COQUITLAM, B.C., Dec. 22, 2022 – With another significant storm in the forecast, Coquitlam continues to prepare for the impacts of severe weather conditions.
According to Environment Canada’s winter storm warning, in the coming days our region is expected to receive heavy snow followed by freezing rain, strong winds, and continued cold weather over the weekend. Heading into next week, we can expect warmer temperatures and moderate to heavy rainfall, which will accelerate snow melt.
Updates on Coquitlam road conditions and City services will be posted to www.coquitlam.ca/serviceupdate as City crews continue to work 24/7 throughout the weekend and monitor the situation closely to mobilize additional resources, as required, during the storm. Information will also be posted to the City’s social media channels.
Avoid Non-essential Travel
Despite City crews’ best efforts to maintain road safety and clear catch basins, the anticipated severity of the weather conditions over the next few days, including heavy snow, ice pellets and freezing rain, is expected to make visibility and road conditions especially challenging. This will be compounded by the accumulation of snow from earlier this week.
Additional snow and freezing rain could result in falling branches or trees, which may also cause power outages. In addition, road conditions may be affected by localized flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rain, snow-blocked drains, and melting snow.
Everyone is urged to use caution, and to stay home unless absolutely necessary when weather conditions are bad. This message has been reinforced by the Province of BC who is advising that: Drivers should avoid travel with snow and freezing rain in the forecast.
Forecasted Rain Prompts High Stream Advisory and Catch Basin Clearing
With rainfall in the forecast for the weekend and into Monday, the River Forecast Centre has issued a high streamflow advisory. This means that Coquitlam could experience high water levels in local rivers, as well as localized flooding in low-lying areas.
The public is advised to stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.
Residents are also 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 www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin to locate nearby catch basins.
Support for Vulnerable Individuals
The City of Coquitlam’s Bylaw officers, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue and other staff continue to check on vulnerable individuals, connecting them with outreach and other supportive services. In addition, we work in collaboration with BC Housing, Fraser Health, and Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group to provide additional support to those unhoused or vulnerable people within our community, including:
- 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 PDF resource is available at www.coquitlam.ca/StreetSurvivalGuide 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.
Take Precautions and Stay Safe
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise 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.
All community members are encouraged to consult www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise with special attention to the Winter Preparedness & Safety section for more information and to prepare for the upcoming storm.
Report Downed Power Lines and Debris or Damaged Trees
Additional snow and freezing rain could result in falling branches or trees, which may also cause power outages.
- To report debris on roadways, contact the City’s Engineering Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or epw@coquitlam.ca.
- To report a fallen or damaged tree on City property, contact Coquitlam Parks & Facilities Customer Service at 604-927-6300 or parkscustomerservice@coquitlam.ca.
- Service requests can also be submitted online at www.coquitlam.ca/servicerequests.
- Report downed power lines to 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile. (If you come across a downed or damaged power line, stay back at least 10 metres.)
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager Communications and Civic Engagement
604-218-1319
media@coquitlam.ca