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Port Coquitlam OKs $113-million capital plan for 2017, '18

Port Coquitlam's new community recreation complex as well as walking and cycling links to get to the Evergreen Extension in Coquitlam are on a two-year capital plan that council okayed Monday.
community
A drawing for Port Coquitlam's new Community Recreation Complex, on Wilson Avenue.

Port Coquitlam's new community recreation complex as well as walking and cycling links to get to the Evergreen Extension in Coquitlam are on a two-year capital plan that council okayed last night.

PoCo's $113-million capital budget for 2017 and 2018 is heavy on new and revamped infrastructure after years of saving up for the bricks-and-mortar projects, Mayor Greg Moore said today (Tuesday).

The decision to move forward early on the capital works means the city can get a jump-start on securing contracts for the new year — before other municipal councils pass their financial plans.

Top of PoCo's priorities is the replacement of the rec complex and library on Wilson Avenue, a project that's expected to cost $132 million for three sheets of ice and a leisure swimming pool. The city is currently finalizing the design-build contract with Ventana Construction, Moore said.

Also on the capital program is 14.2 kilometres of roadwork, 13.6 km of water, sewer and storm piping replacement, 2.7 kilometres of new sidewalks, a 215-metre extension of the Donald Street path and upgrades to the outdoor Centennial Pool to make it for competitive and community use.

As well, Thompson Park fields — a key baseball site — and its bleachers will be transformed.

Funding for the plan will come, for the most part, from grants, development cost charges, capital reserve funds, the city's infrastructure fund and provincial Community Works gas tax revenue.

Meanwhile, the city's department managers will give their wish lists to council on Monday and Tuesday as part of deliberations for the 2017 operational budget. Residents can also have their say on next year's financial plan by calling 604-927-5280 or emailing budget@portcoquitlam.ca.

jcleugh@tricitynews.com