Plans for 125th anniversary celebrations in Coquitlam in 2016 are beginning to take shape.
According to a preliminary planning report, the city expects a full year of activities, including everything from a two-day music festival to neighbourhood celebrations and block parties.
The kickoff for the festivities is expected to take place on Jan. 2, 2016, and will feature a day of free skating and swimming activities at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex as well as cultural activities at Dogwood Pavilion and the Poirier Indoor Sports and Event Centre.
The preliminary list of events outlined plans for a historic picnic at Blue Mountain Park with traditional games and food, world cafes in the spring and numerous art shows throughout the year.
There will be a block party challenge, where residents and community associations will be encouraged to hold their own celebrations with the assistance from the city.
Several legacy projects are being considered, including a salmon public art piece and a winter lighting event. The BC Seniors Games are also expected to take place in Coquitlam as part of the birthday celebrations.
On Monday, council unanimously endorsed the report, which estimated the cost of the 125th anniversary to be between $600,000 and $750,000. But city staff said there are ways to offset some of the costs that will come with the birthday celebrations.
The city will apply for a Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Grant from the federal government, with staff noting that Port Coquitlam and Port Moody each received $100,000 for their 2013 centennial celebrations through the program. Staff said it will also be possible to leverage sponsorship opportunities for the event, which could generate an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 in revenue.
The last time Coquitlam hosted an event of this size was in 1991, when the city held its centennial celebrations.
Several legacy projects still exist from that time, including the Centennial totem pole, the Centennial Pavilion at Dogwood Pavilion, the lawn bowling green and Centennial Rose Garden, and an upgrade to the Centennial secondary field and track.
The 100th birthday featured 62 activities, including the BC Summer Games and the BC Seniors Games. A time capsule was buried at Poirier community centre that will be opened on Dec. 1, 2041, at Coquitlam's 150th birthday party. The 1991 event cost the city $208,028.
PUB HOURS OK'D
Charlie Hamilton Pub's bid to keep its doors open an hour later each day received the endorsement of Coquitlam city council.
On Monday, council voted unanimously to support a change in the bar's liquor primary licence, which will allow the establishment to operate until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
But not everyone was happy with the possibility that the Henderson Place establishment will be allowed to extend its hours. Of the 18 people who commented on the proposal, 14 said they were opposed to the changes, while four said they supported the move.
Some of the concerns had to do with noise levels and the potential for people to drink and drive.
But city staff noted in a report the bar is located in a mixed-use development in a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood that is close to public transit.
The final decision on whether the establishment will be allowed to extend its hours is left to the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
@GMcKennaTC
