Issuu

Pst

A Warm Welcome to Fall in the City

What a summer it’s been in Port Coquitlam! We saw so many of you enjoying our outdoor movies, connecting with neighbours at community events, and making the most of our beautiful parks and the PoCo Trail. We hope you were able to make some fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.

While the vibrant energy of summer begins to fade, a new kind of beauty takes its place, and the fun is far from over. In fact, we’re just getting started with a new season of fantastic programs and events designed to carry that same community spirit into the new season. This Fall PoCo Post is your guide to all the exciting things coming up.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to stay active and connected, from new fall recreation programs and important seasonal reminders to a special feature on the Terry Fox sculpture unveiling—a truly historic moment for our community.

We are proud to continue our work on building a vibrant, connected, and welcoming City for all, and we are committed to keeping you connected throughout the season. We encourage you to explore these pages and discover all the ways you can engage with your community this fall.

78,000 Bulbs planted

160 Hanging baskets

75 Planters

154 Garden beds

15,000 Garbage bins changed

Fall Events in PoCo!

Celebrate Arts and Culture in Port Coquitlam

Culture Days runs until October 12 with a variety of activities celebrating local arts and culture. The City invites residents to celebrate Culture Days with free arts and culture programming for all ages taking place throughout September and October. Held annually, Culture Days aims to support engagement with, and appreciation for, arts and culture landscapes of Canadian communities.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/culturedays.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day

Port Coquitlam will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 as a day to recognize and reflect on the tragic history of residential schools, and to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors and their families and communities.

For more information on resources and activities to support reconciliation visit portcoquitlam.ca/reconciliation.

Time to Get Spooky - Halloween Howl is Back!

Join us for the Halloween Howl on Saturday, October 18 from 11:30 am1 pm or 2 - 3:30 pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Families are invited to enjoy a day filled with spooky fun and carnival excitement for children 10 years and under. Come dressed in your favorite costume and take part in activities like pumpkin bowling, fortune telling, and a haunted house. Registration opens for PoCo residents on October 1 and general public on October 3 at 8 am. For more information or to register visit portcoquitlam.ca/register or call 604.927.PLAY (7529).

Join Us - Remembrance Day Ceremony

The City of Port Coquitlam invites residents, family, friends, and visitors to join in honouring veterans on Tuesday, November 11. A parade, organized by the Port Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133, will begin at 10:10 a.m. along Shaughnessy Street from Wilson Avenue to McAllister Avenue, followed by a Remembrance Day ceremony at 10:45 a.m. at Veterans Park, including a wreath-laying service at the cenotaph. The full program is available at portcoquitlam.ca/remember.

Fall Events in PoCo!

Halloween Skate

Get ready for a spooktacular time on the ice at our Halloween Skate! Dress up in your favorite costume, and join us for a fun-filled afternoon with family and friends.

Don’t miss out—there’s still time to register for this chillingly fun event happening Saturday, October 25 from 3:30 - 5 pm at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/register.

Community Safety Course

Be prepared and stay safe with our FREE Community Safety Course. Join us on Saturday, November 15, from 9 am – 12:30 pm at Fire Hall #1 (1725 Broadway Street) to learn how to respond in an emergency, gain important fire safety tips, and explore crime prevention strategies to help protect yourself and your community.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/ep.

Bear Information Session

As fall transitions into winter, local bear activity increases as they search for food to prepare for hibernation. Join us for our popular free Bear Aware Information Session on Wednesday, October 8, from 6:30–8:30 pm at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

Learn about bear behaviours, how to safely manage attractants around your home, and what steps to take if you encounter a bear.

Winter in the City

Get ready to embrace the magic of the season with our Winter in the City event lineup! We’re kicking things off with Christmas in the Square and the Winter Market on November 29, followed by festive favourites like the Parade of Lights, the CPKC Holiday Train, holiday skates, and so much more. Mark your calendars and join us for a season full of holiday cheer and community spirit!

For more information visit: portcoquitlam.ca/winterinthecity.

Get Active and Creative this Fall

Fall is in the air, bringing with it a fresh season of opportunities to move, create, and connect right here in Port Coquitlam. From sports and fitness to arts programs, swimming, and skating lessons, there’s something for everyone to get active, learn a new skill, and meet new friends.

Ready to sign up? Registration for all fall programs is now open. Browse the full program guide at portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide and register online at portcoquitlam.ca/register or by calling 604.927.PLAY(7529).

Don’t forget to register your kids for our popular Pro D Day and Winter Break Camps before they fill up.

Check out the Fall Leisure Guide for these programs and many more:

• Afterschool Active

• Arts and Culture

• Birthday Parties

• Day Camps (Ages 3 to 17)

• Fitness (All ages)

• Playschool Outside and Playschool Inside (Ages 3-5)

• Public Skating Programs and Lessons (All ages)

• Seniors Activities (Adult 60+)

• Swimming Lessons (All ages)

• Youth Activities

To explore all of our fall programing visit, portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide.

