Winter Wise Program

Coquitlam has experienced unprecedented snowfalls for extended periods of time and, at other times, not had problematic snow conditions. The City continually reviews its snow removal policies and service priorities to better meet the needs of our community in face of anticipated demands for snow events.

This year weather forecasts suggest a tough winter with cold and white conditions. Now is the time to get prepared for potential, significant snow storms.

To get Winter Wise, the information on these pages will help you understand the City's responsibilities and priorities and learn more about your responsibilities and what you can do to prepare so you enjoy a comfortable and safe winter season.

Winter Wise Information

Snow removal priorities to bus routes, public school sites, community care facilities and steep local roads.
New and enhanced equipment to better access local roads and new priority areas.
Expanded services with an emphasis on our most vulnerable populations.
Enhanced parking restrictions to enhance snow removal and increase safety for the travelling public on key roadways.
Improved communication channels between City staff and other groups such as schools, businesses, the RCMP, community groups and volunteers have been established to ensure the most up-to-date information is available.

Snow Removal on Sidewalks

We are reminding everyone that as a responsible neighbour and citizen, it is important to clear sidewalks so everyone, and in particular people with limited mobility such as the elderly and disabled, those who use motorized scooters, or parents with strollers, can safely get to their destination.

It is the responsibility of all owners or occupiers of property, including the City, to clear ice and snow from the sidewalks bordering the property within 10 hours of the cessation of any snowfall or ice storm. Sidewalks adjacent to bus stops are particularly important. Please remember this is a continuing obligation, and that snow and ice must be re-cleared should it re-accumulate by whatever means.

Snow-clearing Tip: When shovelling snow and clearing your driveway, do not shovel the snow onto the street. Pile the snow on the right side of your driveway as you face the road. In many cases this will reduce the amount of snow that gets pushed back onto your driveway from the snow plow.

Important Note - Fire & Rescue

During heavy snowfalls, fire hydrants can become snow covered. If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please help keep the hydrant clear of snow and other obstructions so the Fire Department has easy access in the event of an emergency.

Right now, before a storm arrives, check with others on your street to see if anyone who is elderly or has limited mobility issues may need help clearing their sidewalk.

Parking When it Snows

The City has implemented a plan to enhance our snow clearing service. The City’s snow plows can not deliver their best service when cars are parked on critical roadways. Throughout Coquitlam, the City asks you to please park your vehicle in your driveway as soon as the snow begins to fall – empty streets enable snow plows to do a better job and ensures room for salt spreaders to cover more space.

One-side Only "No Parking" Restrictions at Specific Locations

A one-side only "No Parking" restriction on problematic routes was adopted because it provided the biggest benefit with the least impact to residents.

Installation of “No Parking” signs took place at the following locations:

Pinetree Way north of Pinewood Avenu
Plateau Blvd. North of Robson Drive
Johnson Street from David Avenue to Robson
Parkway Blvd. North of Panorama Drive
Lansdowne Drive North of Guildford Way
Chilko Drive from Tatla Place to Lougheed Highway
Blue Mountain Street Foster Avenue to Como Lake

Please be aware of these restrictions and make alternate plans for parking while the restriction is in effect from December 1 to February 15 during a winter event.

When seasonal conditions suggest that there is a possibility of snow, if snow is falling, or temperatures fall to 2 degrees Celsius, active enforcement of parking restrictions will take place.

Vehicles that are parked in the restricted area during a winter event will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. Please obey these restrictions and make alternate plans for parking while the restriction is in effect from December 1, 2011 to February 15, 2012.

Garbage & Recycling Disruptions due to Bad Weather

During snowy and icy conditions, the City of Coquitlam may find it necessary to temporarily cancel garbage and/or the collection of recyclables. If this occurs, and your regular collection day is missed, your collection will resume on your regular day of the following week.

For missed zones, the two-container limit will be waived for the next scheduled collection day.

Our goal is for residents to not have to go for more than 10 working days without garbage collection. However, if road conditions continue to be unsafe for collection, there may be additional delays. Your garbage collection will resume as soon as roads are considered safe for large collection vehicles.