Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals and groups such as school groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, or neighbours can all participate. Get together with a group of friends and make a commitment to your community!

Adopt a municipal road with a minimum length of approximately 1 kilometre, pledging to keep it free of trash and debris by performing litter pickup at least once a month. Volunteers must report their activity by emailing the Adopt-A-Street program or through the online Participation Record Form. A minimum commitment of 1 year is required. You will be provided with information kits, safety guidelines and litter pick-up equipment and work under the guidance and direction of staff from the Engineering and Public Works Department.

All interested volunteers must fill out an Adopt-A-Street Program Application. The City will furnish and install two Adopt-A-Street signs at the endpoints of your adopted street with your name to acknowledge your or your group’s commitment.

View a map of adopted streets.

The cost share is now 40% the City, 60% the Property Owner.

Property owners are charged based on the length of the frontage of their property, with 75% relaxation for side yards.

The Community Charter requires that a minimum of 50% of property owners, representing a minimum of 50% of land values sign a petition, for an Local Area Service project to be considered.

Local Area Service projects are prioritized based on:

1. Coordinating Local Area Service curb and gutter work with repaving where the existing pavement is in poor condition
2. On a first come, first served basis

On streets where the front yards are steep, it is more challenging to construct curb and gutter. In these cases alternate designs can be considered, such as "parking pockets" or narrowed streets with no parking on one side.

The cost of an Local Area Service project can vary significantly from block to block. City staff will prepare a design and a cost estimate, once the home owners on a block indicate that there is initial support for an Local Area Service project. As part of the formal petition, property owners will be provided with the cost of the project, so they can use this information to decide whether or not to support the project.

For Local Area Service projects that go forward, each property owner has the option of paying their share of the cost up front as a lump sum, or in payments (interest and principle) over time (typically a 15 year period).

In cases where a property already has a curb in place, the owners of that property will not be included in the petition process, and will not be assessed any of the costs of an Local Area Service curb and gutter project.

In blocks where the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan has indicated that a sidewalk is needed, the sidewalk would typically be included in the Local Area Service project.

In blocks where redevelopment (i.e. significant subdivisions, rezonings, etc.) is anticipated in a short timeframe, Local Area Service projects would typically not be supported as these improvements would typically be part of the redevelopment.  

Local Area Service projects are usually considered by all property owners within a block, and constructed in segments that are one block long. In other words, Local Area Service projects are not normally considered for only portions of a block. An exception to this would be on blocks where some of the street already has curb and gutter, and the Local Area Service project is completing the curb and gutter for the block.

During an open competition, applications are accepted online at the City of Coquitlam’s Career Opportunities page.

The minimum and preferred qualifications for a Firefighter, can be found on our "Before You Apply" page.

The NFPA serves as the world’s leading advocate of fire prevention, establishing codes and standards for Firefighters and fire safety.

NFPA 1001 is the nationally recognized standard for the training of professional Firefighters. It identifies professional levels of competency required of fire department members, especially the requirements for entrance into the fire service.

As the governing body in North America, the IFSAC ensures that standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are maintained by fire training academies that administer their programs.

We do not favour one academy over another. All candidates must ensure that the academy they attend is International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or ProBoard accredited.

No. You must have completed all of the required qualifications to be eligible to apply for a position.

We do not recommend any particular courses. However, we do recommend that each candidate reviews the firefighter requirements described on our "Before You Apply" page.

All applicants, regardless of previous training or experience, must apply to the City of Coquitlam as an entry-level Firefighter. There are no transfers between municipalities. If successful, all new Firefighter employees begin a 12-month probationary period.

Yes, all support positions are filled through the City of Coquitlam’s Human Resources Division. Please visit the City Coquitlam’s Career Opportunities page regularly for newly posted vacancies.

Presently, the City of Coquitlam Fire/Rescue does not offer ride-alongs to non-fire personnel.

There are a number of academies located across North America that are certified to deliver the NFPA 1001 program. Candidates should ensure that the academy they select is International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or ProBoard accredited. Make sure to ask the academy or check the IFSAC website and ProBoard website.

No. Due to increased demand for career firefighters, the City is not accepting applications for Auxiliary Firefighters. This may be subject to change in the future. Please monitor the Firefighter Recruitment page for future updates.

Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are fees charged on new developments to help pay for the cost of expanding and upgrading infrastructure needed to support growth. This includes transportation, water, sewer, drainage, and park infrastructure. Recent changes to provincial legislation now allow local governments to use DCCs to fund additional services, such as fire protection facilities, policy services, and solid waste and recycling facilities.

DCCs are paid by applicants for:

• Subdivision approval to create single family lots
• Building permits for multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional developments.

