Federal government set to provide up to $67 million for Burke Mountain recreation centre

The federal government is set to contribute up to $67.4 million toward the Burke Mountain Community Centre, according to a Wednesday announcement. The City of Coquitlam has not released the facility’s total cost.

Tobi May, Coquitlam’s director of capital projects, said cost estimates are being withheld to protect the integrity of the competitive bidding process and help the city secure the best value for residents. Ron McKinnon, the MP for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, said the federal investment is intended to meet the needs of a growing community and improve residents’ everyday access to recreation programs and services. Asked whether tariffs would affect the project, McKinnon said they would not.

The federal money will come through the Build Communities Strong Fund, which includes a provision to prioritize Canadian materials and suppliers. Mayor Richard Stewart called it the largest infrastructure investment in Coquitlam’s history by another level of government. The funding package also includes $10 million from the provincial government and $4.6 million through the city’s housing accelerator fund. Stewart said the partnerships will help add infrastructure while reducing the impact on taxpayers.

A previous estimate put the facility’s total cost at $152 million. A 2025 city staff report noted that, amid recent tariffs and counter-tariffs, the scale, duration and specific goods affected continue to change significantly. The city has previously said it plans to use debt financing at key points to limit the burden on taxpayers.

The 80,000-square-foot community centre is planned to include a six-lane pool, sauna, double gymnasium, fitness centre and a Coquitlam library branch. It is also expected to have 237 parking spaces, including 128 underground stalls. EllisDon Construction Ltd. is responsible for all aspects of construction. The project is slated for completion in 2029, later than its previous 2027 target.