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1. When will my street be plowed?

During a snow event, City roads are plowed according to a priority system aimed at supporting the greater public safety and public transportation access.

• Priority 1 - Maintain accessibility for emergency vehicles and transit vehicles on collector, arterial and emergency and bus routes that connect major sections of the community.
• Priority 2 - Maintenance of safe travel routes and accessibility for vehicles on streets classified as Priority 2 routes, including non-arterial and collector routes that provide access to school sites, community care facilities, as well as subzones that contain a high percentage of local roads with grades in excess of 10%, during icing and storm conditions. Priority 2 route response may be advanced, or delayed, due to event intensity, severity or duration.
  
• Priority 3 - Maintain safe travel routes and accessibility for vehicles on all remaining routes. Clearing these routes may be advanced or delayed depending on the weather event’s intensity, severity or duration.

You can also report an area of concern by using our Snow Response Request Tool.

2. How do I report an area that needs plowing or a sidewalk that hasn’t been shoveled?

The City has a Snow Response Request Tool available. This tool uses Geographic Information Services  technology to provide information to City staff in real-time. 

It is the most efficient way to ensure that your concerns are being put in the queue to be addressed.

Note that while snow is falling, or until primary roads are cleared, the City will not be addressing local roads or lanes.

3. Why did the plow fill my driveway with snow?

City plows are set to push snow to the right in order to remove it from the roadway. 

The best way to ensure that snow doesn’t get pushed back onto your driveway or sidewalk is to pile snow on the right side of the driveway when facing the street when shoveling.

4. Why can’t I just shovel snow onto the road for the plow to pick it up?

Shoveling snow onto the road contributes to unsafe driving and walking conditions, and increases the cost of providing winter road maintenance. 

If you shovel your snow into the roadway, you may be subject to a fine under the City’s Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw.

5. Why hasn’t the City plowed my lane?

The City only plows priority lanes, or lanes that are the only access to a home. If your lane has not been plowed, it is unlikely to be plowed during a snow event. 

You can report an area of concern by using our Snow Response Request Tool.

6. Should I move my basketball hoop?

Basketball hoops are not to be placed on city streets. Please move them on to your private property.

7. Why hasn’t my road been salted yet? It’s very icy!

All roads are salted according to the same priority route system as plowing. However, it’s  possible that if there was any rain or wet snow, it may have washed away the brining mixture. 

You can report an area of concern by using our Snow Response Request Tool.

8. Does the City plow curb to curb?

Yes, wherever possible the City will attempt to plow curb to curb. We ask residents to park their vehicles in their driveway or somewhere on their private property when snow is in the forecast and during snow events to help our plows clear curb to curb.

9. Why can’t the City remove the snow instead of piling it up?

The City of Coquitlam does not currently have resources for snow removal, similar to other Metro Vancouver municipalities,  just snow plowing. 

Under normal winter weather circumstances, our warmer climate means that snow typically doesn’t last very long and removal isn’t necessary.

10. What if I have a medical emergency and can’t get out of my house?

If you have a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1. 

11. What if I have a regular medical condition and I need to be able to get out of my house in order to receive treatment or medical attention?

We sympathize with your situation. 

The City must prioritize resources through the community in order to serve the needs of the greater community. 

Please be aware, get prepared and plan ahead before the winter season.