BC Soccer update plans following City of Port Coquitlam's decision on Soccer Hub Project

BC Soccer update plans following City of Port Coquitlam's decision on Soccer Hub Project

Vancouver, BC – Over the past decade, BC Soccer has diligently worked to secure a long-term license agreement with the City of Port Coquitlam for the construction of a soccer hub. This initiative aims to support the community and enhance the programs and services offered by BC Soccer to all soccer participants across British Columbia.

The total estimated cost for the project was initially set at $15 million. With strong support from BC Soccer, Canada Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps, Concacaf, and FIFA, the Government of British Columbia committed to funding $9 million at the request of the City of Port Coquitlam. The remaining funding was to be covered through a partnership between BC Soccer, PoCo Soccer, and the city's accumulated surplus funds.

Rising construction costs, driven by inflation, have increased the projects original estimated cost by approximately 40%. As a result, the projects viability was reassessed at the end of 2024. Following the review of the funding gap, the City of Port Coquitlam informed BC Soccer that City Council has decided not to move forward with the original upgrades planned for Gates Park. The decision includes foregoing necessary amenities that would have transformed Gates Park into a true "soccer hub”. Instead, the City of Port Coquitlam will proceed with constructing a soccer field, adding amenities that include change rooms and limited stands, but without installing a FIFA standard turf or office space.

While the revised scope does not currently align with BC Soccer’s initial vision for a full-scale soccer hub, we remain open to future opportunities and will continue advocating for investments that support player, coach, and referee development, as well as competitive and community soccer initiatives across the province.

BC Soccer remains committed to advancing infrastructure in the province and will continue to pursue opportunities to secure a state-of-the-art soccer hub. This hub will benefit the development programs and initiatives for Member Organizations and creating new opportunities to attract investments to the sport in British Columbia.

For more information, please contact: BC Soccer Communications at: communications@bcsoccer.net.