With winter just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you are Winter Wise.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Nov. 3, 2022 – With winter just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you are Winter Wise in Coquitlam.
Winter weather in the Lower Mainland can mean all kinds of weather, wind and rain that can cause flooding and power failures or snow and ice. While City crews are out in full force 24/7 during snow and winter events, we also look to our residents to be prepared for the winter season before we have severe weather impacts.
On-Street Parking Restrictions
Each year from Nov. 1 to Mar. 15, the City implements parking restrictions in areas of Coquitlam to help City crews to plow streets clear from curb to curb making the streets safer for winter driving during snow events.
Drivers and residents are asked to follow all posted parking restrictions, as noted on signage along City streets. And, regardless of where you live, when there is snow in the forecast, everyone is asked not to park on the street. Maps showing all areas affected by seasonal parking restrictions are available at www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise.
Sign Up for Notification Alerts
The City has implemented a type of parking restriction at the locations listed below that is activated every time snow is in the forecast until the end of the snow event and the streets are clear:
- Corona Crescent in the Chineside area
- Hamber Court and Pritchett Place on Burke Mountain
- Westwood Plateau - Berkshire Crescent, Braeside Place, Chartwell Green, Firestone Place, Johnson Street (above David Ave.), Norwood Court, Parkway Boulevard (from Panorama Drive to Plateau Boulevard), Pinetree Way (above David. Ave.), Plateau Boulevard, Topaz Court and Turnberry Lane
For these locations, the City will advise that the restriction has been activated via the City’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (please follow us) and via email to subscribers of our Winter Parking Restriction NotifyMe email - we ask that you please subscribe here to help prevent receiving a ticket and having your vehicle towed.
Winter Wise Tips
The following tips can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable when we experience severe winter and snow events and minimize disruptions.
Home and Property
- Clean the catch basin grates around your property regularly to prevent flooding.
- To determine where the catch basins are adjacent to your property, you can view a map at www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin. We encourage residents and business owners to also adopt-a-catch basin.
- Protect your home from falling branches by pruning dead branches and removing dead trees to reduce the danger of them falling on power lines or your house during a storm.
- Shut off your outside water to protect outdoor faucets and other plumbing.
- Isolate and winterize your automatic irrigation systems.
- Consider an alternate safe heating system in case of power failures (not gas, propane or kerosene, which cannot be used inside). Make sure to follow directions and only use outside in well-ventilated areas, where the exhaust cannot enter the home.
- Have flashlights, electric lanterns and extra batteries on hand, and make sure you have an emergency kit (download a checklist on the Winter Preparedness and Safety page at www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep).
Vehicle
- Take transit during snow events and especially if you are not experienced driving in the snow, or if roads are impassable or dangerous.
- If you choose to drive your vehicle, make sure to drive only with good snow tires. They are made to handle snow, ice and lower temperatures better than winter-rated all-season tires.
- Have a mechanic winterize your vehicle and make sure it is working properly.
- Slow down and drive for road conditions, leaving yourself more time to reach your destination.
- Keep a small, portable emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, extra clothing, first aid supplies and other necessities (download a checklist on the Winter Preparedness and Safety page at www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep).
You and Your Loved Ones
- Make arrangements with loved ones who live on their own and are elderly or have limited mobility to help them prepare for winter.
- Don’t let important prescriptions, supplies or foodstuffs run low in case the weather prevents you from getting out.
- When heading outside, wear warm clothing and solid shoes or boots with good traction.
When it Snows
- During a snow event, City roads are plowed according to a priority system that supports the greater public safety and public transportation access. To find out what priority your street is, visit www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise.
- Report areas of concern using our real-time Snow Reporting Response Tool available at www.coquitlam.ca/snowresponse.
- As a responsible neighbour and citizen and as per the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw No. 4853, 2018. Section 3, Snow and Ice Removal, you are required to clear all the sidewalks around your property within 10 hours of the snow stopping.
- Do not shovel your snow onto the roadway. To ensure that the plow does not push the snow back onto your sidewalk and driveway, we recommend shoveling onto your yard and to the right of your driveway when facing the road.
- While you are out walking, if a snowplow approaches, move to the inside of the sidewalk and stay far away from the road while it passes.
Be a Good Neighbour
- Please consider helping your neighbour clear their catch basin, shovel their sidewalk, or move their garbage carts – especially if they are elderly or have limited mobility.
- Volunteer to be a Snow Angel and help someone clear sidewalk. Full details at www.coquitlam.ca/snowangels.
Changes to Waste Collection
- Heavy snowfall can affect the ability for waste collection to get to certain areas of the community.
- If your Garbage and/or Green Cart has not been collected by 7:30 p.m. during a snowfall event, bring it off the street or lane for the night and place out again after 5:30 a.m. the next morning. If your carts are still not collected, please bring them in again and wait until your next regularly scheduled collection day.
- Sign up for instant alerts regarding collection service disruptions or delays or download the free Coquitlam Curbside Collection app at www.coquitlam.ca/recollect.
- Questions regarding missed Garbage and Green Cart collection should be directed to Waste Connections of Canada at 604-636-3520 or cityofcoquitlam@wasteconnections.com.
- Questions regarding missed recycling collection should be directed to Recycle BC’s collection contractor GFL Environmental at 604-529-4011 or srrecycle@gflenv.com.
Media Contact
Brad Lofgren
Director, Public Works
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca