City Info Guide FOR RESIDENTS & VISITORS
LAST UPDATED 04/2019
www.portcoquitlam.ca
Copies available at City facilities
Experience
Our City
Looking for information about Port Coquitlam? Find out what our city has to offer residents and visitors in this fourth edition of our City Info Guide. We hope you find this guide helpful and learn why Port Coquitlam is such a great place to visit, live, work, play and do business.
Table of Contents Message from City Council 3 City Snapshot 4 Reasons to love PoCo 6 Community events 7 Ways to spend a day 8 Dining and shopping 9 Get involved 10 Trails and amenities map 12 Downtown amenities 13 Stay connected 15 Where your tax dollars go 16 City contacts 18
New in Town? Learn more about Port Coquitlam! Drop by Port Coquitlam City Hall (address below) for resources from our friendly reception staff. Learn about recreation programs in our Leisure Guide: www.portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide or City facilities. Find information and resources for newcomers at www.portcoquitlam.ca/welcome. Connect with us on social media and sign up for e-newsletters at www.portcoquitlam.ca/online. Search for facilities, detailed property information and more at PoCoMAP: www.portcoquitlam.ca/pocomap. Get business info at www.portcoquitlam.ca/bizhub.
THANK YOU, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS! Your photos make Port Coquitlam come alive on these pages. 2580 Shaughnessy Street Port Coquitlam, BC Canada V3C 2A8
Tel 604.927.5411 Fax: 604.927.5360 info@portcoquitlam.ca
View this guide online at www.portcoquitlam.ca/guide
Welcome to
Port Coquitlam
We’re pleased to present the fourth edition of our City Info Guide, which is filled with practical information about our city for residents and visitors. This guide is part of our ongoing commitment to serving you better. We’re always working to ensure that we communicate the City’s services to the public in a user-friendly way, and that the services we provide reflect what’s important to our community. Please take advantage of this guide to learn more about Port Coquitlam, and keep it around as a handy reference all year long!
City Info Guide
CITY COUNCIL 2018-2022 – L-R back row: Cllr. Glenn Pollock, Cllr. Darrell Penner, Cllr. Steve Darling, Cllr. Dean Washington L-R front row: Cllr. Laura Dupont, Mayor Brad West, Cllr. Nancy McCurrach
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A snapshot of
Port Coquitlam Family-friendly
TRABOULAY POCO TRAIL
PoCo Pride Terry Fox Small-town charm Located in the
LIVABLE
QUAINT DOWNTOWN
heart of Metro Vancouver, British Columbia Incorporated
March 7, 1913
4
29.17 km2
total land area
VISION
Port Coquitlam is a happy, vibrant, safe community with healthy, engaged residents and thriving businesses, supported by sustainable resources and services.
MISSION
We strive to do it right by researching, planning, building and executing well-balanced solutions.
City of Port Coquitlam
Demographics*
58,612 people
3,769
business licences
271
22,586
hectares of parks & trails
private dwellings
* based on 2018 statistics
Governance COUNCIL: Seven Council members, elected every four years, provide leadership and set policies and budgets. STRUCTURE: Chief Administrative Officer Corporate Support Development Services Engineering & Public Works
Finance Fire & Emergency Services Human Resources Recreation RCMP
Recent Statistics • 93% are Canadian citizens • 32% were born outside of Canada • 66% say English is mother tongue • Average no. of persons/family: 2.7 • 77% of homes are owned • Median household income: $84,096 • 66% (15yrs+) are employed Source: Statistics Canada, 2016
City Info Guide
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A few reasons to
Nature is never far away An extensive trail network encircles and criss-crosses Port Coquitlam, providing easy access to nature from anywhere in the community. You don’t have to leave Port Coquitlam to get away from it all.
Accessible and central Located in the heart of Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam is easily accessed via Lougheed Highway, Highway 1, the Pitt River Bridge and Port Mann Bridge. Investments in roads, sidewalks, trails and other transportation projects have also made it easy to get around the city.
