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The original item was published from 12/22/2021 12:21:49 PM to 12/18/2022 12:00:01 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: December 17, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Be Prepared for Snow

Public works crews prepare for freezing temperatures

COQUITLAM, B.C., Dec. 17, 2021 – With snow in the forecast, now is the time to make sure you are prepared and ‘winter wise.’

Coquitlam crews have begun their winter response and will be working 24/7 with Public Works management monitoring the situation closely to mobilize additional resources as necessary. 

When and if snow is falling, streets will be plowed according to the City’s priority routes system focusing on primary roads (arterials, collectors, bus routes and access roads to schools) with local roads and lanes only being plowed as resources allow. Check out Captain Public Works explaining our priority routes.  

Parking Restrictions During Snow Events

Coquitlam has implemented a number of parking restrictions to help City crews to plow streets clear of snow and ice in order to make them safer for winter driving. 

In all cases, residents are expected to not park on the street - all vehicles should be parked in a driveway, garage, carport or other area of their private property. Coquitlam residents and drivers are asked to follow all posted parking restrictions. In addition to allowing our crews to make our streets safer, this will prevent drivers from having to dig out their vehicle, and avoid a ticket or towing. 

Maps showing all areas affected by seasonal parking restrictions are available at www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise under the Parking Restriction tab. 

How to Know When the Parking Ban is in Effect for ‘When Declared’ Restrictions

The City will advise when the parking ban has been activated in the following ways:

  • Public Service Advisories to social media 
  • By email - we encourage all residents who live in the affected areas, to sign up for the Winter Parking Restrictions email list using NotifyMe.

Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe and Comfortable

To minimize disruptions, please follow these helpful tips to be prepared:

Home and property

  • Clean the catch basin grates around your property regularly to prevent flooding.
    • To determine where the catch basins are adjacent to your property, you can view a map at www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin. We encourage residents and business owners to also adopt-a-catch basin. 
  • Protect your home from falling branches by pruning dead branches and removing dead trees to reduce the danger of them falling on power lines or your house during a storm. 
  • Shut off your outside water to protect outdoor faucets and other plumbing.
  • Isolate and winterize your automatic irrigation systems.
  • Consider an alternate safe heating system in case of power failures (not gas, propane or kerosene, which cannot be used inside). Make sure to follow directions and only use outside in well-ventilated areas, where the exhaust cannot enter the home. 
  • Have flashlights, electric lanterns and extra batteries on hand, and make sure you have an emergency kit (download a checklist on the Winter Preparedness and Safety page at www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep).

Vehicle

  • Take transit during snow events – especially if you are not experienced driving in the snow, or if roads are impassable or dangerous. 
  • If you choose to drive your vehicle, make sure to drive only with good snow tires. They are made to handle snow, ice and lower temperatures better than winter-rated all-season tires.
  • Have a mechanic winterize your vehicle and make sure it is working properly.
  • Keep a small, portable emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, extra clothing, first aid supplies and other necessities (download a checklist on the Winter Preparedness and Safety page at www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep). 

You and Your Loved Ones

  • Make arrangements with loved ones who live on their own and are elderly or have limited mobility to help them prepare for winter.
  • Don’t let important prescriptions, supplies or foodstuffs run low in case the weather prevents you from getting out.
  • When heading outside, wear warm clothing and solid shoes or boots with good traction.

When it Snows

  • Report areas of concern using our real-time Snow Reporting Response Tool available at www.coquitlam.ca/snowresponse.
  • As a responsible neighbour and citizen, and as per the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw No. 4853, 2018. Section 3, Snow and Ice Removal, you are required to clear all the sidewalks around your property within 10 hours of the snow stopping.
  • Do not shovel your snow onto the roadway. To ensure that the plow does not push the snow back onto your sidewalk and driveway, we recommend shoveling onto your yard and to the right of your driveway when facing the road.
  • While you are out walking, if a snowplow approaches, move to the inside of the sidewalk and stay far away from the road while it passes.

Be a Good Neighbour

  • Please consider helping your neighbour clear their catch basin, shovel their sidewalk, or move their garbage carts – especially if they are elderly or have limited mobility.
  • Volunteer to be a Snow Angel and help someone clear sidewalk. Full details at www.coquitlam.ca/snowangels.

Changes to Waste Collection

  • Heavy snowfall can affect the ability for waste collection to get to certain areas of the community.
  • If your garbage and/or green cart has not been collected by 7 p.m. during a snowfall event, bring it off the street or lane for the night and place out again after 5:30 a.m. the next morning. If your carts are still not collected, please bring them in again and wait until your next regularly scheduled collection day.
  • Sign up for instant alerts regarding collection service disruptions or delays or download the free Coquitlam Curbside Collection app at www.coquitlam.ca/ReCollect
  • Questions regarding missed garbage and green cart collection should be directed to Waste Connections of Canada at 604-636-3520 or Cityofcoquitlam@wasteconnections.com
  • Questions regarding missed recycling collection should be directed to Recycle BC’s collection contractor GFL Environmental at 604-529-4011 or srrecycle@gflenv.com

Be Winter Wise

Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures. While the City works to keep roads safe and reduce service disruptions, residents are encouraged to do their part. For more information, or for City updates during winter weather events, visit www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise or follow the City on Facebook or Twitter.

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

 

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