While the new Port Coquitlam recreation complex is shaping up from the outside, city staff are now making plans to outfit the interior for the first-phase opening later this summer.
Tuesday, recreation director Lori Bowie told the city’s committee of council that tenders are now out — or soon to be this month — to purchase audio and visual equipment for two of the three new arenas and for shelving in the Terry Fox Library, which will be moving into the community centre.
As well, a commercial kitchen will be arriving next month, Bowie said.
City staff will be trained in the new areas — the two ice rinks, and the multipurpose, administration and games rooms plus the lounge and kitchen — in June while those sections will be open for core programming in August for a September opening celebration, Bowie told the committee.
The new leisure pool and fitness centre are set to open in early 2020.
The $132-million complex will have a number of features, she said, including a Sports Hall of Fame in the main corridor and a library entrance with the Fraser Valley Regional Library colours. “It’s really starting to be on its way to finishing,” said Bowie, who walked through the building Tuesday and showed photos of the capital project to the committee.
Still, a number of issues are on the horizon as Phase 2 gets underway this summer to build the underground parking, the third rink, gym and another multipurpose room.
For that phase, which is expected to take two years to complete, pile driving will start on the south side of the site in fall and will last several months.
Meanwhile, city councillors also voiced concerns about the current parking crunch for user groups, patrons and tradespeople. The online parking map will be updated to give drivers options, Bowie said, and West Coast Express will be contacted to see if the city can use its parking lot after 6 p.m.
Coun. Glenn Pollock said he has seen a tow truck in the area during lacrosse games. “We haven’t towed anybody yet,” Bowie responded, noting parking is usually tight in between games.
“We know it’s inconvenient and frustrating at times,” she said, asking patrons to try to arrive by public transit, cycle or car pool.
Coun. Darrell Penner also questioned why city staff haven’t allocated space for a pro shop while Coun. Dean Washington said he’s puzzled why two reception areas are needed.
Pollock also suggested the city cut up the old bleachers in the Green Arena and resell them to fund a dressing room in the new 205,000 sq. ft. facility.
• For up-to-date information about the Port Coquitlam recreation complex construction, visit portcoquitlam.ca.
