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The original item was published from 6/27/2022 12:42:49 PM to 6/28/2023 12:00:00 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: June 27, 2022

[ARCHIVED] Smokers Face Hefty Fines in Coquitlam Parks

Bylaws Bike Patrols Summer Fire Safety in City Parks

COQUITLAM, BC, June 27, 2022 – As the summer weather returns, Coquitlam is reminding all local park users—don’t let our parks go up in smoke. Individuals caught smoking in Coquitlam parks during summer months may face a $500 fine.

Not only is smoking, including e-cigarettes and cannabis banned in City parks, but the fine—normally $150—increases to $500 during summer months (June 1 – September 30) due to heightened fire risk. 

The City’s Smoking Control Bylaw No. 3037, 1996 states that no one is allowed to smoke in any of the City’s parks at any time. 

Littering of cigarette butts on the ground or out of a vehicle window can also result in a fine of $150. Fires are also not permitted in City Parks.

City Steps Up Enforcement During Summer Months

Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement Officers increase their patrols of parks by foot and on e-bike during summer months and offenders may be ticketed. 

All residents and park visitors should take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire. Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.

To report a bylaw complaint, such as someone smoking in a park, please call Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-7387 or 604-927-3085 or email bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca

Reduce and Limit the Risk of Fire

Residents need to take steps that can both reduce and limit the risk of fire. This includes adhering to City bylaws that ban open air burning, littering cigarette butts and smoking in parks. Protect yourself, your family and our community by following these additional, simple tips.

  • Do not have any open fires or conduct outdoor burning.
  • Watch for bans on using barbeques.
  • Relocate combustible debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from your home.
  • Be aware when mowing your lawn that if the blade comes into contact with a rock, it can cause a spark that may ignite a fire.
  • Ensure your vehicle's exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn.
  • Reduce the amount of debris around your homes; prune your shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
  • Reduce the chance of fire spreading to your home by breaking up vegetation and tree canopies so they don’t create a line leading to your home.
  • Keep the roof and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over the roof.

Please visit www.coquitlam.ca/summerfiresafety for more details and information on preventing fires during the summer months.

Media contact:
Aaron Hilgerdenaar
Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Services Manager
604-927-7387 
bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca

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