News Flash

With winter just around the corner, Coquitlam Public Works crews are ready for the season, and now is the time for residents to get ready too.

COQUITLAM, B.C., October 27, 2025 – With winter just around the corner, Coquitlam Public Works crews are ready for the season — and now is the time for residents to get Winter Wise as well. 

While City crews work around the clock during snow and winter events to keep roads safe and essential services running, residents also play an important role in winter preparedness. Taking steps now can minimize disruptions, improve safety, and ensure our community stays safe during severe weather events. 

Parking Restrictions

When snow is in the forecast, the City asks everyone to park their vehicle in a driveway, garage, carport or other area of their private property — not on the street. This applies to residents in secondary suites as well; property owners are required to provide off-street parking for tenants. When vehicles are parked on the road, City snowplows cannot fully clear streets. 

A parking restriction is activated on a number of streets at higher elevations whenever snow is in the forecast until the end of the snow event. The City notifies residents via email through the Winter Parking Restriction NotifyMe service. Please visit coquitlam.ca/WinterWise for a list of affected streets under the Parking Restrictions tab and sign up to receive the notifications to avoid being ticketed or towed. 

Winter Wise Tips

Winter weather can bring snow, ice, wind and rain that may cause flooding or power failures. The following tips can help keep you and your family prepare now and minimize disruptions during severe winter events. 

Home and Property

• • Shut off and drain your outdoor faucets and plumbing that is not in a heated area to prevent freezing and potentially burst pipes.
  • Isolate and winterize your automatic irrigation systems.
  • Trim dead branches and removing hazardous trees to prevent them from falling on power lines or your home during a storm. 
  • Clear nearby catch basin grates to prevent flooding.
  • To find catch basins near your property, visit coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin. Residents and business owners can also adopt a catch basin to help keep their neighbourhoods flood-free. 
  • Keep flashlights, electric lanterns and extra batteries on hand. Make sure you have an emergency kit — download a checklist from the Winter Preparedness and Safety page at coquitlam.ca/WinterPrep.
  • Consider a safe, non-fuel-based backup heat source in case of power outages. Never use gas, propane or kerosene heaters indoors, as they increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.

Vehicle

• • Have your vehicle winterized by a qualified mechanic.
  • Keep a small, portable emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, extra clothing, first aid supplies and other necessities — download a Grab-and-Go checklist from the Winter 
  • Preparedness and Safety page at coquitlam.ca/WinterPrep. 
  • Take transit during snow events, especially if you are not experienced driving in winter conditions. 
  • If driving is necessary, make sure your vehicle has good snow tires designed to handle snow, ice and lower temperatures.
  • Slow down and drive for road conditions, leaving yourself more time to reach your destination.

Family and Friends

• • Help loved ones who live on their own prepare for winter, especially those with limited mobility. During an extreme snow or ice event, you may not be able to get to their home as you do during normal circumstances.
  • Keep an adequate supply of prescriptions, food and essentials in case winter conditions limit travel.
  • Dress warmly and wear shoes or boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls. 

Be a Good Neighbour

• • Volunteer as a Snow Angel and support those who may need extra help to shovel their snow in the winter months. Details at coquitlam.ca/SnowAngels.
  • Help your neighbour clear their catch basin, shovel their sidewalk or move their garbage carts – especially if they are elderly or have limited mobility.

When it Snows

• • Residents are required to clear all sidewalks around their property within 10 hours of the snow stopping as per the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw No. 4853, 2018, Section 3, Snow and Ice Removal.
  • When shoveling your sidewalk please do not shovel it onto the roadway. Instead, shovel the snow onto your yard to the right of your driveway when facing the road to ensure that the plow does not push the snow back onto your sidewalk and driveway.
  • If a snowplow approaches while you are walking, move to the inside of the sidewalk and stay clear while it passes. 
  • City roads and civic properties are cleared according to a priority system that supports public safety and public transportation access. To find your street’s priority, visit coquitlam.ca/WinterWise.
  • Report issues or missed areas using our real-time Snow Reporting Response Tool available at coquitlam.ca/SnowResponse.

