Port Coquitlam tweaks rec fees; water line connections

It may cost a a few more coins to use a dumbbell or swim some laps in Port Coquitlam next year. 

At a committee of council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, city council unanimously approved a proposal that would hike the admission and rental fees at all recreation facilities in Port Coquitlam. 

The proposal, slated to increase single admission fees for adults by 13 cents and six cents for children among other slight hikes, is due to inflation, according to a report to council.  

It was approved without any additional comments by council. 

The increase in fees applies for residents and groups — hockey teams and swim clubs — who are looking to book space at a recreation centre. The rate to book a field, swimming lane, leisure pool or ice and dry floor in an arena have risen by a few dollars per hour. 

(You can check out council’s plans for all recreation increases here.) 

Despite signalling its intention to increase recreation and rental fees, the new rates would be on par with other nearby municipalities. 

If approved, the single admission prices for children, youth and adults at community centres would rank Port Coquitlam between Coquitlam and Maple Ridge’s fees. 

Port Coquitlam would charge residents between $3.19 and $6.39 for a single admission pass, depending on their age. The rates in Coquitlam vary from $3.29 to $6.52, while Maple Ridge rates range from $3.11 and $6.11 for access to similar facilities.

As part of the proposed recreation fee increase, Port Coquitlam also announced plans to charge residents or developers $10,015 for connections of 50 millimetres or more to the city’s water line. 

The city currently offers 38-mm-long water connections for $8,900 — the rate is expected to increase to $9300, should the increases be approved next week. 

But ahead of provincial legislation that promises to add new housing and density minimums in Port Coquitlam and municipalities across B.C., the city introduced the 50-mm connection option. It was a move in anticipation of developers asking to build homes with four, six or more dwelling units and needing a larger water source connection. Residents and developers will be charged an additional $495 per metre should they need a water connection greater than 50mm. 

Boarding fees for dangerous dogs and the cost to build sanitary, storm or water piping are among other fees that are expected to increase in the city. Costs at the Port Coquitlam Cemetery are likely to be raised by 5 per cent following the next council meeting.  

The new rates are expected to be discussed at a council meeting next week.

If approved, the fee increases would be applied in early 2025.