Explore PoCo’s Trails this Fall

Fall is the perfect season to get outside and enjoy Port Coquitlam’s extensive trail network. With over 100 km of trails winding through parks, forests, and along the river, there’s something for every pace — whether you’re walking, running, or cycling.

One of the newest highlights is the PoCo Climb, a set of 150+ outdoor steps designed to challenge your fitness and reward you with great views once you reach the top. It’s a local favourite for residents looking to add a boost to their workout or enjoy a brisk climb with friends.

As daylight hours shorten, remember to:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing.

• Bring a light if heading out in the early morning or evening.

• Travel with a buddy when possible.

Discover the beauty of fall colours, breathe in the crisp air, and see why PoCo’s trails are one of the City’s best assets. Learn more and explore maps at portcoquitlam.ca/parks.

Library and Facilities

This fall, the Terry Fox Library and City facilities are buzzing with opportunities to stay active, creative, and connected.

At the Library

Celebrate Library Month this October with special programs and events for all ages. From children’s story times and teen book clubs to adult workshops and reading programs, there’s something for everyone. The Library also offers digital resources — eBooks, audiobooks, and online learning tools — that you can access anytime, anywhere.

At Our Facilities

As the seasons shift, outdoor sports facilities begin transitioning for winter use. Residents can look forward to skating opportunities at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, fitness programs at our recreation centres, and new seasonal programs highlighted in the Fall Leisure Guide.

Whether you’re turning pages, lacing up skates, or joining a class, PoCo’s library and facilities are here to keep you connected, active, and inspired this fall.

Learn more at portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide and fvrl.ca.

FREE Join Us at Tuesday Talks

Attend an informative session at Tuesday Talks presented by the Wilson Seniors Advisory Association. These sessions are free and held at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre - Mabbett Hall. Topics this fall include financial health, fall prevention and more!

Visit portcoquitlam.ca/seniors for information.

Fall Skating Programs

The Port Coquitlam Community Centre offers ice and dry arena sports for all ages and skill levels. From learning to skate for the first time to improving your hockey skills — or just enjoying a public skate with friends — there’s something for everyone.

Programs include:

• Public skates

• Skating lessons and programs

• Hockey lessons and programs

• School skates

• and more!

Learn more and register at portcoquitlam.ca/skating.

PoCo Proud: Building Our Community Together

Unveiling of the New Terry Fox Sculptures

The Gateway of Giants is a unique and engaging public art work display that captures the spirit of Terry Fox growing up in Port Coquitlam. The artwork inspires residents and visitors to recognize and share Terry Fox’s legacy as a national hero in his hometown.

“There’s nothing Port Coquitlam is prouder of than being the hometown of Terry Fox. It’s a special honour that comes with a special responsibility: to ensure Terry’s story is told to the next generation. This project is part of making that happen in such a meaningful way.”- Mayor of Port Coquitlam, Brad West.

The artwork is made up of two sculptures installed along the walkway to the entrance of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, bringing vibrancy and life to the plaza. The sculptures create a space within the plaza for people to connect, celebrate and remember where Terry began his journey as an optimistic young person in Port Coquitlam.

“This new statue of a young Terry is especially meaningful, as it reflects his roots and the early years that helped shape his determination and values.”

- Terry’s niece, Kirsten Fox.

The artwork leads the public to the new Terry Fox: Inspiring Local Champions exhibits inside the community centre. Together, the sculptures and exhibits inspire residents and visitors, especially youth, to see themselves as capable of following in Terry’s footsteps to become champions too.

About the Sculptures

The first sculpture is an 18-foot (5.5-metre) weathered steel cut-out of Terry in a starting pose, brimming with optimism and energy.

The image is drawn from a photograph of Terry training outdoors during his university years after his amputation. Light passes through the cut-outs in the steel, casting shifting shadows on the ground throughout the day and across the seasons. The design invites viewers to look through the silhouette to the sky—encouraging reflection on Terry’s dreams, determination, and enduring inspiration.

The second sculpture is a life-sized bronze statue, just over five feet tall, depicting Terry as a young teenager. Shown walking confidently with a baseball and a school book, this figure reflects Terry as he was growing up in Port Coquitlam—optimistic, active, and full of potential. The approachable scale makes the piece especially meaningful for children

and youth, who can see themselves in Terry’s early years. Together, the sculptures create a welcoming space within the plaza for residents and visitors to connect, celebrate, and remember. Placed along the walkway leading to the entrance of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, they bring vibrancy to the plaza and encourage people to pause—whether by touching the sculptures, taking photographs, or sitting on a nearby bench for a moment of contemplation. A bronze plaque installed on the ground provides additional context about the work.

For more information visit, portcoquitlam.ca/gateway.

