Extreme Winter Weather

Coquitlam Snow Response and Service Update


Update – Friday, March 3, 2023 – 1 p.m.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Coquitlam tonight for elevations above 150 m with 5-10 cm of accumulation possible.  The snowfall is forecast to be heaviest late this afternoon and this evening, tapering off after midnight, and stopping by tomorrow morning.  Temperatures then rise to +6C with clearing, and showers in the afternoon.  The good news is that this latest threat of snow is relatively short lived.

Although there is mixed precipitation forecast for Saturday night, accumulations at this point are predicted to be minimal.  We will have smaller crews working overnight throughout the weekend with more crews on standby that can be called in if required. 

With the prolonged snow event, we're closing the following amenities at Town Centre Park:

  • Mobilio and Fridge Fields

The stadium gates are now open and Percy Perry track is available to the public. 

Garbage and Recycling Collection

Garbage and recycling collection is moving ahead with the following modified schedule:

  • Garbage Carts missed Feb. 27 and 28 will be rescheduled to Wednesday, March 1.
  • Wednesday's Garbage Cart collection will be rescheduled to Thursday, March 2.
  • Thursday's Garbage Cart collection will be rescheduled to Friday, March 3.

Residents signed up for Coquitlam’s free CurbsideCollection app (ReCollect) have received notification. 

For recycling collection disruptions, residents can enter their address for updates on the Recycle BC website.

Parking Restrictions

To further support road safety and snow clearing efforts, the City has activated “When Declared” Parking Restrictions. Affected residents have received notifications through the City’s NotifyMe email service. To learn more, including affected streets, go to the Parking Restrictions tab at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise. 

Snow Removal Priorities and Reporting

See Coquitlam’s Snow Response Plan Map (PDF) and additional details on the City’s priority snow-clearing system at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise. See also video featuring Captain Public Works to learn more about how Coquitlam tackles snow removal.

Report areas of concern using the City’s real-time, online tool at coquitlam.ca/SnowResponse. 

Parks

The City's Parks team made good progress clearing snow from all Priority 1 and 2 sites yesterday. They will be monitoring all areas today. 

Resident and Business Responsibilities

  • Residents are asked to help reduce the potential of flooding in residential areas by clearing local catch basins of snow and debris. Use the City’s catch basin map at coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin to locate nearby catch basins.
  • Shovel sidewalks next to your property within ten hours of snowfall to keep them safe for those who have to travel on foot.
  • Be a good neighbour and reach out to seniors and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe. This could include offering assistance with groceries, shoveling or other errands.
  • Sign up to be a Snow Angel and help clear sidewalks for residents who may be unable to do so on their own. Full details at coquitlam.ca/snowangels. 

Take Precautions and Stay Safe

Coquitlam’s WinterWise program is aimed at providing a coordinated City response and keeping the community safe during winter weather events. This includes providing the community with winter safety and preparedness information, as well as links to City service updates and parking restriction alerts. Where possible, stay at home when weather conditions are bad.

Tips and information on how to stay safe during extreme cold are available at coquitlam.ca/winterprep.