Code of Conduct

Policy

The City of Coquitlam is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for the enjoyment of all. Users of all City programs, services, parks and facilities are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct outlined below.

Specifically, users are expected to:

  1. be respectful when interacting with staff and other users;
  2. use parks and facilities only for their intended purpose;
  3. follow all City rules, policies and standards which are posted in parks and facilities and on the City website; and
  4. be cooperative when staff are responding to and investigating concerns or complaints.

Generally, interactions are respectful and courteous but there may be occasions when individuals demonstrate inappropriate behaviours towards staff or other users.  Examples of inappropriate behaviour include but are not limited to:

  1. physical or verbal behaviour that may be annoying, irritating or disturbing to others but is not threatening/dangerous;
  2. discriminatory and harassing behaviour, and/or use of substances; and/or
  3. behaviour that threatens or is likely to cause immediate harm, injury or damage to individuals, the park or facility.

The City does not expect people within its parks and facilities to tolerate inappropriate behaviour and will take action when violations of the Code of Conduct Policy occur.

For further reference, please view the downloadable version of our Code of Conduct Policy (PDF).

Reasons for the Policy

This Code of Conduct Policy identifies the expected standards of behaviour for public use of City programs, services, parks and facilities and describes the consequences when violations of the Code of Conduct occur.

This Policy is intended:

  1. to emphasize the importance and shared responsibility of creating safe and welcoming programs, services, parks and facilities that are inclusive of all ages, genders, identities, cultures, ethnicities and abilities;
  2. to prevent violation of the Code of Conduct through public awareness of the expectations for use of parks and facilities and awareness of the consequences for inappropriate behaviour;
  3. to provide a resource for City staff, partners, community groups and organizations to address inappropriate behaviours when they occur and apply the Code of Conduct in a consistent, fair and equitable manner; and
  4. to remove or deny access, if necessary, to those who do not abide by the Code of Conduct.

Guiding Principals

  1. Participation in recreation is beneficial and contributes to a better quality of life.
  2. A safe, positive and inclusive environment maximizes enjoyment for all.
  3. It is a collective responsibility to create a safe, positive and inclusive environment. 
  4. Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated; however, the City strives to give people who have violated the Code of Conduct an opportunity to improve their behaviour.

Reference

City of Coquitlam Bylaw 3617, 2004 is a bylaw to establish regulations governing the use of parks and community facilities.