June 3, 2025
Port Coquitlam has emerged as a leader in inclusive community design, setting a high benchmark for accessibility with the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. The City of Port Coquitlam in British Columbia is a vibrant community that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and a strong sense of local connection. The facility itself, recognized with a Rick Hansen Gold Rating, embodies thoughtful planning and execution aimed at fostering comfort and independence. Visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of health, wellness, social, and sports activities at the Centre.
The Port Coquitlam Community Centre aims to remove barriers to access, promoting community engagement beyond recreation. “The facility is designed to be inviting and accessible for everyone, including seniors and people with disabilities,” said Ximena Ibacache, Senior Manager of Communications & Events. “The layout is level and includes ramps, making it easier for individuals with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and staff moving items between floors.” Every element of the design supports the city's goal of creating a space where all residents can participate fully and comfortably.
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
Accessibility is embedded in every aspect of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre’s design. The facility features multiple elevators and ramps, widened doorways, strategically placed grab bars, gender-neutral washrooms and change rooms, and sensor-controlled entry points—details that collectively create an inclusive environment. “Accessibility is not just about one big feature, it’s about all those little choices that collectively make a space inclusive,” said Adam Chambers, the Western Region’s Sports & Entertainment Leader for A49.
This thoughtful, user-first approach has earned the facility a Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Certification, a recognition that reflects excellence in meaningful access. The certification evaluates sites based on the overall user experience, not just physical features, across ten categories including vehicular access, interior circulation, wayfinding, emergency systems, and more. The Centre’s inclusive features such as braille signage, lowered drinking fountains, removable seating, and ample accessible parking demonstrate a deep commitment to ensuring all visitors feel welcome and supported.
A BARRIER-FREE APPROACH TO SPORTS AND RECREATION
A notable feature of the center is its range of inclusive recreation spaces. For example, rink #3 can be adapted for sledge hockey. The benches in the players and penalty boxes are removable, creating sufficient space for players in sledges. Clear Lexan panels in these areas provide players an un-obstructed view onto the ice. To continue, it provides space around the rink where players can transfer into their sledges.
The arenas feature five changing rooms. One more than the previous standard of four per ice surface. In older facilities, females on mixed-gender teams were often relegated to inadequate spaces like washrooms, or ‘converted’ storage rooms. The additional change room provides those players with a safe, welcoming place to prepare for their game. “We wanted to ensure everyone has equal access, whether they’re playing a game of hockey or watching from the stands,” Chambers said.
The aquatic facilities are also designed for accessibility and inclusion. Traditionally, pools relied on ladders and stairs for entry, creating barriers for people with mobility challenges. By integrating an at-grade entry point that is ideal for young children and accessible pool entry ramps with railings, users with mobility aids can enter and exit the pool and hot tub safely and independently. To further support inclusivity, the aquatics facility includes gender-neutral washrooms and change rooms. Designed to serve people of all ages, from infants and young children to teens, adults, and seniors, the aquatics facility reflects Port Coquitlam’s broader commitment to multi-generational inclusion.
MULTI-USE SPACES AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES
The Port Coquitlam Community Centre’s expansive layout places arenas on one side of the building with the fitness, weight room and pool on the opposite end. The separation of these two high-volume spaces minimizes noise overlap between the spaces and keeps the main circulation space of the building less congested. With quieter spaces, it caters to individuals with sensory sensitivities and creates an overall better experience for visitors.
Beyond the purposeful layout, the Port Coquitlam Community Centre serves all members of the community, offering a wide range of amenities for different age groups and needs. The center’s gym and game rooms cater to teenagers, while the childminding services are a practical feature for busy caregivers.
The library at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre is a vital space for learning, connection, and discovery. Integrated within the larger facility, it offers easy access for visitors, making it more engaging than a standalone building. With dedicated areas for children, teens, and adults, the library complements daily routines and reinforces the centre’s role as a welcoming space for reading, social interaction, and community programs. Its diverse collection and community programs further support the centre’s commitment to all ages and interests.
The centre also fosters strong connections with the nearby senior living complex. "For some of our seniors, this isn’t just a community centre, it’s their social lifeline” notes Carrie Nimmo, Manager of Cultural Development and Community Services at City of Port Coquitlam. “The ability to walk here, grab lunch, join a program, and see familiar faces makes a huge difference in their day.” The centre not only offers wellness programs but also provides a welcoming space for socializing and connection, with popular features like the Wilson lounge and senior-focused drop-in programs keeping classes consistently full and events selling out.
Another unique highlight of the community centre is the Terry Fox Hometown Square, which pays homage to the city's iconic figure, Terry Fox. The design reflects his Marathon of Hope through artistic color and concrete motifs, embedding a sense of inspiration and community pride.
A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE
Port Coquitlam’s Community Centre exemplifies how strategic planning and attention to small, yet significant details can set a new standard in accessibility. With elevators, ramps, braille signage, barrier-free sports amenities, and integrated spaces for all ages, it is a model for future developments. All those little choices can make big differences in how somebody can use the space, underscoring the thought that guided the design. Port Coquitlam’s success raises the bar not only for community centers in British Columbia but for facilities everywhere aspiring to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility.
