Summer PoCo Post by City of Port Coquitlam

Summer Message from the Mayor

Hello, Port Coquitlam!

Summer in Port Coquitlam has something for everyone.

Whether you are hitting the Traboulay PoCo Trail, cooling off at one of our splash parks, catching an event at Terry Fox Hometown Square, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue with family and friends, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of the season in our City.

Summer is also a great time to explore what makes PoCo such a great place to live. Support a local business, get outside with your kids, or take a moment to connect with your neighbours. The small things add up, and they are what make our community feel like home.

Our City staff will be out there all summer long, keeping our parks, programs, and services running so residents can enjoy everything PoCo has to offer.

On behalf of Port Coquitlam City Council, I hope you and your family have a fun, safe, and enjoyable summer.

PoCo By the Numbers - Your City at a Glance

PARKS & TRAILS

Over 100 KM of trails & 266 hectares of parkland to explore!

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Hundreds of summer camp and program opportunities available

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Bringing thousands together! Poco’s Soccer Socials, Canada Day, Music in the Square, Cinema Under the Stars, Car Free Day and more! NEW AMENITIES Gates Park Coming Soon!

Mayor, Brad West

West family enjoying time at Settlers Park.

Summer Events and Festivities

• Farmers Market - June - September Every Thursday

Shop for fresh, local goods at the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market in Leigh Square.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/farmersmarket

• PoCo’s Soccer Socials - Until July 19

Join us for soccer match viewing parties now until July 19, 2026! All viewing parties will be held at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre in the Terry Fox Hometown Square.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/soccer

• Canada Day - July 1

Celebrate Canada Day in Port Coquitlam on July 1! The free community celebration will feature a full day of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, food vendors, a beverage garden, market vendors and a grand finale fireworks display after dark.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/canadaday

• Spray Day - July 9

At this free fun-filled afternoon for kids, check out emergency vehicle displays, play water games and visit the spray park.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/sprayday

• Pride in PoCo - July 19

Pride in PoCo is an annual celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and gender-diverse people.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/pride

• Music in the Square - July 5 & 19, August 9 & 23

Enjoy free live music, food trucks, community connection, and summer sunshine at Leigh Square for Music in the Square

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/summer

• Cinema Under the Stars - July 11, 18, 25 & August 8, 22 & September 5

Pack your blankets and favourite snacks and join us for Cinema Under the Stars at Evergreen Park and Gates Park.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/summer

• PoCo Car Show - August 16

Rev up your summer and head down to the PoCo Car Show on August 16 for a showcase of incredible vehicles, community spirit, and warm-weather fun.

Learn more: pococarshow.ca

• Car Free Day - August 29

Close the car and hit the street. Car Free Day takes over McAllister Avenue, Leigh Square, and Veterans Park on August 29 for a day of community, fun, and open-air celebration.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/carfreeday

For more event information visit our online event calendar at: portcoquitlam.ca/events

Parks, Trails and Outdoor Living

Enjoy Gates Park & Lions Park this Summer

Looking for a great spot to soak up the season? Lions Park is a perfect destination for families, friends, and neighbours to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors in PoCo.

At Gates Park, exciting upgrades are underway as part of the Gates Park Soccer Hub project. The vision is to create an intergenerational space that supports the City’s commitment to becoming a leader in sports, recreation, parks, and trails in British Columbia.

Construction is expected to be completed by September 2026, with public access continuing along the park’s perimeter trail in the meantime. The upgrades will bring a new multipurpose synthetic turf field, grandstand seating, accessible changerooms, pickleball courts, and more to this community space.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to a renewed Gates Park this fall.

Traboulay PoCo Trail: Your Summer Stroll

Lace up your shoes and hit the Traboulay PoCo Trail this summer. Winding through some of Port Coquitlam’s most scenic natural areas, the trail is a favourite for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages and abilities. Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll or a full loop, it is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in our City.

As you enjoy the trail, remember to share the path courteously with other users. Slower users keep to the right, alert others before passing, and keep pets on a leash. A little consideration goes a long way in keeping the trail enjoyable for everyone.

For trail maps and information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/pocotrail.

Summer programming is now underway in Port Coquitlam, with opportunities for all ages to stay active, get creative, and connect with the community.

Hurry and Register for Summer Camps

• 1-day Sports Skills Camp:

Join us for this one-day sports camp! Participants will learn and develop skills in sports such as soccer, badminton, volleyball, basketball and more! We also take time to play fun games and go swimming!

• Little Sprockets Bike Camps:

Summer is the perfect time to get into gear and enroll your child in one of our Little Sprockets Bike Camps. Spots are still available in both the first gear and second gear camps!

• Tons of Fun Camp:

In this junior-camp, emphasis is on having fun with peers while enjoying games, crafts, hands-on activities, STEM explorations, and outdoor play.

