COQUITLAM, B.C., Friday, January 19, 2024 – Coquitlam residents are asked to be prepared for potential flooding, as rain and warmer temperatures are forecast after our significant winter event over the past week.
Public Works Crews Clear Snow and Clear Catch Basins
The City’s Public Works’ crews continue to plow and clear roads, and are also taking proactive measures to manage the impacts of snow melt and forecasted rainfall. These include:
- ensuring that our critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition
- clearing culverts
- responding to emerging situations as needed
Help Reduce the Risk of Flooding
The City is also asking residents and property managers to help reduce the risk of flooding.
Flooding can happen when runoff from rain and snow melt exceeds the capacity of the City’s drainage system. Flooding can also happen when drain pipes become blocked by snow, tree roots or debris. Residents can help prevent flooding by:
- Clearing catch basins: Keep the catch basins next to your property clear of snow and debris. Visit coquitlam.ca/AdoptACatchBasin for a catch basin map to locate those near to your property.
- Not shoveling snow onto City streets: Doing so can greatly increase flooding risk by blocking catch basins.
Please watch for flooded areas and exercise caution:
- Pay attention and use caution when entering areas that are flooded.
- Do not wade through flood water.
- Drive for the conditions – do not drive through flooded areas – take an alternate route for safety.
- Do not move any barricades or traffic cones; they are there for your protection.
Report Damaged Trees and Downed Power Lines
Rainfall after this week’s significant snowfall and this morning’s ice pellets could also result in falling branches or trees, which may cause power outages.
To report debris on roadways, contact the City’s Engineering Customer Service line at 604-927-3500 or epw@coquitlam.ca.
- To report a tree on City property that appears to have suffered storm damage, contact Coquitlam Parks & Facilities Customer Service at 604-927-6300 or ParksCustomerService@coquitlam.ca.
- Service requests can also be submitted online at www.coquitlam.ca/ServiceRequests .
- 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.)
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures, as well as wind and power outages, heavy rain and flooding. While the City works to keep roads safe and reduce service disruptions, residents are encouraged to do their part by clearing sidewalks and catch basins, parking off-street to allow for plowing, and being prepared for extended power failures or impassable roads.
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.