Curbside Collection in Winter Conditions 

• • In the event of wintery road conditions, waste collection services may be delayed or temporary cancelled. 
  • Continue to place materials out for collection on your scheduled collection day ensuring containers are visible and accessible for collection crews.
  • If your collection is missed due to weather, collection crews will attempt to return the following day. 
  • If collection is still not possible, materials will be collected on your next regularly scheduled collection day. Download the free Coquitlam Curbside Collection app or sign up for phone or email notifications to get instanst, property-specific service disruption alerts at coquitlam.ca/recollect.  
  • Note: Curbside recycling in Coquitlam is managed by Recycle BC, not the City. For recycling collection updates during winter weather, download the free Recycle BC app or visit RecycleBC.ca/Coquitlam. 

For more important information and resources, visit coquitlam.ca/WinterWise.

Be Winter Wise

Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures, as well as wind and power outages, heavy rain and flooding. 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 winter months is at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise.

Media contact:

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

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”.  The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Coquitlam is reminding residents of important guidelines and safety tips to ensure a fun and safe experience for fall festivities.

COQUITLAM, B.C., October 23, 2025 – Coquitlam is reminding residents of important guidelines and safety tips to ensure a fun and safe experience for trick-or-treaters, families, and the wider community during fall events.

Fireworks Permit Process

As we celebrate Halloween and Diwali, Coquitlam Fire Rescue asks everyone to keep safety in mind — and remember that buying or selling fireworks in Coquitlam isn’t allowed. 

Firework use in Coquitlam does require a permit, and there are Fireworks Permit Guidelines that must be followed, including the following: 

• A responsible adult (19 years or older) must be in charge of setting off the fireworks.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Protect both public and private property.
• Have proper fire extinguishing equipment on hand.

You can find both the Fireworks Permit Guidelines and Fireworks (Pyrotechnics) Permit Application at coquitlam.ca/fireworks. 

A Permit Application must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to your event, with permit fees ranging from $50 to $100 based on the hazard level of the fireworks. Illegal fireworks discharge may result in fines between $250 and $1,000 and the seizure of any remaining fireworks. To ensure safety, Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement Officers, RCMP, and Fire Rescue will be increasing patrols throughout the city on Halloween.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

• Opt for costumes that are bright or reflective and avoid those that drag on the ground. Bonus points if it’s a zero-waste Halloween costume.
• Equip children with flashlights or glow sticks to help them stay visible.
• Make sure masks allow for clear vision or consider makeup as a safer alternative.
• Use battery-operated candles for jack-o-lanterns and other decorations to reduce fire risks.
• Keep matches, lighters, candles, and fireworks out of reach of children.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Expect the unexpected – there will be more foot traffic on Halloween night and most of it will be excited young children, so give yourself extra time to navigate residential streets and stay alert.
• Slow down in residential areas, as reduced speed can help prevent accidents.
• Avoid distractions – keep your focus on the road and your phone out of reach.
• Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters at intersections, particularly when turning or near transit stops.

Protect Our Environment – Recycle Your Pumpkin

• To help keep wildlife safe, only display pumpkins outdoors on Halloween and bring them in overnight. Bears are actively foraging in preparation for winter denning, and pumpkins left outside can attract them to your neighbourhood.
• When Halloween is over, remember to compost your pumpkins by placing them in your Green Cart.

Coquitlam Animal Shelter – Safety Tips for Pets

• Keep pets indoors, as the noise and excitement from trick-or-treaters can scare them, causing them to run off, jump through open windows, or dart into traffic.
• Leave your pets at home when trick-or-treating. The unfamiliar sights and sounds can be overwhelming and may cause even the most friendly pets to be reactive if they feel scared.
• Ensure your pets have identification and permanent ID, such as a tattoo or microchip, in case they do run away.
• Keep candy out of reach – chocolate is particularly dangerous for pets, as it can be toxic.
• If you dress your pet in a costume, make sure it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement or communication. This will help avoid stress, fear, or potential aggressive interactions with other animals.

Media contacts:

Bryan Eberle
Assistant Chief Fire Prevention
604-927-6400
firerescue@coquitlam.ca  

Aaron Hilgerdenaar
Senior Manager Bylaw Services
604-927-3580
bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples. 