• Youth Adventures Camp:

Youth will participate in different adventures and activities throughout the week, broadening their knowledge, skills, and adventure! Camp will swim 1-2 times during this week. The camp will also be embarking on an out-trip to Activate!

• Try-It Art Camp:

Curious about our art camps? This 2-hour, half-day camp gives campers a fun and engaging introduction to the kinds of projects, materials, and techniques they will explore in our full-day, week-long camps.

Family Fun Recreation Ideas

Summer Reading Club

Get ready to Colour Your Summer at the Terry Fox Library.

Watch for fun programs this summer! Visit fvrl.ca for information.

From art and dance, skating to storytime and live music, there is plenty to keep the whole family busy this summer.

• Family Art in the Gallery:

Drop by the Michael Wright Art Gallery in Leigh Square on Saturday mornings from 10am-12pm to enjoy the current art exhibitions and make art inspired by art and artists.

• Dance is for a Small Space:

Join us for a free dance workshop for people of all ages and experience levels. Explore movement, creativity, and collaboration. Held on Tuesdays from June 23- August 25. Registration is required. Register at: portcoquitlam.ca/register

• Summer Art Exhibition Opening Reception:

Join us for an opening reception on Thursday, June 25 from 6-8pm in the Michael Wright Art Gallery. Enjoying live music and refreshments sponsored by Patina Brewing.

• Drop In Summer Public Skating:

Lace up this summer and join us at our summer public skates. For the summer schedule visit: portcoquitlam.ca/skating.

portcoquitlam.ca/leisureguide

Let’s Keep PoCo Safe and Beautiful this Summer

Be Fire Smart and Safe

Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services is reminding residents of the fire risks associated with summer weather. As every season, Fire & Emergency Services staff and Bylaw Enforcement personnel will be stepping up patrols at parks and trails at risk of wildfire, watching for fires, burning and smoking bylaw infractions, and educating park and trail users about fire prevention.

Anyone found not following City bylaws will be given a warning or face fines. To reduce the fire hazard associated with open air burning, littering of cigarette butts and smoking in parks, the bylaw requires smokers to safely extinguish and dispose of their cigarettes (or stop vaping) when entering a park or area of the City where smoking is prohibited.

A wildfire can spread quickly due to dry conditions and high winds and can cause severe environmental and economic impact. Wildfires can become devastating when they encroach upon homes and critical infrastructure.

For more fire safety and prevention measures visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire.

Beat the Heat - Stay Safe and Cool

Protect Your Home & Bears

LOCK IT UP: Secure attractants in a garage, shed or with an approved lock cart.

SET IT OUT: Set out unlocked carts at the curb between 5:30 - 7:30 am on collection day. Secure carts again by 7 pm.

Learn more: portcoquitlam.ca/bears

As temperatures rise, Port Coquitlam is reminding residents to stay cool and hydrated this summer and to have a personal or family emergency plan ready for heat-related situations.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Stay hydrated,

• Monitor indoor temperatures and watch for signs of heat illness

• Regularly check on family members and neighbours, particularly vulnerable individuals such as seniors and persons managing medical conditions.

For relief from the heat, consider visiting air-conditioned facilities such as the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (HC), or the Terry Fox Library. Never leave children or pets unattended inside parked vehicles.

For additional information on how to prepare for a heat warning or extreme heat emergency, visit portcoquitlam.ca/heat.

Council Meeting Schedule

Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, except August.

Council Meetings:

• Tuesday, June 23

• Tuesday, July 14 (Last Council Meeting before Summer Break)

• Tuesday, September 8

• Tuesday, September 22

Committee of Council:

• Tuesday, July 7

• Tuesday, September 1

For full agenda and to watch the meeting from the comfort of your home, visit: portcoquitlam.ca/council

Get Out and Vote - Municipal Election 2026

The 2026 Municipal Election is coming up on October 17, 2026. Port Coquitlam residents are encouraged to make their voices heard and get out and vote.

Eligible voters can expect more information on voter registration, advance voting opportunities, and candidate information in the coming months. Stay informed and be ready to participate in shaping the future of your community.

For election updates and information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/election.

Community Connections and Engagement

Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers provide much-needed support in recreational programming, emergency preparedness, community services, environmental programs, and much more. The City is proud and grateful for the citizens who offer up their time and energy to make our City a healthy, vibrant, and caring community!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Adopt - A - Spot: Help keep our community clean and safe by adopting a street, park or trail.

• Community Policing: Help to operate our Community Police Stations, assist with crime-prevention programs and patrols, and educate at community events.

• Emergency Preparedness: Educate the public on emergency preparedness and helping staff to support people impacted by emergencies and other disasters.

• Recreation: Provide quality recreation programming by assisting in children’s programs, community events, seniors’ programs and more.