COQUITLAM, B.C., January 10, 2024 – Due to extreme cold temperatures forecast across the region for the week, effective Friday, January 12, 2024, Coquitlam will open daytime warming centres for those seeking relief from the cold.
Warming Centres
With forecasts for the coming days showing below-average frigid temperatures, the City is providing the following public drop-in daytime warming centres for anyone, in particular vulnerable residents:
- City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way)
- Friday – 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday – 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Parking fees are waived during warming centre activation
- Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex(633 Poirier St.)
- Friday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Free parking available
Both of these facilities are accessible via public transit, and are open to everyone. Staff will provide water, washroom access and seating to visitors. In the event you are unable to provide care for your pet and require support, please call the Animal Shelter at 604-927-7378.
Anyone looking for a spot to step out of the cold is also welcome to warm up in the main public areas of any Coquitlam recreation facility during their regular operating hours. For a complete listing of City recreation facilities, visit coquitlam.ca/RecCentres.
For the most up-to-date public safety information, including a full list of warming centers available in the region, please visit the Emergency Map at emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca.
Check In on Vulnerable Individuals and Encourage them to Visit Warming Centres
Neighbours, family and friends are encouraged to reach out to vulnerable individuals to ensure they are safe and aware of the availability of the warming centres and other public spaces offering relief from the cold.
Coquitlam’s Community Safety staff will perform outreach to known homeless encampments to ensure this vulnerable population is aware of the warming centres and other available supports. Staff will also distribute cold weather protection such as blankets, hand warmers and other cold weather clothing.
Additional Supports for Vulnerable Individuals
There are a number of community resources available to those who are homeless or who may need shelter and other assistance.
- Winter Nightly Shelter Program is operated by Progressive Housing and is hosted at different Tri-City churches until April 15, 2024. 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. Everybody is welcome, but walk-ups are not permitted – please call to arrange pick-up from one of three designated pick-up locations (Lincoln SkyTrain Station; Kingsway Ave, north side, at Jane Street near the bottle depot; and Pheasant St and Christmas Way, south side of Superstore). Call 604-209-1587 between 8:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. or email: wintershelterstaff@progressivehousing.net
- Tri-Cities Emergency Weather Response are additional shelter spaces open when the weather feels like below zero, with heavy rain, snow and/or high winds. The Emergency Weather Response is also operated by Progressive Housing and is hosted at the Kyle Centre in Port Moody. Shelter includes a bed, warm meal, breakfast to go, support and referrals. Pets in a kennel are welcome. Pick up starts at 8:45 p.m. and drop-off is at 7:00 a.m. Everybody is welcome, but walk-ups are not permitted – please call to arrange pick-up from one of three designated pick up locations (Lincoln SkyTrain Station; Kingsway Ave, north side, at Jane Street near the bottle depot; and Pheasant St and Christmas Way, south side of Superstore). Call 604-318-9876 between 8:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. or email ewrstaff@progressivehousing.net.
- Tri-Cities Street Survival Guide – Developed by the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group, this resource is available at coquitlam.ca/StreetSurvivalGuide and lists available services to those in need, including clothing, food banks, shelter, laundry/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 hopeforfreedom.org or by contacting 604-830-1528 or hffoa@hopeforfreedom.org.
More details on these services are available on the City’s website at coquitlam.ca/HomelessHelp.
What You Can Do to Support Personal Safety
The anticipated conditions can be hazardous, 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 winter weather are available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather/storms. PDF Guides are available in French, Simplifed Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi.
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of winter events.
Information about City services and resident responsibilities during the winter months can be found at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise. There is additional winter preparedness and safety information at coquitlam.ca/WinterPrep.
Visit climatereadybc.gov.bc.ca and click on Extreme cold and winter storms for details on extreme cold and winter storm events, as well as tips to keep yourself and others safe and links to other resources.
Media contact:
Nicole Kimmitt
Risk and Emergency Manager
604-671-5207
emergencyprogram@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.