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Parking problems at Poirier in Coquitlam during construction

Construction on new public facilities on Poirier Street in Coquitlam is causing parking headaches for some. But a city recreation manager says people need to be patient a few more weeks. With a new $47.

Construction on new public facilities on Poirier Street in Coquitlam is causing parking headaches for some.

But a city recreation manager says people need to be patient a few more weeks.

With a new $47.7-million school being built to replace Centennial secondary and a $3.9-million multi-purpose sports facility under construction across the street next to Dogwood Pavilion, parking in the area has been at a premium.

"We're staying on top of this as best we can," said Debbie Clavelle, Coquitlam's community recreation manager, who said some patrons of Dogwood, a rec centre for people 50 years and older, have complained about the lack of parking close to the building since construction for the new dry floor facility took up 12 spots.

As well, School District 43 is renting 41 spaces in the Dogwood Parking lot for teachers displaced by Centennial construction, with funds going to support Dogwood programs.

Clavelle said workers have been monitoring the situation and keeping accessible parking spots free for those who need them and communicating to members.

"It's supposed to be done by November," Clavelle said of the dry-floor facility, which will be used by a variety of sports, including lacrosse, ball hockey and soccer, and will have a fabric roof.

She hopes people can be patient until then despite the inconvenience. Centennial, meanwhile, is expected to be open next fall.

One Dogwood member, Timmie Marr, who is 90, said she hopes the inconvenience will be over soon. Her favourite pastime is bridge and it's difficult to find an accessible spot on busy days at the centre.

Noting that she has trouble walking, Marr said she is now a "prisoner of her car" and says other seniors have mobility issues as well.

dstrandberg@tricitynews.com