Note: developments are exempt from DCCs when the value of work authorized at building permit is $50,000 or less. Additional examples may apply under the Local Government Act. Contact City staff for full details.

DCCs are based on:

• Land use and growth projections as established by the City planning documents
• Costed capital infrastructure plans 
• Growth-related project costs (DCC Recoverable Costs)  divided by the projected growth

DCCs can be paid by cash, certified cheque and bank draft.

Yes. If City DCCs total $50,000 or more, developers may pay in one-third installments:

• Pay one-third of the DCC amount and a financial administration fee before subdivision approval or building permit issuance.
• Provide a Letter of Credit (LOC) as security for the remaining two-thirds.
• Pay the second installment one year later and the final installment two years later (as per invoice due dates).

Important Notes:

• LOCs are a security requirement but not a form of payment. Payments must be made by bank draft or certified cheque.
• If a developer chooses to pay DCCs in installments but misses a payment deadline, the full DCC balance becomes immediately due. The City will then use the Letter(s) of Credit to recover the total amount.

The Finance team will contact you one month before payments are due. Provide a generic company email to ensure timely reminders and notify the Finance Department if your contact details change. Once payments are complete, the City will adjust or release the LOC.

No. One Letter of Credit (LOC) can cover the total amount for the last two installments. Ensure the correct file number is listed on the LOC to apply it to the right project. You can request an LOC template or submit drafts for review by email to Planning Project Financials. If preferred, you may provide separate LOCs for each installment. 

DCCs fund infrastructure projects to support growth, including:

Transportation:

• New roads, bridges
• Pedestrian and bike overpasses
• Road widening, sidewalks and street improvements
• Bridge replacement, turning bays and signalization

Water: New/upgraded water mains, pump stations and reservoirs

Sewer: New trunk sewer mains, sanitary pump stations and sewer upgrades

 Drainage: 

• Storm sewer and culvert Upgrades
• New storm pump stations and water quality ponds
• Stream erosion control 

 Parks: 

• Parkland acquisition (neighbourhood, city and community parks)
• Trails, greenways and park improvements

Fire:

• Fire Protection Facilities

Police:

• Police Facilities

DCC projects and costs are determined using:

• Growth statistics and projections for Coquitlam
• Technical infrastructure plans (e.g. Strategic Transportation Plan, and Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan)
• Capital costs based on recent studies and project tenders
• The portion of costs specifically tied to growth-related needs

A heritage inventory does not "designate" or protect buildings, properties or sites. If, for example, a building, property or site is listed on the Heritage Inventory, the owner may make alterations to it, or redevelop the site, provided the changes are within the limitations of other bylaws and regulations.

A Community Heritage Register does not "designate" or protect properties, buildings or sites. A property, building or site that is on the Heritage Register can only be protected by some other means, such as a designation by-law, heritage revitalization agreement or heritage covenant. If a property, building or site is on the Community Heritage Register, the owner may re-develop the site or make alterations to it, provided the changes are within the limitations of other by-laws and regulation.

• Heritage Legislative Framework (PDF)

While flooding could occur any time of the year, the greatest risk for flooding is during the spring freshet. This is the period when temperatures start to rise, causing snow packs to melt. This is when river levels are traditionally at their highest.

Please have a look at the Fraser, Coquitlam and Pitt River Flood Extents Map (PDF) for areas which may be impacted by possible flooding.

The map represents the extent of flooding that could occur during a "design" flood event based on the topography of the land (assuming there are no dikes). The design flood is typically based on a 1-in-200-year flood which means there is a 0.5% chance of occurring in any one year. However, the design flood for the Fraser River is based on river discharges from a major flood that occurred in 1894.

The flood plain mapping extents also includes an allowance for sea level rise.

It is important to contact your insurance provider to confirm if flooding and the costs of evacuating are included in your insurance policy. Business continuity insurance may be available.

Cities located along the Fraser and Pitt Rivers are at risk of potential flooding. These cities include:

• Abbotsford
• Burnaby
• Chilliwack
• Delta
• Hope
• Ken/Harrison
• Langley
• Maple Ridge
• Mission
• New Westminster
• Pitt Meadows
• Port Coquitlam
• Richmond
• Surrey

The City of Coquitlam actively prepares for possible flooding every year. Preparations include:

• Monitoring river levels and inspecting dikes
• Updating a flood response plan
• Publishing information brochures
• Forming contingency plans
• Preparing a transportation evacuation plan

Possible impacts of flooding include:

• Limited or closed parking
• Limited access or closed roads
• Power/electrical shut off
• Gas shut off

Traffic will be routed to higher elevation arterial roads.

Please have a look at the City of Coquitlam Floodplain Map (PDF), and you can see areas which may be impacted by possible flooding - the Pitt River Flood Extent in a lighter blue, and the Fraser and Coquitlam River Flood extent in a darker blue. If you have any questions or are unsure about where your building is located on the map, please contact Engineering and Public Works at 604-927-3500.

