Port Coquitlam residents are most happy with the city’s parks and affordability, according to a city survey whose results were released last month.
But the municipal poll, conducted in March in the lead-up to the adoption of the budget, also shows road conditions and affordability topping the list for areas city hall needs to work on.
A total of 706 responses were received — up 200 from last year — showing that respondents believe fire and parks services offer the best value for tax dollars, followed garbage/recycling/green cart pickup, police and recreation services.
The proposed $106-million 2019 PoCo budget calls for a 2.99% bump in property taxes for owners with an average home assessed at $818,445; it largely focuses on spending money on infrastructure, safety and recreation, including the downtown recreation complex rebuild, which accounts for 1% of the tax hike.
Other budget highlights are: two more Mounties for the detachment PoCo shares with Coquitlam; wayfinding and parking signs for downtown; and a visual and audio system for the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Property tax bills are mailed out mid-May, with payments due July 2. A 5% penalty is added after that date; a further 5% is applied after Aug. 15.
Other PoCo news:
FOX PLAYGROUND
A Port Coquitlam neighbourhood where security was recently stepped up around its park saw the unveiling of a new accessible playground.
This morning (Wednesday), the city thanked the area residents for their patience during the spring construction with a celebration at Fox Park.
The $172,200 update of the Lancaster Avenue playground includes a rubber surface, slides, swings and elevated structures for kids up 12.
Located east of Westwood Street, Fox Park has been a hot spot for RCMP with frequent complaints of drug deals and use as well as loitering.
In February, the city hired a security firm to patrol the neighbourhood.
CHAMBERS RENTAL
Non-profit community groups will soon be able to rent out council chambers at Port Coquitlam city hall.
Last month, council gave three readings to change the fees and charges bylaw for the meetings.
The third-floor room will be available for $45 per hour — the same as other civic facilities — for adult-based clubs, agencies and religious organizations; the youth and SD43 school rate is $22 per hour.
Private groups will be charged $56 an hour while commercial and political groups and non-residents $68 an hour.
Coun. Steve Darling opposed the fee, saying he views the chambers as a public space and shouldn’t come at a cost.
Fourth and final reading of the amended bylaw is expected later this month.
