Heavy Rainfall

During periods of heavy rainfall, the City takes proactive and preventative measures to help manage the impacts of significant rainfall, including:

  • Ensuring that critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition.
  • Having crews 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.

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 email Engineering Customer Service.  

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 email Parks & Facilities Customer Service. 

Service requests can also be submitted online at coquitlam.ca/ServiceRequests. 

Take Precautions and Stay Safe

Residents are encouraged to prepare their personal or family emergency plan and have an emergency kit ready with supplies to be able to take care of basic needs for at least 72 hours. The City has some great tips in its 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness checklist at coquitlam.ca/26weeks. 

Please also consider the following safety measures:

At Home

  • Use the City’s catch basin map (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.)

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.

For additional information, visit our Flood Preparedness page.