Port Moody and Province mark progress on Inlet Park project as construction moves to next phase

(L-R) Port Moody City Councillor Samantha Agtarap, Kwikwetlem First Nation Councillor Stephanie Patterson, Port Moody City Councillor Kyla Knowles, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs Anne Kang, Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti, and Kwikwetlem First Nation Councillor George Chaffee celebrate the next phase of construction at Inlet Park in Port Moody on June 15.

ON June 15, Port Moody City Council, the Government of Canada, and the Government of B.C. marked progress made to date on the Inlet Park Redevelopment Project and celebrated what’s to come as construction moves to the next phase.

When the project is complete, Inlet Park (3024 Murray Street), which previously featured a gravel field, will be the site of a high-quality, all-weather, artificial turf surface. Additional improvements will include:

  • three smaller “Super 8” soccer pitches with wide end zones and sidelines suitable for younger players;
  • FIFA-regulation field for adult soccer games;
  • two baseball and softball diamonds;
  • batting cages;
  • children’s playground (tot lot) and natural play area; and
  • additional parking spaces and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The City of Port Moody anticipates that a new fieldhouse facility will also be a part of this project, pending future funding. The Inlet Park Redevelopment Project has a budget of approximately $6.2 million with investments from the Government of Canada ($206,415), the Government of B.C. ($4.3 million), and the City ($1.7 million). Provincial and federal funding has been made available through the joint Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Progress made to date includes site preparation activities such as fence removal and the demolition of the old fieldhouse facility. Crews have excavated and removed unsuitable materials and brought in materials required for the field base. The next phase of construction has begun, and in the coming months the site will start to look more like a sports field and park with the construction or installation of:

  • field fencing;
  • field electrical infrastructure and field lighting;
  • parking spaces, including installation of EV charging stations;
  • tot lot and natural play area;
  • new artificial turf; and
  • raised boardwalk feature at the location of key site trees.

The design for the Inlet Park Redevelopment Project was finalized in 2022 and construction began in early 2023. The City anticipates restoration planting and final landscaping, including planting more than 350 trees and more than 6,000 shrubs and understory plantings, will begin in fall 2023. Construction of the new field is scheduled to be completed in late 2023. Visit portmoody.ca/inletpark for more information on this project.

“Today’s milestone represents our shared commitment to building more inclusive and vibrant communities across the country. The redevelopment of Inlet Park will provide Port Moody residents of all ages and abilities with more recreational opportunities and allow the City to expand sports programming. The Government of Canada will continue to support projects that provide Canadians with the chance to play and grow,” said Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Sports connect people of all ages and are a fun way to be active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I know that through the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund, the newly expanded and improved turf field at Inlet Park will benefit the Port Moody community. It will serve as space for the community to get together and enjoy a variety of recreational activities,” said-Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Meghan Lahti, Mayor of Port Moody, said: “We know many people in the community have been waiting a long time for Inlet Park to be redeveloped, and we hope they’re as pleased as we are to see this project underway and on track for completion by the end of this year. The City of Port Moody is grateful for the much-needed financial support provided by the provincial and federal governments for this important project. When it’s finished, Inlet Park will be a versatile recreation facility and community space for people of all ages to enjoy.”