There’s a lot in our reporters’ notebooks for 2018 — from federal rules legalizing recreational pot to the October civic elections — but, for Tri-City taxpayers, there are also key projects on the go that residents can look forward and see where their tax dollars were spent by their municipality.
COQUITLAM
• City Centre Area Plan: This was last updated a decade ago and Coquitlam city staff are returning to the document to find ways to boost density in the downtown core, with more mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly developments along the Evergreen Extension. A draft plan is set to go before city council in mid-2019.
• Community Enhancement Blitz: Just like the Southwest Park Blitz in 2016, this $5.7-million campaign (lasting until 2020) looks at updating public assets such as the Coquitlam Crunch (trail upgrades) and the Hillcrest-Como Lake Greenway; adding public washrooms (the Crunch, Mundy Park, Burquitlam Station) and wayfinding signs (Austin Heights and Maillardville); and modernizing trails across the city.
• Parks and rec: Three big projects are happening in 2018 at Burke Mountain Pioneer, Riley and Cottonwood parks. And, in the fall, Burke Mountain residents will see the opening of the Smiling Creek Activity Centre that will provide fitness and after-school programs.
PORT COQUITLAM
• Blakeburn Lagoons Park: The city received federal and provincial funding to turn two decommissioned settling ponds into a 27.2-acre oasis, east of Blakeburn elementary. The opening is set for this spring.
• Centennial Pool: This outdoor pool — where the PoCo Marlins train and compete each summer — will be retrofitted at a cost of $2.5 million (of which $500,000 came from the Canada 150 Infrastructure Funding Grant Program).
• Donald Street path: Upgraded in 2014 and ’15, this multi-use path will see the remaining section of Donald Street (between Welcher and Central avenues) extended.
PORT MOODY
• Civic facilities: 2018 will see the completion of the Port Moody Public Library renovations as well as upgrades at city hall, the recreation complex and Port Moody Arts Centre.
• Utility updates: Homeowners along Cecile and Angela drives can expect to see a major infrastructure project wrap up on water mains, storm sewers and sanitary system as well as road works in the College Park neighbourhood.
• Gatensbury Road: Utility reconstruction and traffic improvements will be carried out on this twisty street this year, pending final approval of the 2018 capital budget.
ANMORE
• Village Centre Site Development Plan: Consultants recently presented a village centre concept showing where a new village hall will be sited and how the surrounding area (including Spirit Park) will be redeveloped over the coming years. Public feedback is set to start this month before council considers a formal plan in the spring.
• Stormwater Master Plan: Consultants are now looking at the stormwater drainage system for the village — a study paid for under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund with federal and provincial grants. When done, the results will provide council with a guide on what infrastructure needs to be replaced.
• Trails: Linking trails around the village is a thrust for 2018 as it continues to expand with new development and subdivisions.
BELCARRA
• Asset Management Planning: Village assets will be evaluated as part of a depreciation plan to prepare for future capital updates.
• Municipal Drainage Study: To ready for future climate change, council will look at how it can improve drainage capacity in the mountainous community.
• Zoning Review: The recent construction of monster homes in Belcarra prompted council to strike a zoning advisory committee; it’s expected to make its recommendations to council in February.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
