Seniors-focused recreation facility is badly needed in Port Moody, but could come with $23 million price tag, according to new study

There is a significant need for a seniors-focused recreation centre in Port Moody, according to a recent study, but it would come at a significant cost.

A two-year feasibility study assessing the space and costs of such a facility was released to council on April 23.

Coun. Haven Lurbiecki, who chairs the Seniors Focus Committee, said it was an “important report” informed by extensive engagement with seniors across the community, adding many were hoping for some reassurance.

“It remains a priority for good reason,” Lurbiecki said. “Different demographics and ages also benefit from specialized and age-specific programs, services and spaces, especially when we think of physical and social needs over time.”

The study proposed either building a standalone facility or renovating additional space at the existing recreation centre to add activity and social spaces for seniors.

The first option would cost between $19.5 to $23.4 million, and require 18,600 square feet of programmable space. Kyle Centre has been identified as a potential location.

Requested amenities include a 9,000 sq. ft. gym, a fitness room, various multi-purpose rooms, outdoor spaces, a kitchen for community events, a lounge, café and a living room, to name a few.

The latter option would cost approximately $13.9 to $16.7 million, and with slightly scaled-down amenities at 13,800 sq. ft. of programmable space.

These estimates are based on 2022 figures, and do not include consultant fees and project management fees, change orders, contingency costs, or taxes.

Port Moody has an active but aging seniors population, according to the study. 

It notes the city has adopted an age-friendly assessment and action plan in 2020, and declared itself an age-friendly city, which comes with a commitment for supporting seniors-focused facilities and programs.

The study’s engagement process began in 2021, and included public workshops, surveys, and interviews with representatives from the Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society, The Club, and the Poirier Recreation Complex and Dogwood.

This feedback was used as the basis for identifying needs and gaps, as well as potential locations, programming, and conceptual designs.

Results showed a high demand for adaptable spaces available for casual drop-ins, such as rooms where seniors can come together for general socializing and learning. Seniors also expressed support for programs geared towards ability levels, rather than a focus on age restrictions.

The study lists a number of wishlisted spaces:

• Welcoming and inclusive fitness and activity rooms (usable for people with varying levels of ability including dementia, stroke, mobility issues), a gym, pickleball courts, and consideration of an indoor pool and curling rink
• Outdoor spaces like a community garden, patio spaces to sit and gather, a walking loop, and covered spaces for programmed or non-programmed activities
• Social spaces for cribbage tourneys, bridge group, movies, snooker, board games, ping pong, and informal gatherings
• Affordable eating spaces for coffee clubs and social meals
• Event spaces with a kitchen capable of hosting larger dinners, dances, music, gatherings, events, lectures
• Learning spaces such a library, language classes, tech seminars, and hobby and knowledge sharing
• Flexible spaces (with limited noise) where seniors feel comfortable and can make connections with others
• Art spaces available for creative programming

The city’s Seniors Focus Committee endorsed the final draft of the report last July, and staff said they’ve been able to to update, adapt and add some programming based on the feedback.

Next steps

The need for a future age-friendly facility was “reaffirmed” by the study, according to the report. It recommended proceeding with schematic master planning, a funding and cost analysis, and concept options.

Decisions on any potential site or facility, however, will have to wait, according to staff, as they are in the midst of completing a city-wide feasibility study reviewing Port Moody’s recreational facilities.

The high-priority project is examining demographics, regional services, recreational trends, community feedback to explore where new recreational spaces will be added in the city.

Staff said the study will be incorporated into the larger project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.