Issuu

Pst

Summer Message from the Mayor

Hello, Port Coquitlam!

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, I want to personally welcome each and every one of you to summer in our City. Summer in PoCo is truly a special time, providing so many opportunities for outdoor adventures, vibrant community gatherings, and the chance to create lasting memories right here at home.

We have an exciting season ahead, and I’m particularly thrilled about the wonderful events we’ve planned. From our spectacular Canada Day celebrations at Castle Park to evenings spent enjoying Cinema Under the Stars and the lively tunes of Music in the Square, and of course, the exhilarating PoCo Climb, there’s something for everyone. These events truly showcase the heart and spirit of our community, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to come out and experience the fun with your neighbours.

This summer is also the perfect time to explore our City’s natural beauty. I invite you to make the most of our beautiful parks, extensive trail network like the PoCo Trail, and our recently improved public spaces. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or enjoying a picnic, PoCo’s green spaces offer a wonderful escape right on your doorstep.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated City teams are working tirelessly to ensure your summer experience is seamless and enjoyable. From meticulously maintaining our parks and trails, to orchestrating safe and memorable events and delivering essential services, their commitment helps make Port Coquitlam such a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and play. I invite you to dive into the array of summer programs offered by the City, share your favourite PoCo summer moments on social media using #PoCoSummer2025, and stay connected through our various City channels.

Thank you for your continued community spirit. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and truly memorable summer!

PoCo By the Numbers - Your City at a

PARKS & TRAILS

Over 100 KM of trails & 266 hectares of parkland to explore! SUMMER PROGRAMS

Hundreds of summer camp and program opportunities available!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Two major events (Car Free Day & Terry Fox Hometown Run) bringing thousands together.

Mayor, Brad West

West family enjoying time at Settlers Park.

Don’t Miss Out - Summer Events & Festivities

Experience a vibrant lineup of events and experiences designed to bring the community together and celebrate the best of the summer season. From outdoor concerts and festivals, to family-friendly activities, and local markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join us for a memorable summer full of fun, entertainment, and community spirit!

Port Coquitlam Farmers Market

Every Thursday: June - September

Back at Leigh Square, in the heart of downtown Port Coquitlam, our farmers market is the perfect grocery shopping stop on your way home from work. Join us this summer from June to September from 3 - 7pm as the market expands into Veterans Park, shop for the freshest produce in the lower mainland as well as artisan-made goods and small-scale food producers. Music, community groups and activities for all ages. Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/farmersmarket.

Music in the Square

Join us for free summer afternoon of community concerts at Leigh Square on July 6, August 10 and 26 from 2 - 5pm. Music in the Square features professional musicians from across Metro Vancouver playing a variety of genres including jazz, pop, rock, blues, folk, world fusion, and contemporary. All ages are welcome — rain or shine! For the entertainment schedule, visit portcoquitlam.ca/music.

Celebrate Pride in PoCo

Join us on Sunday, July 20 from 2-5pm at Leigh Square to celebrate Pride! Pride in PoCo is an amazing annual celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities with live music, crafts, food and community displays. Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/pride

Cinema Under the Stars

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and head out for an unforgettable evening of Cinema Under the Stars at Evergreen Park. New this year — grab a tasty snack at a food truck! Join the community and enjoy free family-friendly movie screenings on an enormous 40 foot tall screen.

Movie Schedule:

• July 12 at 9:15pm: Encanto | Food Truck: Meet2Eat

• July 26 at 9:15pm: Twisters | Food Truck: Rocky Point Ice Cream

• August 9 at 8:45pm: The Princess Bride

• August 23 at 8:45pm: Top Gun: Maverick | Food Truck: Alohaaa Hawaiian Insprired Hot Dogs

For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/cinema . portcoquitlam.ca/summer

Don’t Miss Out - Summer Events & Festivities

Mark Your Calendar for Car Free Day in Downtown Port Coquitlam

The third annual Car Free Day event, presented by Translink, is returning to McAllister Avenue in downtown Port Coquitlam on September 6 from noon to 8 pm.

Exploring downtown Port Coquitlam has never been easier via transit, walking or cycling. Celebrate this free festival that will feature two stage areas, a variety of food and beverages, free entertainment, displays, family activities and more.

The festival will feature sustainable and active transportation, an assortment of food and drink options, and entertainment including music, dance performances, and family activities. Attendees will also be encouraged to take a car-free pledge.

Car Free Day Activities

• Live music

• Children’s entertainment

• Great food, available from local restaurants and food trucks;

• Local Breweries

• Free family-friendly activities like mini golf, ninja obstacle course, hands on art making and a bicycle skills zone;

• Booths presented by local businesses and community groups; and

• Electric vehicles on display

Car Free Days take place across the country and aim to inspire people to get out of their cars, interact with each other, and explore alternative modes of transportation. For more information about Car Free Day, visit portcoquitlam.ca/carfreeday.

