The new Bettie Allard YMCA, a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility, has opened its doors to the Tri-Cities and Burquitlam neighbourhoods. The facility, located just steps from the Burquitlam SkyTrain Station’s Evergreen Line, is the result of an innovative partnership between the YMCA, the City of Coquitlam and Concert Properties.
“A project of this magnitude and significance would not have been possible without the incredible support from the City of Coquitlam and Concert, and the generosity of our valued donors and volunteers,” says Heidi Worthington, president and CEO, YMCA BC. “Creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive centre of community is just as important to the YMCA as our high-quality programs and services. Now that we are open, we look forward to welcoming people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities to the Bettie Allard YMCA, supporting their journey to live healthier, happier lives, and providing them with the quality experience they deserve and we expect to deliver at the YMCA.”
The project was announced in 2016 to develop a community recreation facility at the heart of the Burquitlam neighbourhood, providing residents with new public facilities, infrastructure and benefits to enjoy for generations to come. Highlights include:
- A 55,000-square-foot YMCA with an indoor pool, gym, fitness studios and equipment, multi-purpose space, child minding, a family development centre and other amenities;
- A 3,700-square-foot Community Policing Station;
- A 222-stall underground parkade, including stalls dedicated for park-and-ride;
- 2.55 acres of new parkland, including the expansion of Cottonwood Park and a redesigned Burquitlam Park;
- Transportation improvements such as new multi-use paths and an upgraded and realigned Emerson Street.
Two residential towers developed by Concert Properties include: 55One, a rental tower with 308 homes and 100 non-market rental suites operated in partnership with 43 Housing Society. Move-ins begin April 1, 2023. Myriad, a 50-storey tower with 468 condominium homes, is currently under construction.
