News Flash

COQUITLAM, B.C., January 30, 2025 - Winter weather is on its way, and Coquitlam’s crews are ready to respond. With rain, freezing temperatures, and snow in the forecast, residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to stay safe and prepared.

What to Expect

A weather system is expected to arrive today, Thursday, January 30, bringing heavy precipitation and potential snowfall at higher elevations overnight, with conditions continuing into the weekend. This may result in slushy or icy surfaces, creating hazardous sidewalks and affecting parking and transportation routes.

City Crews Ready to Respond

Every year Coquitlam’s Public Works team works to continuously improve our snow response services. Recent upgrades include doubling the City’s salt storage capacity, adding covered sand storage, and upgrading key maintenance vehicles. The new vehicles are more fuel-efficient, produce fewer emissions, and optimize salt application, helping to conserve resources, reduce costs, and ensure the appropriate amount of salt is used for current conditions. 

Snowplows and salt trucks are ready to go, with crews already brining and salting key roads. Public Works will continue to monitor conditions and deploy additional resources as needed to keep roads safe and drainage systems clear.

During a snow event, City roads are cleared based on a priority system to ensure public safety and access:

• Priority 1 - Emergency and transit routes, including arterial and collector roads connecting key areas of the community.
• Priority 2 - Roads providing access to schools, care facilities, and steep local roads. Response timing may vary based on storm conditions.
• Priority 3 - All remaining roads, cleared as conditions allow, depending on the severity and duration of the event.

Private roads are not maintained by the City, and residents should contact their Property Management Company or Strata for concerns related to their roads.

How You Can Help

Residents also play a key role in helping Coquitlam stay safe during winter weather.

Keep Sidewalks Safe

• Residents and property owners must clear sidewalks adjacent to their property within 10 hours of snowfall stopping, as per the City’s Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw.
• Clearing sidewalks ensures safe, accessible pathways for everyone in the community. The Snow Angels program helps those unable to clear sidewalks due to physical disabilities or restrictions. Residents can volunteer or request support through the program at coquitlam.ca/SnowAngels.

Park off the Street

• Do not park on the street when snow is forecast to allow plows to clear roads curb to curb.
• The City activates parking restrictions every time snow is in the forecast until the snow event has ended. View Coquitlam’s parking restrictions and maps at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise.
• If you live in an affected area, subscribe to the Winter Parking Restriction NotifyMe list to receive the ‘when declared’ updates to prevent getting a ticket or being towed.

Clear Catch Basins 

• Remove debris and snow from catch basins near your property to prevent flooding as snow melts.
• Use the City’s Adopt-a-Catch Basin map to locate nearby basins.
• Report flooding concerns to Engineering Customer Service at epw@coquitlam.ca or 604-927-3500.

Coquitlam’s Winter Wise Program

Each winter, Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program works to minimize the impact of snow and ice on the community:

• Salt Supply: The City can store up to 4,500 tonnes of salt.
• Snow Fleet: Up to 23 vehicles are deployed during significant snow events.
• Coverage: Crews plow over 1,200 km of road lanes, prioritizing emergency routes, transit corridors, and major roadways.

For full details on City services and resident responsibilities this winter, visit coquitlam.ca/WinterWise.

Let’s work together to keep Coquitlam safe and moving during this winter event.

Media contact:
Brad Lofgren
Director, Public Works
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca