Recreation Inclusion
Coquitlam strives to provide community recreation experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Contact the Community Services team to discuss how we can best support your visit:
- Arrange for a facility tour
- Information about adapted equipment
- Discuss program and one to one support options with a Community Services staff member
Participants who require direct support to safely enjoy our services, can also bring their own support person with them at no additional cost. It is expected the support person will be with the participant throughout their visit and be fully engaged in supporting them. Please let the front desk or programming team know upon arrival.
Recreation Support Plans for successful participation
Families with children and youth in registered recreation programs are encouraged to complete Recreation Support Request Form a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of the program.
A recreation support plan can contribute to the participant’s experience by:
- Providing key information to program staff on how best to support the individuals unique needs
- Identifying strategies to help the individual stay engaged and have fun
- Having supports such as visual cards and noise minimizing headphones if needed
- Ensuring program spaces meet accessibility requirements
- Providing one to one inclusion support for participation when available (see below for more information)
- If participants require extra support and/or strategies for successful participation in recreation programs and camps, a Recreation Support Plan needs to completed a minimum of one month prior to the start of the program each season.
One to One Inclusion Support in Camps
The community services department will work with families to provide one to one support for participants who require it for out of school camps. It is recommended that if the participant has a support person at school that you apply for one to one support for camps.
All support is subject to availability of staffing resources and demand. Our ability to accommodate may depend on:
- Behaviours beyond the scope of a recreation support plan may include: physical and verbal aggression, wandering/running from the group, other behaviours placing staff and/or participants in unsafe situations
- Recreation staff do not administer medication or directly assist with feeding, dressing or toileting
- Ensuring program spaces meet accessibility requirements
- Caregivers can arrange for their own support person (EA, BI), trusted family member or friend (over 16 years) to accompany the participant if needed.
One to one support is provided by City of Coquitlam Inclusion Support Leaders (ISL’s). Our ISL’s have education and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Education Assistant,
- Therapeutic Recreation Assistant,
- Behavioural Intervention
The City does their best to provide resources to as many participants who need it as they can.
- For late registrations such as waitlist openings or any withdrawals, contact us directly at 604-927-6076
- Any registrations not listed on this form require completion of a new request form.
Contact the Community Services team for more information.
Recreation Social Stories
Is your child feeling nervous about participating in a camp or recreation program? Reference our Social Stories to help them prepare for the experience.
Sensory-Friendly Skates (All Ages)
An all-inclusive skate designed for individuals who may have sensory sensitivities or anyone looking for a quieter skating experience. Music, bright lighting, and arena buzzers will be turned off for the duration of the skate. Reduced capacity ensures a sensory-friendly atmosphere.
Drop-in rates apply. Pre-registration recommended.
Upcoming skates at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex:
There are no sessions scheduled at this time.
Sensory-Friendly Swims (All Ages)
An all-inclusive leisure swim time for those who may have sensory processing challenges or are simply looking for a quieter swim. Music and all water features will be turned off and not available for the duration of the swim time. Drop-in rates apply.
Upcoming swims at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex:
There are no sessions scheduled at this time.
Adapted Aqua Movement (19+ years)
- Thursdays from 9:45-10:30 a.m.
- Location: Shallow area of the leisure pool at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (PSLC)
- Fee: $2 pre-registered drop-in
- Designed for those with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.
- Focus is on low impact exercises to improve activities of daily living.
- Those requiring one on one support to participate in the water are asked to bring their own support person at no additional charge.
- Register one week in advance of each class. Registration opens at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and closes at 12 p.m. on Tuesdays.
- Maximum 6 participants per class, support persons do not need to be registered. A waitlist will be available if the class is full.
- Equipment available: hydraulic transfer lift, water wheelchair, float belt, pool noodle, ankle weights and dumbbells.
Please reach out to Dan (604-927-6037) in Aquatics or Community Services (604-927-6076), if you have any questions about this adapted class.
Low Impact Aqua Fit (16+ years)
(formerly known as Adaptive Aqua Motion)
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Shallow area of the pool at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex
- Fee: Regular drop-in fees apply
Designed for individuals looking to increase their functional abilities with the use of water.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Dan (604-927-6037) in Aquatics or Community Services (604-927-6076), if you have any questions about this adapted class.
Virtual Facility Tours
- City Centre Aquatic Complex Virtual Facility Tour
- Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex Virtual Facility Tour
Accessible Amenities at Indoor and Outdoor Pools
City Centre Aquatic Complex
- Accessibility Ramp – A ramp to assist those who prefer or require entry to the leisure pool via a gradual slope.
- Staircase – A staircase to assist those who prefer or require entry to the main pool
- Transfer Lift – A mechanical seated lift to assist patrons with entry to the pool.
- Water Wheelchair – A wheelchair specially designed for use in and around water.
Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex
- Accessibility Ramp – A ramp to assist those who prefer or require entry to the lap and leisure pools via a gradual slope.
- Transfer Lift – A mechanical seated lift to assist patrons with entry to the pool.
- Water Wheelchair – A wheelchair specially designed for use in and around water.
Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool
- Accessibility Ramp – A 10m long ramp to assist those who prefer or require entry to the pool via a gradual slope.
- Transfer Lift – A mechanical seated lift to assist patrons with entry to the pool.
- Water Wheelchair – A wheelchair specially designed for use in and around water.
Adapted Fitness Equipment
Our fitness centres at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex and City Centre Aquatic Complex are equipped with:
- Assisted Dip/Chin Up Machine – Build strength and target muscles with less tension. The weight stack helps users offset some body weight as they work up to their goal.
- Nustep Machine – Inclusively-designed recumbent trainer (sit-down) allows users to experience a low-impact workout while seated.
- Upper Body Ergometer Machine – Resembling a hand bike, this machine allows users to remain seated while using their upper body to pedal. It also has a removable chair, allowing a wheelchair to be wheeled up to the machine.
We also offer a variety of products for reduced hand function which provides users with increased independence in the weight room. Active Hands, including gripping aids, d-ring aids and hook aids, are available in the weight room upon request.
Women's Only Time
- City Centre Aquatic Complex (CCAC) - 1210 Pinetree Way
- 2025 Dates:
- Friday, April 18 (8-10 a.m.)
Monday, April 21 (8 – 10 a.m.)
- The entire facility is only open to women and girls during this time. The lobby opens to the general public at 10:30 a.m.
- Women are welcome to bring male children up to the age of five years old.