COQUITLAM, B.C., Dec. 19, 2022 – With ongoing extreme cold temperatures and more snow in the forecast, the City of Coquitlam is advising residents to prepare and consider helping neighbours and others who may need assistance.
Civic Facilities Provide a Spot to Warm Up
Most Coquitlam recreation facilities are open over the holidays. Anyone looking for a spot to step out of the cold is welcome to warm up in the main public areas during regular operating hours. For a complete listing of facility hours, visit www.coquitlam.ca/holidayhours.
Support for Vulnerable Individuals
There are a number of community resources available to those who are homeless or may need shelter assistance.
- Nightly winter shelter program operated by Progressive Housing Society and hosted at Tri-City churches through to March 31, 2023. Pre-registration is required; to arrange for pick-up from one of three designated pick up locations, call 604-209-1587 or email WinterShelterStaff@progressivehousing.net between 8:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. Shelter includes a bed, warm meal, bagged lunch, support and referrals. Pets in a kennel are welcome. Pick up starts at 8:45 p.m. Drop off is 7 a.m.
- Tri-Cities Street Survival Guide – Developed by Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group, this resource is available at www.coquitlam.ca/StreetSurvivalGuide (PDF) and lists available services to those who are in need, including clothing, food banks, clothing, shelter, laundry and shower services, and medical and/or additional help.
- Outreach Services – Operated by the Hope for Freedom Society under contract to BC Housing, outreach workers seek out homeless persons or those at risk of homelessness to connect them with available resources and services. More information is available at www.hopeforfreedom.org or by contacting 604-830-1528, 778-862-0692 or hffoa@hopeforfreedom.org.
More details on these services are available on the City’s website at www.coquitlam.ca/homelesshelp.
What You Can Do to Support Personal Safety
Updated weather and snow forecasts indicate more snow and below freezing temperatures until Thursday, Dec. 22. These conditions can be dangerous, but there are steps one can take to prevent harm from exposure to the colder temperatures:
- Stay at home, unless you absolutely need to travel when weather conditions are bad.
- Dress appropriately for the inclement weather.
- Protect exposed skin and help prevent heat loss by wearing a hat, scarf, mittens or gloves.
- Choose well-insulated and waterproof footwear that has a thick, non-slip tread sole, a wide and low heel and is light in weight.
- Tips and information on how to stay safe during extreme cold are available from Fraser Health as well as PreparedBC’s Storm and Extreme Cold web page.
Be a Good Neighbour
Neighbours, family and friends are encouraged to reach out to seniors and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe, and confirm whether they may need assistance with groceries or other errands.
When taking care of your property, consider helping neighbours 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 clear sidewalks for residents who may be unable to do so on their own. Full details at www.coquitlam.ca/snowangels.
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures, as well as wind and power outages, heavy rain and flooding. While the City works to keep roads safe and reduce service disruptions, residents are encouraged to do their part by clearing sidewalks and catch basins, parking off-street to allow for plowing, and being prepared for extended power failures or impassable roads.
More information about City services and resident responsibilities during the winter months can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager Communications and Civic Engagement
604-218-1319
media@coquitlam.ca