COQUITLAM, B.C., May 31, 2022 – Planning for the new community centre in northeast Coquitlam is moving to the next stage with the completion of public engagement for the project.
Staff presented Council with updates on the proposed three-storey, 430-square-metre (80,000-square-foot) Northeast Community Centre (NECC) in the future Burke Mountain Village, bringing aquatics, gymnasiums, fitness, library, community space and other services to the growing area.
Substantial planning work has been completed to date on the project – which will be the most significant civic facility built in recent years – including a feasibility study, preliminary technical studies, a needs assessment as well as a high-level plan for the building program, size and cost developed by an architecture firm.
Positive Response to Site-Fit Concept
Public engagement, strategic planning, best practices and other research over the last two years have helped shape the vision for the NECC as an inclusive and accessible hub that will showcase the natural mountainside setting.
The latest round of public feedback in December and January – summarized in the Phase 2 What We Heard Infographic at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/necc – demonstrated high approval with the site-fit concept that includes:
- An aquatics centre with separate leisure and lap pools, whirlpool and sauna;
- Two gymnasiums for court sports and daytime preschool programs;
- Fitness centre with weight room and studio;
- Indoor and outdoor walking tracks;
- Community space including multi-purpose rooms, community kitchen, a ‘makerspace’ (i.e. collaborative working, learning and exploring space) and large atrium;
- Covered outdoor covered space for recreation and cultural programs;
- About 340 parking stalls;
- Public art; and
- A new branch of the Coquitlam Public Library.
In the survey, 88 per cent of respondents agreed the proposal would fit or somewhat fit the needs of the community while 86 per cent agreed it would fit or somewhat fit their household’s needs.
Responding to Public Feedback
The findings from the community engagement process are one of several factors that Council will consider when making decisions about this facility. Other considerations include community need, budget, other supporting plans and strategies such as the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan, legislation, operational and technical considerations and staff expertise.
In addition to engaging the public, the consultation process included the Northeast Coquitlam Ratepayers Association, community representatives and Council committees. Ongoing engagement is also taking place with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation.
Staff will further analyze how this feedback could be incorporated into the final community centre design, along with feasibility and cost implications.
Next Steps
A few remaining technical pieces are required to be completed in 2022 including geotechnical, archaeological, environmental, drainage, park/plaza conceptualization, rezoning and strategic land analysis. A Library Services and Spaces Study will include a recommendation for the size of the library branch to be included.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024.
Stay Up to Date about NECC and Burke Mountain
For more information on the NECC project, visit www.coquitlam.ca/necc. Those interested in development on Burke Mountain can find information on www.coquitlam.ca/burkemtn or sign up for Burke Mountain updates at www.coquitlam.ca/notifyme.
About Burke Mountain Village
Burke Mountain Village will be a unique regional destination, and the social and commercial heart of the growing master-planned community of Burke Mountain in Northeast Coquitlam, currently home to about 15,000 people.
The 16-hectare (39-acre) village will feature 11,200 square metres (120,000 square feet) of commercial space – including a grocery store, shops and restaurants – along with a public plaza, community centre, 2,000-plus apartments and townhomes, panoramic views, and easy access to nearby trails, parks and schools, as well as proximity to transit, including SkyTrain and commuter rail.
Formerly known as the Partington Creek Neighbourhood Centre, Burke Mountain Village is anticipated to begin development within the next several years. Visit www.burkevillage.ca for information.
Media contact
Tiina Mack
Manager, Parks and Facility Planning
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3494
tmack@coquitlam.ca