COQUITLAM, B.C., Feb. 24, 2023 – With snow in the forecast over the weekend, Coquitlam City crews are preparing for the impacts of winter snow conditions.
According to Environment Canada’s weather alert, a significant weather system will push across the South Coast this weekend bringing widespread snow with periods of light snow on Saturday, and intensifying to heavy snow Saturday night with accumulations expected to be upwards of 30 cm easing early Sunday morning.
Everyone is urged to use caution, and to stay home where possible when weather conditions are bad. Drivers should drive for the conditions, including having winter tires on vehicles.
City Preparations to Ensure Road Safety
Coquitlam City crews have been monitoring the weather forecasts and, over the last several days, have been hard at work applying salt to reduce potential icing issues.
Looking ahead to ongoing sub-zero temperatures and snow over the weekend, the City has 19 trucks at the ready with plows and sanders. Crews will continue pre-salting the roads, and then plowing and salting as necessary when the snow begins.
To further support road safety and snow clearing efforts, the City will be activating “When Declared” Parking Restrictions effective Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Affected residents will receive notifications through the City’s NotifyMe email service.
The City will continue to post updates on Coquitlam road conditions and City services to social media and www.coquitlam.ca/serviceupdate as City crews continue to work 24/7 throughout the weekend to help ensure ongoing road safety.
Snow Removal Priorities and Reporting
Maps showing Coquitlam’s priority routes are available at www.coquitlam.ca/WinterWise. The City’s Captain Public Works video also helps explain how Coquitlam tackles snow removal.
Report areas of concern using the City’s real-time, online tool at www.coquitlam.ca/SnowResponse.
Clear Catch Basins
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 www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin to locate nearby catch basins.
Keep Sidewalks Clear and Be a Good Neighbour
To keep sidewalks in residential and business areas safe for those who have to travel on foot, residents and business operators are required to shovel sidewalks next to their property within ten hours of snowfall.
Residents are also encouraged to reach out to seniors and other vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe. This could include offering assistance with groceries, shoveling, or other errands.
The City also welcomes volunteers 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.
For information on community support for vulnerable individuals, see www.coquitlam.ca/homelesshelp.
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. Where possible, stay at home when weather conditions are bad.
Tips and information on how to stay safe during extreme cold are available at www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager Communications and Civic Engagement
604-218-1319
media@coquitlam.ca