Construction on Fraser Mills rec centre set for 2028

As the Fraser Mills neighbourhood takes root, the Fraser Mills Community Centre is taking shape.

Coquitlam council got a look at the latest designs for the approximately 59,000 square foot rec centre Monday.

Built with mass timber and big windows, the centre is set to include a 25-metre lap pool, a leisure pool, double waterslides, a steam room, sauna, gymnasium, and three multi-purpose rooms.

Besides serving the approximately 11,000 people projected to move to Fraser Mills over the next two decades, the facility should benefit all of Coquitlam, according to Coun. Matt Djonlic.

“This is going to take a lot of pressure off the Poirier pool,” he said Monday.

Located off the water just below the King Edwards Street loop, construction on the centre is slated to start in 2028 and to wrap up in 2031.

“This is a great example of where we’re getting the community centre built as the people are coming in,” Djonlic said.

With the Burke Mountain rec centre slated to open around 2029, Coquitlam council will need to be diligent in managing the budget for capital projects, he said.

The total cost will be revealed after the construction contract has been awarded, explained the city’s director of capital projects Tobi May.

Beedie development company is set to pay a capital contribution indexed to the Building Construction Price Index with Coquitlam picking up the balance.

Once the facility is built, Beedie is set to transfer ownership to Coquitlam, with the city taking over the cost of operations and maintenance. The one exception is a restaurant that would remain property of Beedie.

While the budget is under review, the cost of running the centre is expected to have a: “significant financial impact,” according to a staff report.

To help cushion the blow, the city may dip into its development stabilization reserve.

The plan also includes a nearby plaza and 350 parking spots.

Beedie is set to help cover the cost of 15-minute bus service in the neighbourhood until TransLink upgrades transit in the area.

A more detailed version of the centre is set to be presented to council in 2027.

Located on 37 hectares east of Ikea and south of Maillardville, the Fraser Mills development is set to include 16 towers ranging from 29 to 49 storeys.

The 37-hectare project is expected to add 5,500 units Coquitlam. To address flooding concerns, the “habitable portion of residences and commercial spaces” must be at a minimum elevation of 20 feet.