COQUITLAM, B.C., May 18, 2023 – With warmer weather expected to continue this week, the City is encouraging Coquitlam residents to stay cool by visiting one of our City facilities and to prepare for potential flooding due to fast-melting snowpack.
There is currently a high streamflow advisory for the Lower Fraser River (i.e. from Hope to the Pacific Ocean), which runs next to several Coquitlam parks including Pacific Reach Linear Park/Don Roberts Park and Maquabeak Park.
The City is monitoring the situation closely and advising residents to stay away from fast-moving water, especially the Fraser, Coquitlam and Pitt rivers. This is particularly important during warmer temperatures when the public may head to these bodies of cool water to escape the heat.
In addition to flooding, the City is preparing for impacts of the prolonged heat and diminished air quality due to smoke from wildfires. For tips on staying safe, as well as information specific to Coquitlam, visit coquitlam.ca/extremeheat.
For information on how to prepare for hazards such as floods, wildfires, and extreme heat and to access tool such as the BC Health Alert and Response system, which establishes criteria used in determining when to open cooling centers visit the ClimateReadyBC webpage.
Personal Flood Preparedness
While the City is prepared to handle flood conditions within public spaces, we look to residents and business owners to complete general preparations at home or work.
Property owners are responsible for their own flood preparations, and Coquitlam residents and businesses in low-lying areas near the Coquitlam, Pitt and Fraser rivers are encouraged to be prepared year-round for potential flooding. If flooding appears likely, the City will inform affected residents and business owners of the City’s activities and how they can reduce the impact of flooding on their property.
The City will post information online at coquitlam.ca/flooding, as well as on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) should the situation change.
Visit coquitlam.ca/flooding for details on how the City prepares for a flooding event, as well as floodplain maps, FAQs and links to other resources. For additional information on the City’s emergency planning or to request a preparedness seminar visit for your business or community group visit coquitlam.ca/ep.
Who to Contact
Below is contact information for utility providers, as well as the City of Coquitlam Engineering and Public Works:
BC Hydro Power Outages:
1-800-224-9376 (24/7) or *49736 on your mobile device
https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/power-outages.html
FortisBC – Natural Gas Emergencies:
1-800-663-9911 (24/7)
https://www.fortisbc.com/Safety/EmergencyPreparedness/Pages/Floods-and-storms.aspx
City of Coquitlam, Engineering and Public Works
604-927-3500 (24/7)
epw@coquitlam.ca
ClimateReadyBC
For information on hazards, risk and resources
climatereadybc.gov.bc.ca
For More Information
Media Contact:
Brad Lofgren
Director of Public Works
604-927-6236
blofgren@coquitlam.ca