The $132 million Port Coquitlam Community Centre, the city’s second largest construction project to date, has officially opened. The project was substantially completed in September by Ventana Construction and designed by Architecture49.

Built in phases, the 205,000 square foot facility houses three arenas (including a spectator arena with seating for 790), a gymnasium, a leisure pool, a fitness centre and studios, a children’s area for city preschool and childminding, Terry Fox Library, a concession, the large Mabbett Hall and other multi-purpose spaces, washrooms and change rooms with universal and accessible options, and underground parking with 425 spots and a pick-up/drop-off area. There is also leased space for a future café and active rehab/physiotherapy

“Having this project delivered on time and within budget during a global pandemic is something we can be proud of as a community, There couldn’t be a better time for heightened excitement, opportunities and new amenities in our city, in our downtown, to enhance the quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Brad West.

The community centre was funded by the city (a combination of land sales revenue, phased-in property taxes and a parcel tax from 2017 to 2020) and the Government of Canada. The project received $12.5 million in federal infrastructure funding through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component and $1.09 million through the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) (formerly the federal Gas Tax Fund), which is administered in B.C. by the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

The PCCC’s outdoor spaces are also ready for use, other than the outdoor gym that awaits equipment delivery, and is expected to be completed in early November. The main entrance on Wilson Avenue greets visitors with plaza seating and gardens. Access is also possible from the south-side plaza, which features seating, lawn, sport courts (including pickleball), playgrounds, a walking path, community gardens and an outdoor spray park connected to the leisure pool.