News Flash

COQUITLAM, BC, October 23, 2023 – With a number of celebrations quickly approaching this fall, Coquitlam is reminding residents about safety tips to help trick-or-treaters of all ages and the community at large have safe and fun nights.

Fireworks Permit Process

At this time of year, there are a number of occasions and celebrations that often include fireworks, including Halloween and Diwali. Coquitlam Fire Rescue is reminding residents and businesses that it is illegal to buy or sell fireworks in Coquitlam.

Firework use in Coquitlam does require a permit, and there are Fireworks Permit Guidelines that must be followed including the following: 

• a person responsible for the fireworks who is at least 19 years old; 
• plans to keep spectators at a safe distance from the location where the fireworks are being set off; 
• protection of public and private property; and
• proper fire extinguishing equipment available.

Both the Permit Guidelines and Fireworks (Pyrotechnics) Permit Application are available at coquitlam.ca/fireworks. 

The Permit Application must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the planned fireworks event. Permit fees range from $50 to $100 depending on the nature and degree of hazard of the fireworks. The illegal discharge of fireworks can result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 and the seizure of remaining fireworks.

Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP and Fire Rescue will be increasing patrols on Halloween throughout the city and may take enforcement action to ensure public safety.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

• Choose costumes that are bright or reflective and that don’t drag.
• Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility.
• Ensure kids can see clearly through masks or choose makeup instead.
• Use battery-operated candles for jack-o-lanterns and other decorations.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles and fireworks out of children’s reach.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Expect the unexpected – there will be more foot traffic on Halloween night and most of it will be excited young children, so give yourself extra time to navigate residential streets and stay alert.
• Reduce your speed in areas with pedestrians. The simple act can help lower the chance of pedestrian injuries or even fatalities.
• Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving.
• Be alert to people walking, cycling, or scooting at intersections, especially when you are making a turn or near transit stops.

Protect Our Environment – Recycle Your Pumpkin

• If you are displaying pumpkins outside, only do so on Halloween and do not leave them out overnight. Bears are actively seeking out easy and plentiful food sources to prepare for winter denning, and this increase in feeding activity helps bears survive without food for months in their den. 
• After Halloween, remember pumpkins are compostable and should be disposed of in your Green Cart.

Coquitlam Animal Shelter Offers Safety Tips for Pets

• Keep pets inside – loud noises and costumed strangers can be alarming for pets, potentially causing them to run off, jump out open windows or dart into traffic. 
• Don’t take your pet with you trick-or-treating, as the strange sights, sounds and activity can cause a normally friendly dog to bite if it feels scared or threatened.
• Make sure your dog or cat wears identification and has permanent ID such as a tattoo or microchip in case they do run off. 
• Keep human treats out of your pet’s reach – candy is unhealthy for pets, particularly chocolate, which can be toxic.
• Be mindful that dressing your pet in a costume may make them uncomfortable or inhibit their ability to communicate. This may cause dogs to display fearful or aggressive behaviour or be subjected to aggressive behaviour from other dogs.

Media contacts:

Bob Hieltjes
Assistant Chief Fire Prevention
firerescue@coquitlam.ca  
604-927-6400

Aaron Hilgerdenaar
Bylaw Enforcement & Animal Services Manager
bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca
604-927-3580

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.