Hometown hero For many who live or were born in Port Coquitlam, it’s a source of pride and inspiration to share a hometown with national treasure Terry Fox. Hundreds of residents and visitors participate in the Terry Fox Hometown Run in Port Coquitlam each September to honour the enduring legacy of this Canadian hero. Info: www.terryfox.org.
Our spirit Port Coquitlam’s tradition of community spirit and pride are unique in an urban setting. PoCo Pride is evident in the attendance at community festivals and the strong culture of volunteerism.
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City of Port Coquitlam
We love to
Affordable & family friendly
celebrate!
WINTER
Port Coquitlam has a lot to offer families, including housing that is among the most affordable in the region on the north side of the Fraser River, and City property taxes and levies that are below average in Metro Vancouver. A wide range of activities, services and amenities are also available for children and youth.
Info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/events unless otherwise noted Heritage Week: February www.pocoheritage.org
Unique downtown Port Coquitlam’s charming, walkable downtown is a vibrant hub for arts, culture and festivals.
SPRNG
City-wide Garage Sale: April
Exciting new amenities are also coming with the construction of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, now underway.
Youth Week: May 1-7 www.pocoyouth.com
May Days: Early May Farmers Market: Spring-Fall
SUMMER
Canada Day Celebration: July 1 Summer in the City Festival of Arts, Entertainment & Culture: July-August Downtown Car Show: Mid-August www.pococarshow.ca
Exciting growth
Terry Fox Hometown Run: September
Growth throughout the community – and particularly in the up-and-coming Dominion Triangle area in east Port Coquitlam – is bringing new homes, services and jobs to the city.
Rivers & Trails Festival: Late September
FALL
Remembrance Day Ceremony: November 11 Hyde Creek Salmon Festival: November www.hydecreek.org
Christmas in Leigh Square & Winter in the City Festival of Arts, Entertainment & Culture: November-December City Info Guide
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A few ways to
spend a day in PoCo
Hit the trails Cycle or walk the 25-km Traboulay PoCo Trail to get back to nature and link to amenities such as the Gates Park sports fields, the outdoor gym, Lions Park and Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. City trails also provide access to nearby recreation spots such as Colony Farm Regional Park. Check out the map on page 12.
Explore our parks Port Coquitlam has numerous parks to explore. Families love Lions Park, with its fully accessible playground and youth skate park. Gates Park is a great place to watch a game or work out at the outdoor gym. Check out our many parks options: www.portcoquitlam.ca/parks. Port Coquitlam is also home to Colony Farm Regional Park, a bird-watcher’s delight.
Check out our recreation facilities Drop by Hyde Creek Recreation Centre to swim, work out or visit the youth centre. Or enjoy a skate at Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex – open during construction of the future Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/recreation.
Head downtown Grab a latte and stroll through Port Coquitlam’s charming downtown, with its unique shops, gardens, historic City Hall, dining and entertainment options. Downtown is also home to Leigh Square, an arts and culture hub where you can enjoy outdoor concerts, visit the Farmers Market, or peruse the latest art or museum exhibition. Info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare.
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City of Port Coquitlam
Dine and shop
local
Dining and entertainment There’s a bite for everyone’s taste and budget in Port Coquitlam, from fast food to pub fare, urban-style dining to ethnic specialties. Round out your evening with some bowling, enjoying live musical comedy or catching up with friends over a pint at a pub or craft brewery.
Where to shop Check out these local hotspots, but keep your eyes open for many other great shopping opportunities as you make your way through the community.
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North-side Commercial District A cluster of malls near Prairie Avenue and Coast Meridian Road provide retail options and services in this neighbourhood shopping area.
Downtown & Lougheed Come downtown via Shaughnessy Street for services, unique shops and dining options in a walkable, tree-lined setting. (Business directory: www.downtownpocobia.com) Venture along Lougheed Highway for a wide variety of established and new businesses.
Dominion Triangle & Fremont Village This bustling district offers a variety of new and established big box retailers, restaurants and other services, along with ample parking.
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Westwood St. Poco Place Mall and Westwood Centre at Lougheed Highway and Westwood Street offer a variety of stores, dining and services. Follow Westwood Street south of Lougheed Highway for more options.