Honouring the Legacy of a Canadian Hero: New Terry Fox Sculptures

Port Coquitlam, the proud hometown of Terry Fox, continues to honour Terry in 2025, the 45th anniversary of his Marathon of Hope. On September 13, the City will unveil two new, permanent public art sculptures at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC). These significant pieces, endorsed by the Fox family, will serve as a lasting tribute to one of Canada’s most inspiring figures.

New Public Art for a Prominent Location

The two new Terry Fox sculptures will be installed at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, located at 2150 Wilson Avenue. This 205,000 sq. ft. community hub, offers a lively outdoor plaza – an ideal and exciting place to celebrate Terry’s legacy.

The new installation will feature a bold, prominent piece commemorating Terry’s national legacy, alongside a life-size sculpture capturing his early life in Port Coquitlam. Together, they will tell the powerful story of his local roots and enduring impact, resonating with visitors from across the City, region, and province.

More details to come for the unveiling of these sculptures at portcoquitlam.ca/terryfox.

Summer is here! While many camps are filling up fast, the City of Port Coquitlam is reminding residents that there’s still a wide variety of exciting, convenient, and affordable summer camps and programs available for children and youth.

The City’s summer programs are all about keeping kids and teens moving, creating, and connecting throughout the entire break. Running from July 2 to August 28, families can select from flexible half-day, full-day, and full-week camps that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether your child dreams of mastering bike tricks, making a splash in the pool, scoring goals in sports, exploring the great outdoors, or unleashing their artistic flair, a perfect summer adventure awaits.

You can still find openings in popular camps such as:

• Biking and Skating: Little Sprockets; Advanced Trail Blazers Bike Camp; Skate, Bike and Swim; Skate and Fun Camp; Scooter and Skateboard Workshops

• Outdoor Adventures: Junior Explorers Camp, 1 Day Adventure camps, Youth Adventures Summer Camp

• Art Camps July 28 - August 11: For young campers (ages 5.5 to 7)

• Sports: Multi Sports and Basketball

• Early years day camps and programs, including Tons of Fun and Afternoon of Fun camps

The City of Port Coquitlam is committed to making summer programming accessible and affordable to all families. Through the Financial Assistance Program, eligible families can receive a 75 percent discount on activities, including camps. Detailed accessibility information can be found on the website at portcoquitlam.ca/accessinclusion. Don’t miss out on a summer of fun and adventure. To explore available camps and register your child, visit: portcoquitlam.ca/register.

Let’s Keep PoCo Safe and Beautiful this Summer

Be Fire Smart and Safe

Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services are reminding residents of the fire risks associated with the summer weather to help keep Port Coquitlam parks and trails safe this season. As with every summer, Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services staff and Bylaw Enforcement personnel will be stepping up patrols at various parks and trails that are at risk of a wildfires throughout the season. Staff will be looking out for any fires, burning and smoking bylaw infractions as well educating park and trail users about fire prevention. Anyone found not following City bylaws will be given a warning or face fines. To reduce the fire hazard associated with open air burning, littering of cigarette butts and smoking in parks, the bylaw requires smokers to safely extinguish and dispose of their cigarettes (or stop vaping) when entering a park or area of the City where smoking is prohibited.

A wildfire can spread quickly due to dry conditions and high winds and can cause severe environmental and economic impact. Wildfires can become devastating when they encroach upon homes and critical infrastructure. For more fire safety and prevention measures visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire.

Beat the Heat - Stay Safe and Cool

Protect Your Home & Bears

LOCK IT UP: Secure attractants in a garage, shed or with an approved lock cart.

SET IT OUT: Set out unlocked carts at the curb between 5:30 - 7:30 am on collection day. Secure carts again by 7 pm. Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/bears

Port Coquitlam residents are being reminded to stay cool and hydrated this summer while preparing their personal or family emergency plans for heat-related situations.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Stay hydrated,

• Monitor indoor temperatures and watch for signs of heat illness

• Regularly check on family members and neighbours, particularly vulnerable individuals such as seniors and persons managing medical conditions.

For relief from the heat, consider visiting air-conditioned facilities such as the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (HC), or the Terry Fox Library. Never leave children or pets unattended inside parked vehicles.

For additional information on how to prepare for a heat warning or extreme heat emergency, visit portcoquitlam.ca/heat.

Council Meeting Schedule

Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, except August.

Council Meetings:

• Tuesday, September 9

Committee of Council:

• Tuesday, September 2

• Tuesday, September 16

For full agenda and to watch the meeting from the comfort of your home, visit: portcoquitlam.ca/council

Community Connections and Engagement

Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers provide much-needed support in recreational programming, emergency preparedness, community services, environmental programs, and much more. The City is proud and grateful for the citizens who offer up their time and energy to make our City a healthy, vibrant, and caring community!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Adopt - A - Spot: Help keep our community clean and safe by adopting a street, park or trail.

• Community Policing: Help to operate our Community Police Stations, assist with crime-prevention programs and patrols, and educate at community events.

• Emergency Preparedness: Educate the public on emergency preparedness and helping staff to support people impacted by emergencies and other disasters.

• Recreation: Provide quality recreation programming by assisting in children’s programs, community events, seniors’ programs and more.