Coquitlam residents are encouraged to take precautions as Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning.
COQUITLAM, B.C., December 4, 2023 – Coquitlam residents are encouraged to take precautions as Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, with 75-100 mm of rain to arrive Monday afternoon and continuing overnight.
The forecast calls for mild temperatures with steadier, heavier rain this afternoon and overnight lasting into tomorrow afternoon. Forecasted rainfall has the potential for localized flooding to develop.
Flood Watch
The forecasted rainfall has led the River Forecast Centre to issue a Flood Watch for the region. River levels are expected to rise quickly beginning on Monday in areas receiving the brunt of the storm with flows likely peaking Tuesday into Wednesday.
Residents should avoid going near rivers and streams throughout the city.
City Taking Preventative Measures
Coquitlam’s public work crews including vactor operators, backhoe operators, flush truck operators, and maintenance workers will be out in full force and working through the day today, overnight and through tomorrow taking proactive measures to help manage the impacts of rainfall, including:
- Ensuring that our critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition
- Inspecting and clearing catch basins and culverts with a priority focus on known problem areas and to deal with other reported issues as required
- Monitoring water levels along the Coquitlam river to gauge response and mitigation measures as needed
Take Precautions and Stay Safe
Residents are asked to consider the following safety measures before, during and after the storm event.
At Home
- Use the City’s catch basin map at coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin to locate catch basins next to your property and keep them clear of debris.
- Ensure gutters on buildings are clear of debris, and rake up debris to prevent them from plugging drains.
- Bring recycling boxes/bags and carts in from the curb after they have been emptied to avoid the risk of any high winds knocking them onto the road.
- If your Garbage or Green Cart was not collected, contact Waste Connections of Canada at 604-636-3520 or email CityOfCoquitlam@WasteConnections.com.
- If your recycling boxes/bags were not collected, contact GFL Environmental at 604-529-4011 or email SRrecycle@GFLenv.com.
- Prepare your personal or family emergency plan and have an emergency kit ready with supplies, including any necessary specialty items, to be able to take care of basic needs for at least 72 hours in case of a power outage or impacts to telecommunications services. The City has some great tips in its 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness checklist at coquitlam.ca/26weeks.
Out in the Community
- Postpone hiking through forested parks and trails, particularly pathways along ravines or steeper slopes, due to increased landslide risk.
- Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creek, including potentially unstable riverbanks.
- When walking outdoors or driving, watch for falling trees or branches.
- Watch out for and avoid walking or driving through pooling water on roads and pathways.
- Do not wade through flood water.
On the Road
- Follow all road signs, including detours and road closures; please do not walk or drive around barricades on roads, as they have been placed there to protect public safety.
- Treat any traffic signal that is dark or flashing as an “all way stop.”
- 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.
Report Debris or Damaged Trees on Roadways or Public Property
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of winter events. More information about City services and resident responsibilities during the winter months can be found at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise.
Media contact:
Brad Lofgren
Director, Public Works
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca
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.