City Info Guide
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Get
involved olunteering Volunteering is a great way to share your talents, learn a skill, meet people and give back. The City offers a range of volunteer opportunities, including recreation and culture programs, emergency preparedness, citizen advisors, boards and task forces. Visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer to learn about volunteer opportunities and to apply.
Following Council We encourage citizens to follow City Council to be aware of issues and decisions that affect them.
Council encourages input and feedback to ensure decisions reflect community priorities.
➤➤ Council meeting schedules, agendas and minutes: www.portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeetings ➤➤ Watch live or view archived videoes online:www.portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeetings
Being a good neighbour When you clear the sidewalks near your home this winter, consider clearing your neighbour’s at the same time – particular if they are elderly or have mobility issues. Info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/snow.
Help prevent flooding by cleaning leaves, snow and debris from catchbasin grates. Report damaged grates to 604.927.5496 or publicworks@portcoquitlam.ca.
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Help keep your neighbourhood and community clean and beautiful. Adopt a local street, park or trail on your own or with a group. Info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/spot.
ADOPT•A•
SP T STREET • PARK • TRAIL
Meet your neighbours, build a sense of neighbourhood and show your PoCo Pride by holding a block party. Info and resources: www.portcoquitlam.ca/blockparty.
City of Port Coquitlam
May Days
City Info Guide
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City of Port Coquitlam
trails & amenities For more information about the 25-kilometre Traboulay PoCo Trail, pick up a free trail guide at City facilities or visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/parks. For more information about City amenities, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca.
See next page
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City of Port Coquitlam
Downtown City Facilities
City Hall Annex
Veterans Park
Planning, building, engineering and business services
Park and cenotaph
City Hall
City government offices and Council Chambers
The Outlet – Leigh Square PoCo Heritage Museum & Archives, Outlet Gallery and multipurpose space
Leigh Square
Park and outdoor event and performance venue (bandshell)
City Info Guide
The Gathering Place – Leigh Square
Recreation administration, Michael Wright Art Gallery and program space
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Blakeburn Lagoons Park
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City of Port Coquitlam
Stay
connected Information City website: www.portcoquitlam.ca Arts and culture: www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare Leisure Guide (program info): www.portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide Seniors: www.portcoquitlam.ca/seniors Waste: www.portcoquitlam.ca/waste Youth: www.pocoyouth.com
Map and detailed property info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/pocomap PoCo Waste-line app and waste-sorting tool: www.portcoquitlam.ca/wasteline
More Online Services
City of Port Coquitlam City of Port Coquitlam
Tools and Apps Manage City bills and licences: www.portcoquitlam.ca/myportcoquitlam
Connect on social media
my
P rtCoquitlam
@CityofPoCo @CityofPoCo Links: www.portcoquitlam.ca/online
Free WiFi at City facilities Offered at Leigh Square, recreation centres, City Hall and Gates Park
Report a problem: www.portcoquitlam.ca/report Waste-sorting info and tool: www.portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright Register for recreation programs: www.experienceit.ca Watch Council meetings live: www.portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeetings Sign up for e-newsletters: www.portcoquitlam.ca/online
City Info Guide
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City of Port Coquitlam
services
Here are some of the ways we serve Port Coquitlam citizens and businesses. See our website for further details.
Development Services
Administration (Corporate Support and Human Resources) ➤➤ Ensure all City departments operate effectively and efficiently. ➤➤ Provide City information online, in print, at events and through the media. ➤➤ Assist visitors and respond to public inquiries. ➤➤ Ensure City staff have the technology they need to serve customers. ➤➤ Run City and school board elections. ➤➤ Handle requests for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
➤➤ Help property owners and developers determine what they can do with their land. ➤➤ Ensure property throughout the City is used in a way that promotes walkable neighbourhoods, a variety of housing types, access to services, local jobs and protection of the environment. ➤➤ Promote economic development. ➤➤ Issue building permits for new construction and renovations. ➤➤ Conduct building and plumbing inspections to ensure new and renovated buildings are properly built and safe. ➤➤ Process subdivision applications and ensure new developments meet infrastructure requirements.