Coquitlam is developing a design for a new off-leash dog park in the Burquitlam-Lougheed area of Southwest Coquitlam.

COQUITLAM, B.C., October 22, 2025 – Coquitlam is developing a design for a new off-leash dog park in the Burquitlam-Lougheed area of Southwest Coquitlam. 

On Monday, Council directed staff to explore two options at Brookmere Park (565 Austin Avenue) with separated small and large dog enclosures. 

Fetching Community Feedback

City staff have identified potential locations for a new off-leash dog park in Brookmere Park. Drawing on strategies from other municipalities, staff have developed design guidelines covering park size, fencing, surfacing and possible amenities such as benches, lighting, water and shade. These considerations aim to create a safe, functional and enjoyable space that fits the needs of a growing, higher-density neighbourhood while minimizing conflicts with nearby park users.

In early 2026, the City will seek community feedback on the proposed design of the new off-leash area. With this community feedback in mind, the park design will be refined before a final concept is shared with Council for approval. If approved, construction could begin in mid-to-late 2026, with the new dog off-leash area opening later that year.

If you are interested to provide feedback on the plan, sign-up for an account at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca, Coquitlam’s online engagement platform. Information about the project will be shared in early 2026. 

More People, More Pups in Southwest

There is a rising demand for dog-friendly spaces in Southwest Coquitlam as the community has grown in recent years. In particular, the population in the Burquitlam-Lougheed neighbourhood has grown by nearly 18% from 2011 to 2021. As more people move into medium and higher-density housing, the need for nearby dog-friendly areas is increasing. Off-leash parks give dog owners a safe place to exercise and socialize their pets close to home.

Currently, Southwest Coquitlam has two off-leash dog parks, one in Miller Park and one in Mundy Park. In the Burquitlam-Lougheed area, Brookmere and Cottonwood Parks are popular with dog owners but do not have any formal off-leash facilities. 

Recognizing the need for more off-leash spaces, Coquitlam is taking action to add a new off-leash dog park in the area while supporting the responsible use of our public spaces. 

Media contact:
Doron Fishman
Manager Park Planning and Design
605-927-6300
parks@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

City crews will be completing flood prevention utility work along Lougheed Highway, between Dewdney Trunk Road and the Coquitlam Bus Loop. Work is scheduled to start on October 29 and 30 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Traffic will be affected.

What: Flood Prevention Utility Work 

Where: Lougheed Highway CPR Overpass, located between Dewdney Trunk Road and the Coquitlam Bus Loop  (Location Map)

When: Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather dependent).

Traffic Impacts: During active construction, the southbound and northbound slow lanes will be impacted. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, contact:
Engineering & Public Works - Customer Service
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlma.ca 

BC Hydro crews will be completing work along Pipeline Road between Guildford Way and David Avenue. Work is expected to take place starting Mon, Oct 20 until Sat, Nov 1. Crews will be work weekdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What: BC Hydro Utility Work

Where: Pipeline Road between Guildford Way and David Avenue (Location Map)

When: October 20, 2025 to November 1, 2025 (weather permitting). Work will take place daily, including weekends. Crews will work weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and weekends between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: During construction, single lane alternating traffic will be in place.  Additionally, BC Hydro has scheduled a planned power outage for Saturday, November 1 (8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Please plan an alternate route or plan extra time when using this route. 

For more information, contact:
Public Works Liaison
604-927-3550
pwl@coquitlam.ca 

Engineering and Public Works - Customer Service
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca

The City's contractor will be completing overnight road repairs along Runnel Dr from Falcon Dr to Lansdowne Dr. Work is expected to take place between Oct 9 to 14, and will take 2 days to complete. Work will take place overnight between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What: Road Repairs

Where: Runnel Drive from Falcon Drive to Lansdowne Drive (Location Map)

When: Work is scheduled to take place the week of October 27 (weather permitting), and will take two days to complete. Due to the location of the work and overall safety, work will take place during nighttime hours. Work will take place Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Traffic Impacts: During construction, traffic will be limited to single-lane alternating. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route. Street parking will be impacted throughout construction. Businesses in the area will remain open and pedestrian access will be maintained.

For more information, contact:
Engineering and Public Works - Customer Service
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca