COQUITLAM, B.C., June 7, 2024 – Residents and visitors are reminded that Coquitlam parks are smoke-free. Individuals caught smoking in Coquitlam parks during summer months may face a $500 fine.
Not only is smoking, including e-cigarettes and cannabis, banned in City parks, but the fine—normally $150—increases to $500 during summer months, June 1 – September 30, due to heightened fire risk.
The City’s Smoking Control Bylaw No. 3037, 1996, states that no one is allowed to smoke in any of the City’s parks at any time.
Littering of cigarette butts on the ground or by throwing one out of a vehicle window can also result in a fine of $150.
City Steps Up Enforcement during Summer Months
Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement Officers, as well as Fire/Rescue and RCMP members increase their patrols of parks by foot and on e-bikes during summer months to protect Coquitlam parks and forested areas from the threat of fire during extreme weather conditions, and offenders may be ticketed.
Open-air fires are also illegal in City Parks and dangerous as it puts everyone at risk of an interface fire. Residents and park visitors should take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire. Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
To report a bylaw complaint, such as someone smoking in a park, please call Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-3580 or email BylawEnforcement@coquitlam.ca.
Reduce and Limit the Risk of Fire
Everyone is responsible for taking steps that can reduce and limit the risk of fire. Protect yourself, your family and our community by following these additional tips.
- Do not have open fires or conduct outdoor burning.
- Relocate combustible debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from your home.
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over any roof.
- Reduce the amount of debris around your home; prune shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
- Reduce the chance of fire spreading to your home by breaking up vegetation and tree canopies so they don’t create a line leading to your home.
- Be aware when mowing your lawn that if the blade comes into contact with a rock, it can cause a spark that may ignite a fire.
- Ensure your vehicle's exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn.
- Watch for bans on using barbeques.
Please visit coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety for more details and information on preventing fires during the summer months.
Media contact:
Sarah Bird
Bylaw Enforcement Operations Manager, Bylaw Services
bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.