➤➤ Enforce City bylaws to ensure the City is safe and livable. ➤➤ Issue business licences and assist local businesses. ➤➤ Hire staff and assist with training and professional development. ➤➤ Promote City jobs. ➤➤ Operate two Community Police Stations.
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City of Port Coquitlam
Finance ➤➤ Collect taxes and utilities that pay for City services. ➤➤ Manage and report on City finances. ➤➤ Prepare the City’s budget and five-year Financial Plan, guided by Council and public feedback. ➤➤ Purchase goods and services for the City.
Fire & Emergency Services
Recreation & Culture
➤➤ Respond to a wide range of emergencies including fires, medical calls, traffic accidents and rescues.
➤➤ Provide arts and recreation programs for children, adults and seniors of all abilities.
➤➤ Educate the community about fire prevention and smoke alarms.
➤➤ Provide volunteer opportunities.
➤➤ Coordinate civic events and festivals. ➤➤ Operate City recreation and culture facilities.
➤➤ Conduct fire and life safety inspections.
➤➤ Manage and maintain City facilities.
➤➤ Keep the City prepared for major disasters.
RCMP ➤➤ Respond to emergencies, protect citizens and property and investigate crimes ➤➤ Work with the community to reduce crime and improve safety. ➤➤ Provide security at public events.
Engineering & Public Works
➤➤ Collect garbage, recycling and green waste. ➤➤ Encourage residents to send less to the landfill to keep disposal costs down and help the environment. ➤➤ Maintain dikes, flood protection systems and other City infrastructure.
City Info Guide
➤➤ Provide the PoCoMAP online map. ➤➤ Plan, build and maintain City buildings, roads and other infrastructure. ➤➤ Plan and maintain sports fields, parks, trails, playgrounds and other green spaces. ➤➤ Provide clean and safe drinking water and reliable sewage collection.
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Who to contact 911 Emergencies
During a major disaster or emergency, tune your radio to CKNW 980 AM or CBC AM 690, listen to recorded updates at 604.927.5311, or view our website and social media channels.
Police, Fire and Ambulance Emergencies: 9.1.1 Bears/Dangerous Wildlife Sightings: Conservation Officer Service: 1.877.952.7277 Downed Power Lines: BC Hydro, 1.888.769.3766
Administration / General City Hall / General inquiries 604.927.5411 | info@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca Careers with the City Human Resources: 604.927.5417 www.portcoquitlam.ca/jobs Council 604.927.5410 www.portcoquitlam.ca/council Council meetings, elections 604.927.5421 | corporateoffice@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/councilmeetings www.portcoquitlam.ca/elections Online Payments and Services www.portcoquitlam.ca/online
Budget / Taxes Accounts Payable: 604.927.5431 Budget / Financial Plan 604.927.5280 | budget@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/budget Property taxes, Home Owner Grant, water/sewer and dog licence payments 604.927.5425 | taxes@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/taxes www.portcoquitlam.ca/utilities www.portcoquitlam.ca/e-hog Purchasing: 604.927.5430
Business Licences and Services 604.927.5238 | businesslicensing@portcoquitlam.ca City Hall Annex, #200-2564 Shaughnessy St www.portcoquitlam.ca/bizhub
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Gas Leaks: Fortis BC, 1.888.224.2710 Public Works – After-hours Emergencies Transportation, Drainage, Flood Control, Sewer System, Water System etc.: 604.543.6700
Building, Development & Engineering City Hall Annex, #200-2564 Shaughnessy St www.portcoquitlam.ca/bizhub
Building permits and inspections Building: 604.927.5444 | building@portcoquitlam.ca 24-hour inspection requests: 604.927.5445 or via www.portcoquitlam.ca/myportcoquitlam More info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/building Development and land use Planning: 604.927.5442 | planning@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/planning Engineering services 604.927.5420 | engineering@portcoquitlam.ca Property information search www.portcoquitlam.ca/pocomap Transportation inquiries 604.927.5420 | engineering@portcoquitlam.ca