The City does not providing sandbags. The City makes every effort to protect residents, businesses and assets from the effects of potential flooding. Every individual resident and business has a responsibility to protect their building from the effects of flooding. Sand is available from local gravel pits and landscape supply stores. For more information on how you can prepare your building, visit the British Columbia Emergency Management website.

The British Columbia Emergency Management website is where you can find information on how to protect your property and assets as well as emergency preparedness information. There are also links to provincial and federal sites which have information on what those levels of government are doing to prepare.

Property owners can sandbag or dike their properties. For more information on how you can prepare your building, visit the British Columbia Emergency Management website.

Although some properties are not within the potential flood plain, they could be indirectly impacted by road closures and/or cancellation of utilities. Utilities like electricity, gas and phone networks will likely be shut off in flooded areas by service providers. Some properties may fall within the same grid as the flooded areas, which would result in a lack of services for you as well. Please contact your utility providers for further information.

The Provincial government has a Disaster Financial Assistance program that is administered through the Provincial Emergency Program. Please visit the British Columbia Emergency Management website for more information on whether or not you may be eligible.

The safety of human life takes precedence over all other considerations. Safety issues that must be considered in the case of a flooding event are:

• Biohazards
• Contamination
• Damage to property
• Debris
• Hazardous materials
• Mold
• Utilities

The Coquitlam River is protected by the BC Hydro Dam and is generally not affected by Freshet flooding, which is the spring run-off from heavy rain and melting snow.

In the case of a flood, the City will activate a 24-hour information line. Other flood-related inquiries can be directed to Engineering and Public Works Customer Service at 604-927-3500.

The pass is valid for activities, including:

• Indoor and outdoor pools;
• Drop-in sports, including basketball, badminton and volleyball;
• Drop-in skating; and
• Fitness centre and drop-in fitness classes. Teens 13 – 15 years old must complete a fitness orientation before participating in the fitness centres and drop-in fitness classes.

• Children: 0 to 12 years old
• Youth: 13 to 18 years old

No, anyone within the age range can purchase the pass. 

Although the pass tile will be green from June 20, 2025 to March 29, 2026, it is only valid on the following dates:

• Friday June 20, 2025 – Monday September 1, 2025 – Summer Break
• Friday December 19, 2025 – Sunday January 4, 2026 – Winter Break
• Friday March 13, 2026– Sunday March  29, 2026 – Spring Break

No, the pass is not refundable.

An adult can participate with a child under 7 years of age at no charge when attending a drop-in program without pre-registration.  If the child and adult wish to secure space by pre-registering, the child can use the School’s Out Pass and the adult must pay the admission rate.

Yes, youth 13 – 15 years old can use the fitness centre and drop in to fitness classes if they have completed the Youth Fitness Orientation. 

Anyone between 13 to 18 years can register for this program. Register here. 

Yes, once they have completed the Youth Fitness Orientation, then they will have full access to our fitness facilities.

The Youth Fitness Orientation includes:

• Proper gym etiquette
• How to train safely and efficiently
• Proper use of the equipment

It is available to youth 13 to 18 years of age. Register here.

Acceptable methods of payment include:

• American Express
• Cash
• Cheque
• Master Card
• Visa

No, BC Hydro leased lights are not acceptable. The installation of City street lights are required.

Yes, applicants have the option to construct the required improvement themselves. The applicant can choose to physically construct the required works and a detailed Servicing Requirements letter outlining associated requirements including: 

• Construction Related Requirements
• Engineered Design
• Inspection Fees
• Insurance
• Plan Submission
• Securities

The applicant will have 6 months from the date of signature on the Frontage Works Cash Deposit Agreement form to physically construct the required improvements as outlined in the Servicing Requirements letter to Bylaw standards.

The City will complete a number of improvement projects each year, on a block-by-block basis. Streets are prioritized and are scheduled accordingly.

Detailed design drawings are typically available if a developer has hired a civil consultant to prepare offsite servicing drawings for them. If the Frontage Works Program is offered midstream of the detailed drawing review process then they should be available, otherwise there is a chance that they have not been prepared.

Information on the storm, sanitary and water services for home construction can be found on the City’s website. Questions? Please email Engineering Customer Service or phone 604-927-3500.

The driveway access permit application and further information can be found on the City’s website. Questions? Please email Engineering Customer Service or phone 604-927-3500.

