City of Coquitlam crews are currently working to address the continuous and intense snow fall and freezing temperatures that have hit Metro Vancouver this week.
Update – 2020-01-18 – 11:45 a.m.
Snow Removal & Road Conditions
The forecast for overnight snowfall did not occur and our Public Works crews dealt with minor accumulations on roads and areas of concern. As of early this morning, all of our major routes are in excellent condition.
With temperatures above freezing and rain falling early this morning, the City’s drainage team is clearing critical catch basins and intakes in all zones of the city, as well as concern areas reported by the public. There is minor ponding in some areas, but no major areas of concern.
The current weather forecast should result in a nice, steady snow melt and minimize flooding concerns.
The City still asks residents to ensure the drains on their property are clear and flowing to prevent flooding on their properties and if it is safe to do so, to clear City catch basins bordering their properties.
We also ask residents to please stay safe and expect some slushy and slippery sections on local roads as the snow melt occurs, and to watch for possible ponding water on roads.
Unless conditions change, this will be the last update for this weather event.
Report an Area of Concern
To report an area of concern, use our Coquitlam Snow Response Request tool. Given the extraordinary volume of snow that fell over the last few days, response may be delayed.
Waste Collection
As a result of the current road conditions, the City has cancelled all green waste collection this week.
If your regular curbside collection day is Thursday:
- recycling will be rescheduled to your regular collection day next week (Jan. 23).
- green waste will be rescheduled to your regular collection day next week (Jan. 23).
- If this is your garbage week, it will be collected on Friday, Jan. 17.
To receive customized alerts and notification regarding your waste collection schedule, please sign up for the ReCollect app or call Solid Waste staff to assist you with signing up for phone, text, or email alerts at 604-927-3500.
For updates on your garbage collection, please contact Waste Connections at 604-636-3520.
For updates on your recycling collection, please contact GFL (formerly Smithrite) at 604-529-4011.
Facility Closures
All facilities are now open, however some programs or classes may be cancelled. Please visit the City website or call the facility to confirm your class or program is running. (coquitlam.ca/prc)
Resident Responsibilities
While City crews are hard at work to ensure the safety of our public roads and the sidewalks at our public facilities, we also look to residents to help keep Coquitlam safe for everyone. This includes shoveling the sidewalks adjacent to your property, parking your vehicle in your garage or driveway so that crews can plow the street from curb to curb, and assisting neighbours who could use a helping hand. Visit coquitlam.ca/winterwise for tips and additional information.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Jan. 15, 2020 – City of Coquitlam crews are currently working to address the continuous and intense snow fall and freezing temperatures that have hit Metro Vancouver this week.
City crews worked throughout the night on Tuesday, Jan. 14 and work is anticipated to continue on a 24-hour basis until the end of the current snow event.
As of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 the City had 17 trucks on the road working to get Priority 1 routes cleared. Crews have also begun working on Priority 2 routes, including access to care homes.
Road crews will not move to Priority 3 routes, which includes local neighbourhood roads, until Priority 1 and 2 routes are completely cleared.
Given the current regional travel advisories, we recommend residents stay off the road, especially if your vehicle is not equipped with snow tires.
The City continues to monitor the situation so that we can mobilize additional available resources, as necessary.
To receive status updates, learn more about Coquitlam’s snow removal plan and which priority your street is, or to report an area of concern, please visit www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise
Facility Closures
Due to the inclement weather, a number of facilities are closed today, including:
Facilities not listed above currently remain open, however, as the weather progresses, that may change. Please visit the City website or call the facility to confirm it is open and your class or program is running. (www.coquitlam.ca/prc)
Snow Removal Quick Facts:
- Given today’s extraordinary weather conditions, the City has currently deployed all available crews and equipment to respond to the snow event.
- Since Thursday, Jan. 9, the City of Coquitlam has used 1,600 tonnes of salt on local roads.
- Since the snow event started, all Priority 1 routes have been cleared multiple times due to the continuing snow fall.
- Coquitlam currently has 429 lane kilometers of Priority 1 routes – that’s the equivalent of driving from Coquitlam to just outside of Portland, Oregon.
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures. While the City works to keep roads safe and reduce service disruptions, residents are encouraged to do their part. For more information, or for City updates during winter weather events, visit www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise or follow the City on Facebook or Twitter.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager, Corporate Communications
604-218-1319
kvincent@coquitlam.ca
Media may access related photos at https://www.flickr.com/gp/cityofcoquitlam/28nY6y