News Flash

COQUITLAM, B.C., January 11, 2024 – With a winter event in the forecast that includes extreme cold and frigid wind-chill temperatures, Coquitlam is preparing for the impacts. 

Forecasts for the coming days include  below-average freezing temperatures followed by scattered showers and flurries. Public Works’ crews have prepared plow trucks and salt trucks to respond, and crews will be out in full force salting and brining.

Public Works will monitor the situation closely to mobilize additional resources as necessary.

Be Prepared

Residents are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps and follow safety measures. 

At Home

• Shut off and drain your outside water to protect outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. Have flashlights, electric lanterns and extra batteries on hand, and make sure you have an emergency kit - download a checklist from the Winter Preparedness and Safety page. 
• When heading outside, wear warm clothing and solid shoes or boots with good traction.

Family and Friends

• Help loved ones who live on their own be prepare for a winter event, especially those who have limited mobility, or may require assistance. During an extreme snow or ice event, you may not be able to get to their home like you can during normal circumstances.
• Don’t let important prescriptions, supplies or foodstuffs run low in case the weather prevents you from getting out.

Clear Catch Basins and Remove Debris

• Clear the catch basins next to your property to prevent flooding. Use the City’s catch basin map at coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin to locate catch basins next to your property. 
• Ensure gutters on homes and buildings are clear of debris, and rake up debris to prevent it from plugging drains. 
• To report any flooding issues, please contact Engineering Customer Service via email at: epw@coquitlam.ca or by phone at 604-927-3500.

Vehicle

• If you choose to drive your vehicle, make sure to drive only with snow tires. They are made to handle snow, ice and lower temperatures better than winter-rated, all-season tires.
• Have a mechanic winterize your vehicle and make sure it is working properly.
• Take transit during snow events, especially if you are not experienced driving during icy conditions or if roads are impassable or dangerous. 
• Slow down and drive for road conditions, leaving yourself more time to reach your destination.
• Keep a small, portable emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, extra clothing, first aid supplies and other necessities - download a Grab-and-Go checklist from the Winter Preparedness and Safety page at coquitlam.ca/WinterPrep. 

Be a Good Neighbour

• Help your neighbour move their garbage carts, clear their catch basin or clear their sidewalk – especially if they are elderly or have limited mobility.
• Volunteer as a Snow Angel and support those who may need a bit of extra help in the winter months - full details at coquitlam.ca/SnowAngels.

Park on Your Property When Snow is in the Forecast

• When snow is in the forecast, do not park on the street. Parking in your driveway, garage, carport or other spot on your property ensures that our plows will be able to clear curb to curb. 
• Coquitlam has implemented a number of parking restrictions to help City crews to plow streets clear of snow to make them safer for driving. Visit coquitlam.ca/WinterWise and check the parking tab with details on specific restrictions. 

Help Keep Our Sidewalks Safe

• Property owners and occupants must ensure the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding their premises within 10 hours of its arrival. By following the Snow and Ice Removal clause of the City’s Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw, everyone contributes to keeping our sidewalks safe and accessible for the community.

Coquitlam Opens Warming Centres 

Due to the extreme cold temperatures, effective, Friday, January 12, Coquitlam will open daytime warming centres for those seeking relief from the cold. The City is providing public drop-in daytime warming centres for anyone, particularly vulnerable residents. Coquitlam recreation facilities also have extensive open hours and anyone looking for a spot to step out of the cold is welcome to warm up in the main public areas during regular operating hours. Please visit coquitlam.ca/WinterWise for warming centre location info and details. 

Be Winter Wise

Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of winter events. 

• Public Works can store up to 2,000 tonnes of salt.
• The City’s snow removal fleet uses as many as 22 vehicles during significant snow events.
• The City has over 1,200 km of road lanes to plow depending on the event - this is why we plow our routes according to a priority system ensuring accessibility for emergency and transit vehicles on collector, arterial and emergency and bus routes connecting major sections of our community. 

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
media@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.