NDP Leader David Eby, Mike Farnworth, BC NDP candidate in Port Coquitlam, and Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam, on Tuesday announced the BC NDP’s commitment to fund a new multi-sport court in Port Coquitlam.
“A great local sports facility means low-cost fun for families right in their own neighbourhood,” said Eby. “We’re building the infrastructure with municipalities that creates strong and healthy people, and communities.”
If re-elected, the BC NDP will provide the City of Port Coquitlam with $3 million towards a new multi-sport covered facility. The multi-sport court will be designed to connect people to lacrosse, Canada’s oldest sport — often referred to as the “Creator’s Game” due to its deep Indigenous roots. This is a response to the growth of lacrosse—specifically among female athletes—across British Columbia.
“This new facility represents a major investment in the health and wellbeing of our residents and responding to the growing demand for multi-use space,” said West. “With this financial commitment from the province, we can expand our recreational infrastructure and provide a space that serves people year-round, supporting the growth of sports and active living in Port Coquitlam. We look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on athletes, families, and everyone in our City.”
“The Multi-Use Sport Covered Facility will be a game changer for Port Coquitlam’s sports and recreation, especially for lacrosse,” said Josh Wahl, President of Port Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association.
The new facility will accommodate lacrosse, ball hockey, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and badminton and offer space for leisure use. The space will be covered for rain protection and will include spectator seating.
“This is exactly the kind of infrastructure we want to see in our growing community,” said Farnworth. “It will give families access to affordable recreational spaces and ensure athletes have the training facilities they need, while teaching and honouring Indigenous history. Meanwhile, John Rustad has said ‘we don’t have the capacity’ to build facilities like this but he’s wrong. Our communities can’t afford the risk of John Rustad.”