PoCo Proud: Building Our Community Together

Gates Park Update

Exciting improvements are underway at one of Port Coquitlam’s most-loved parks. Phase 1 of the Gates Park Project is progressing on schedule and includes:

• A new turf field and warm-up field Field lighting.

• Paved access road.

• Gravel parking areas.

• A new pathway network.

So far, crews have completed the pre-load for the field, installed most of the site servicing (water, sanitary, and drainage), and finished paving the driveway access.

Looking ahead, additional enhancements are in the design phase, including:

• Paving of all gravel surfaces to increase parking capacity.

• A new pedestrian main entrance.

• Pickleball courts.

• A new grandstand.

This next stage of work is targeted for September 2026, further enhancing Gates Park as a premier destination for sports, recreation, and community gathering. For more information visit, portcoquitlam.ca/gatespark.

Kingsway Upgrades

The Kingsway Avenue Phase 2 project is progressing on schedule and is set for completion by November 2025. So far, most of the concrete curbs and sidewalks along the south side have been installed, and the underground electrical works are now complete.

In the coming weeks, residents can expect to see:

• Final concrete installations

• Asphalt patch repairs

• Above-ground electrical work

• Fresh lane markings

• Boulevard restorations to finish the project area

Once complete, this project will improve safety, accessibility, and the overall look and feel of Kingsway Avenue creating a smoother experience for everyone who travels, works, and lives in the area.

More information can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/kingsway.

Maple Creek Pump Station

Work is well underway on the Maple Creek Pump Station capital project! These upgrades are part of the City’s commitment to enhancing flood protection for residents and businesses, while also safeguarding the environment and improving wildlife habitats.

By investing in critical infrastructure, we’re ensuring Port Coquitlam is prepared for today — and resilient for the future.

Learn more at portcoquitlam.ca/capitalprojects.

Keep Catch Basins Clear this Fall

Help prevent flooding in your neighbourhood by keeping storm drains and catchbasins near your home clear of leaves, snow, and ice. Blocked drains can quickly lead to pooling water and flood conditions.

What you can do:

• Locate drains or catchbasins adjacent to your property.

• Remove leaves, snow, or debris from around the grate.

• Clear a path to ensure water can flow freely.

Did you know? Many of PoCo’s catchbasins connect to fish-bearing streams. Keeping them clear not only prevents flooding but also protects our local environment.

Find a catchbasin near you at portcoquitlam.ca/catchbasins.

Protecting Our City and Environment

Like it or not, the rainy season is on its way — and City crews are already preparing. This fall, maintenance work is underway across Port Coquitlam to reduce the risk of flooding while also protecting local ecosystems.

Recent work includes:

• Cedar Creek Pump Station – Sediment was cleared from the northeast side, with protective nets in place to safeguard young coho salmon.

• Fremont Street – Ditch flailing and clearing helps water flow freely during heavy rains.

• Harbour Street Pump Station – Sediment, debris, and organic materials were removed from the pond to maximize water-holding capacity, improve stormwater conveyance, and reduce flood risk.

By keeping creeks, ditches, and waterways clear, we not only improve drainage but also strengthen fish and wildlife habitat throughout our community.

We take great pride in providing quality service to our community. Did you know you can report any City services issues using the Sort & Report App, online at portcoquitlam.ca/report or by calling 604.927.3111.

Scan QR code to download the app!

Stay Safe this Season

Protect Your Home - Check Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a fire, but they must be in proper working condition.

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas (such as hallways), and on every level of the home, including basements.

• Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button.

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services are committed to enhancing home safety by providing free smoke alarms to the community’s most vulnerable residents. Fire staff will install smoke alarms and conduct a home safety inspection. Residents can sign up at portcoquitlam.ca/smokealarm.

For more fire safety and prevention tips, visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire.

Fire Prevention Week: October 5–11, 2025

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is all about keeping your home and family safe. Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services encourages everyone to take a few minutes to review fire safety basics:

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years.

• Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.

• Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from heat sources.

Small steps make a big difference in preventing fires. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire for more resources and safety tips.

Be ready for emergencies and help us test our systems!

On Thursday, October 16 at 10:30 am, immediately following the ShakeOut BC earthquake drill, the City will send out a test alert through the Alertable App.

What to do:

• Download the free Alertable App today.

• Keep your phone nearby on October 16.

• When the test alert comes through, you’ll know your device is ready to receive real-time emergency updates.

For more information about the program or to download the app, visit portcoquitlam.ca/alertable.

Have Your Say on Let’s Talk PoCo

Your voice matters! Share your feedback on City projects, plans, and community events by joining the conversation on Let’s Talk PoCo. The platform makes it easy to:

• Learn about upcoming initiatives.

• Provide input that helps shape City decisions.

• Share your thoughts on past events to help us improve future programming. Sign up today and get involved: portcoquitlam.ca/letstalk.