and attract competitive play.

A Transformational Step for Local Sports

In response to increasing demand for versatile, year-round recreational spaces, the City of Port Coquitlam is advancing plans for a state-of-the-art multi-use covered facility. Slated for construction in 2026 and located at the current site of the Shaughnessy Bike Park in the city’s northwest quadrant, the new structure is set to dramatically reshape the city’s athletic landscape.

Designed to accommodate a wide range of sports — including lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, tennis, ball hockey, baseball/softball, and badminton — the facility promises to meet the evolving needs of local athletes, families, and community organizations. It's a significant stride toward ensuring that residents have access to top-quality sports infrastructure, no matter the season.

Purpose-Built for Year-Round Use

At the heart of the project is a clear goal: to enhance Port Coquitlam’s recreational capacity with a welcoming, multi-functional environment. The facility will feature a covered design with seasonal side curtains that open, maximizing both weather protection and airflow. Additional amenities such as change rooms, lighting, washrooms, and storage facilities will be included to support both casual and competitive use.

The design also takes the surrounding natural setting into account, with strategies aimed at minimizing environmental disruption while integrating the new building into its park-like surroundings. By offering increased dry floor time, the facility will relieve pressure on the city’s existing arenas, which face high demand in winter and transitional months.

Provincial Backing and City Investment

With an estimated cost between $10 and $12 million, the project is being supported through a funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia and the City of Port Coquitlam. The province has already committed $3 million, with the remaining cost covered by allocations from the City’s capital budget. This collaboration underscores the project's importance in advancing community health and active living.

Shifting the Shaughnessy Bike Park

One significant aspect of the development is its location: the existing Shaughnessy Bike Park. In anticipation of this change, the City is actively working on a plan to relocate and revitalize the bike park in a new location. The goal is to ensure that biking enthusiasts are not left behind in the city’s broader effort to expand recreational offerings.

Elevating the City’s Athletic Profile

Beyond simply providing a space to play, the new facility is expected to enhance the city’s ability to host tournaments and high-profile athletic events. With features tailored to both community and competitive sports, it will contribute to raising the profile of Port Coquitlam on a provincial level.

Lacrosse, in particular, is set to benefit significantly from the facility, as the sport continues to grow in popularity locally. The project also reinforces the city’s commitment to supporting dry floor sports — activities that often struggle to find sufficient indoor space during wetter months.

What’s Next

The detailed design phase is expected to wrap by the end of 2025, setting the stage for construction in 2026. Throughout the process, the City is pledging transparent communication and continued community engagement, keeping residents informed and involved.

Curious about what this means for Port Coquitlam’s future? We’re watching this project closely — because investments like these shape not just how we play, but how our communities grow. Want to stay in the loop on city-led developments and real estate opportunities nearby? Let’s chat.

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.

Curious how this project could elevate life in Port Coquitlam? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this so our clients always stay informed. Want to be one of them?