Award

M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | 67 Port Coquitlam Community Centre – Phase 2 P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J O N ROSS F I L M S/CO U RT E S Y C I T Y O F P O RT CO Q U I T L A M PORT COQUITLAM COMMUNITY CENTRE – PHASE 2 by SUSAN PEDERSON T he Port Coquitlam Community Centre's (PCCC) Phase 2 went off, some might say, without a hitch. On time and on budget, the 205,000-square-foot project provides accessible recreation for all, through a simple floor plan that links major spaces in the building via a pedestrian spine that easily guides users through the space. Those rushing to their fitness class or to drop off kids will be inclined to slow down and take it all in, with its bright modern vibe and barrier free amenities for all ages. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike will be impressed with the aquatic cen- tre, featuring striking six-foot glulam beams that span over 150 feet. A third sheet of ice (also used for lacrosse) was added with Phase 2, as well as a third gym, a children's area with spray park, a cafe, over 400 underground parking stalls, and much-anticipated land- scaping to the west of the building. The building is anchored by a festival plaza, providing a gateway that hon- ours the site's natural amenities and heritage. It's one of Port Coquitlam's largest-ever capital projects, but one can't put a price on the value that the facility adds to the community. "Before this expansion, the recre- ational opportunities were limited, and people would have to drive here," says Lori Bowie, director of recreation for The City of Port Coquitlam. "This way they can walk – it's a collective achievement and a positive breath of fresh air. I was outside the other day and it was so animated with the natu- ral flow of kids to the playground, with all different abilities. It's very family friendly and brings together different generations, and people with all kinds of different passions and activities." People doing different activities seemed to be an underlying theme as this project came together. While the kids in the playground, pool, or gym may not have noticed some noise while they were using the facil- ity (which stayed open throughout the Phase 2 build), their grandma in the knitting group may have felt a slight vibration, or heard a few jackhammers interrupting their peaceful gathering. That's because the build was taking place at the same time that the old facilities were being carefully demolished. "Trying to do anything in the mid- dle of a pandemic, while demolishing an outdated facility and building around an existing facility that was trying to operate, definitely brought challenges," says Bowie. "In a commu- nity as small as Port Coquitlam, with only two arenas, we had to get creative with design and construction. We had to stay open and work closely with the designer and builder, and really

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