The upper-level parking deck at the Coquitlam Library (City Centre Branch), located on Pinetree Way next to Henderson Mall, has been closed due to flooding and safety concerns. The library remains open to patrons and ground-level parking is available.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Dec. 1, 2021 – The upper-level parking deck at the Coquitlam Library (City Centre Branch), located on Pinetree Way next to Henderson Mall, has been closed due to flooding and safety concerns. The library remains open to patrons and ground-level parking is available.
The City has reopened the southern loop of the Lafarge Lake area, after an early morning closure due to flooding from the heavy rainfall.
City Taking Preventative Measures
In addition to sharing public safety information, the City is taking proactive measures to help manage the impacts of rainfall and high winds, including:
- Ensuring that our critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition
- Having crews out in full force, throughout the storm event, to inspect and clear catch basins and culverts with a priority focus on known problem areas and to deal with other reported issues as required
- Monitoring water levels along the Fraser and Coquitlam rivers to gauge response and mitigation measures as needed
- Having additional crews and equipment on standby and ready to respond to emerging situations
- Conducting annual tree assessments to remove hazardous trees from public spaces
Take Precautions and Stay Safe
Residents are encouraged to prepare their personal or family emergency plan and have an emergency kit ready with supplies, including special needs items, to be able to take care of basic needs for at least 72 hours in case of a power outage, compromised water systems or impacts to telecom services. The City has some great tips in its 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness checklist at www.coquitlam.ca/26weeks.
Please also consider the following safety measures before, during and after the storm event.
At Home
- Check on any neighbours who might need assistance, including prior to the storm to see if they need help to get prepared.
- Use the City’s catch basin map (www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin) to locate catch basins close to your property and keep them clear of leaves and debris.
- Ensure gutters on buildings are clear of leaves and debris, and rake up leaves to prevent them from plugging drains.
- Secure anything that might blow away in a storm, including garbage carts and lawn furniture.
- Bring carts in from the curb after they have been emptied to avoid the risk on high winds knocking them onto the road. (If you have a missed collection due to a knocked over cart, contact Waste Connections Canada at 604-636-3520.)
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
On the Road
- Follow all road signs, including detours and road closures; please do not walk or drive around barricades on roads as they have been placed there to protect public safety.
- Treat any traffic signal that is dark or flashing as an “all way stop.”
- 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.)
Out in the Community
- Postpone hiking through forested parks and trails, in particular pathways along ravines or steeper slopes due to increased landslide risk.
- Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creek, including potentially unstable riverbanks.
- When walking outdoors or driving, watch for falling trees or branches.
- Watch out for and avoid walking or driving through pooling water on roads and pathways.
- Do not wade through flood water.
Report Debris or Damaged Trees on Roadways or Public Property
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.
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 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 www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise.
Stay Up to Date on City News
Stay up to date about City news by:
Media contact:
Heather Escaravage
Public Information Officer, Emergency Operations Centre
604-218-0197
media@coquitlam.ca