Bylaw Enforcement Complaints/questions (e.g. noise, parking, sprinkling) 604.927.5440 | bylawservices@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/bylawservices Illegal Dumping on City property 604.927.5496 | publicworks@portcoquitlam.ca
Dogs & Wildlife Bears – sightings Conservation Officer Service: 1.877.952.7277 Bears – waste cart regulations 604.927.5440 | bylawservices@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/bears Dog complaints and licensing: 604.927.5440 | bylawservices@portcoquitlam.ca Dog licence payments and renewals: 604.927.5425 or www.portcoquitlam.ca/online More info: www.portcoquitlam.ca/dogs
Facilities
Fire & Emergency Services
City Hall 2580 Shaughnessy St 604.927.5411 | info@portcoquitlam.ca
General inquiries 604.927.5466 | fire@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/fire
City Hall Annex #200-2564 Shaughnessy St See Business Licences, Building, Development or Engineering info for contacts Cemetery 4150 Oxford St | 604.927.5251 Facility bookings recreation@portcoquitlam.ca Fire Halls #1 Fire Hall / Administration: 1725 Broadway St #2 Fire Hall: 3196 Toronto St 604.927.5466 | fire@portcoquitlam.ca Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (indoor pool / weight room) 1379 Laurier Ave | 604.927.7946 Leigh Square • The Gathering Place: 604.927.7900 #200-2253 Leigh Square Pl • The Outlet: 604.927.8400 #110-2248 McAllister Ave Public Works 1737 Broadway St | 604.927.5496 Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex (arena) 2150 Wilson Ave | 604.927.7970 Pound Countryside Kennels: 604.945.0125 Seniors programming (50+) 2150 Wilson Ave: 604.927.7970 Terry Fox Library 2470 Mary Hill Rd | 604.927.7999 Youth centres Hyde Away – 1379 Laurier Ave: 604.927.7962 Wilson Lounge @ the Rec Complex – 2150 Wilson Ave: 604.927.7938
Recreation & Culture General Inquiries / Administration #200-2253 Leigh Square Pl 604.927.7900 | recreation@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/recreation Registration 604.927.PLAY (7529) | www.experienceit.ca Program Info General: www.portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide Arts: www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare Children: www.portcoquitlam.ca/children Seniors: www.portcoquitlam.ca/wilsoncentre Youth: www.pocoyouth.com Volunteering 604.927.7906 | volunteer@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer
Emergency preparedness – free community courses or volunteering General: 604.927.5466 | fire@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/ep Fire prevention information www.portcoquitlam.ca/fire Hot Summer Nights outreach program 604.927.5466 | fire@portcoquitlam.ca
Police / RCMP General inquiries / Non-emergency 604.945.1550 www.portcoquitlam.ca/policing www.coquitlam.rcmp.ca Crime prevention programs Community Policing Stations communitypolice@portcoquitlam.ca • Downtown: 604.927.2383 | 2581 Mary Hill Rd • Northside: 604.927.5172 | 3312 Coast Meridian Rd Block Watch: 604.945.1579 Graffiti info and reporting www.portcoquitlam.ca/cp
Public Works & Parks Maintenance Garbage, recycling and green carts 604.927.5496 | public works@portcoquitlam.ca www.portcoquitlam.ca/waste Infrastructure inquiries (water/sewer system, drainage & flood control, roads & lanes, sidewalks, traffic signals & street lights, etc.) 604.927.5496 | publicworks@portcoquitlam.ca Parks and tree maintenance: 604.927.5480 Sports field closures 604.927.5455 | www.portcoquitlam.ca/sportsfields
Community Contacts Fraser Health – Public Health: 604.949.7200 Port Coquitlam Community Foundation info@pocofoundation.com Port Coquitlam Heritage & Cultural Society 604.927.8403 | info@pocoheritage.org Port Coquitlam Sports Alliance Contact through www.pocosport.com School District 43: 604.939.9201 | www.sd43.bc.ca
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Tel: 604.927.5411 Fax: 604.927.5360 info@portcoquitlam.ca
2580 Shaughnessy Street Port Coquitlam, British Columbia Canada V3C 2A8
www.portcoquitlam.ca