Coquitlam is moving ahead with plans for a proposed performance plaza on the edge of Lafarge Lake.
On Monday, council voted in favour of an option to purchase a “saddlespan canopy” for the stage at a cost of $95,000 and provided feedback on the initial design proposed by city staff.
The $2.7-million proposal includes a 23 m x 30 m surface area accented by a trellis toward the back of the stage area. It would also seat approximately 900 people on eight seating levels built into the sloping ground, with an option for an additional 400 informal temporary seats.
“It is a flagship outdoor project that, in many ways, will define the city’s outdoor landscape,” said Raul Allueva, the general manager of parks, recreation and culture services.
“This would be a defining feature of the Town Centre in Coquitlam,” he added later.
But while the city is moving ahead with its design plans, several councillors voiced concerns about the project.
Coun. Bonita Zarrillo said staff did not provide enough information about the number and types of events that would be held at the plaza to vote in favour of accepting the report.
And Coun. Brent Asmundson said he is concerned the layout of the planned plaza does not make it possible to fence off the area for ticketed events.
But Mayor Richard Stewart cautioned council about “overcomplicating” the discussion and noted Coquitlam is one of only a handful of cities without a similar outdoor performance area.
“I think we are heading in the right direction,” Stewart said.
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