The province is responsible for the licensing and monitoring of child care facilities in BC. Please refer to Fraser Health for information on the different types of child care programs and where licensed child care facilities can be found in Coquitlam:

• Search for Child Care

Guide

The province of BC has published a guide to assist parents in selecting and monitoring child care:

• Parents’ Guide to Selecting and Monitoring Child Care in BC (PDF)

There are a number of steps that you must take with the City of Coquitlam and the province in order to open and operate a licensed child care facility. The following document provides you with an overview of the required steps:

• Child Care Facility Requirements: Building Permits, Zoning, Business Licenses - Coquitlam Planning and Development (PDF)
• Fraser Health provides information for prospective and current child care facility operators

Plan ahead - be aware and get prepared! 

Make sure you have an emergency kit with extra food, water, supplies for children and infants, and medication. We also recommend you have an emergency kit for your vehicle with a bottle of water, flashlight, a blanket or thermal wrap, some cash and a few protein bars in case you get stranded.

We also recommend you only drive with good snow tires and stock up on salt, sand and other supplies before the snow begins to fall. 

We have additional information and resources available on our Winter Preparedness and Safety page.

During a snow or winter weather event, the City will publish information to the City’s social media channels, and you can always visit our Winter Wise webpage where will provide a link to a Service Update webpage when there is an extreme weather event.

During a snow event, all City staff are actively dealing with the event. 

We will forward your request on to a manager, but requests are addressed on a priority basis so it may be some time before you receive a response. 

We strongly recommend using our Snow Response Request Tool to report concerns.

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 - Maintain safe travel routes and accessibility for vehicles on non-arterial and collector routes that provide access to school sites, community care facilities, fire stations, hospitals, police stations, and the central business districts. Clearing these routes may be advanced or delayed depending on the weather event’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Yes, wherever possible the City will attempt to plow curb to curb. 

If residents can park their vehicles in their driveways during snow events, this will help to ensure that our plows can clear curb to curb.

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.

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

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.

Under the City’s Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw, it is the responsibility of the property owner to clear snow and ice from all sidewalks bordering their property. 

After a snowfall, residents must clear their sidewalks within 10 hours. Remember to shovel the snow to the back of your driveway. If you shovel onto the street, the plow will push the snow back onto your driveway and sidewalk.

To report an area where someone has not cleared their sidewalk, please use the Snow Response Request Tool.

Yes there sure is! 

When shoveling your sidewalk or driveway please do not shovel it onto the roadway. We recommend shoveling 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.

In many cases this will reduce the amount of snow that gets pushed back onto your driveway from the snow plow.

The City does not clear driveways or sidewalks but we do manage a Snow Angels program where we connect people who are unable to clear snow with volunteers in their area who are willing to help out. 

You can learn more about this program on our Snow Angels page, email Snow Angels or call 604-927-6076. 

Please plan ahead and ensure these arrangements have been made.

You must clear the sidewalk so that there is a walkable path wide enough to accommodate a stroller or a wheelchair. 

Please ensure that you clear the snow towards your property (not onto the roadway side of the sidewalk) in order to allow a place for the snow plow to pile snow on the road side of the sidewalk, and in order to ensure that the plow does not push the snow back onto your sidewalk. If this does happen, you will be responsible for clearing your sidewalk again.

The City is responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to City-owned properties, including the Mariner overpass and recreation facilities. 

Sidewalks or overpasses that are private property are the responsibility of those property owners (such as the Pinetree Way overpass, which is the responsibility of School District 43).

It is the responsibility of School District 43 to clear sidewalks adjacent to schools. 

If you’d like to report an area of concern, use the Snow Response Request Tool.

The City's snow plows cannot deliver their best service when cars are parked on critical roadways. 

When there is snow in the forecast, do not park on the street. All vehicles should be parked in a driveway, garage, carport or other area of their private property - this applies to residents in secondary suites as well. Landlords must provide areas for their residents to park off the street.

Drivers and residents are asked to follow all posted parking restrictions on their street, and as indicated on street regulation signage at all locations within the City. This will prevent you from having to dig out your vehicle, and will also prevent you receiving a ticket or having your vehicle towed.

Activated Restrictions - Subscribe to NotifyMe Email

The City also activates a restriction every time snow is in the forecast on some streets until the end of the snow event and the streets are clear.  Visit our Winter Wise webpage and look at the Parking Tab for details on which streets have the 'when declared' restriction, and sign up for our Winter Parking Restriction NotifyMe email.  

During snow events, facilities may need to close due to unforeseen circumstances such as power failures or other weather-related challenges. 

Information will be posted on the City’s social media channels.

During a snow event, parking lots and access walkways at City facilities are cleared according to a priority system aimed at supporting access to City-owned facilities. 

Additionally, multi-use pathways that connect transit or school routes, as well as pedestrian pathways that allow safe passage along routes fronting civic property to schools, are cleared if school is in session.  

Every effort is made to ensure parking facilities and pedestrian entrances and exits to Coquitlam City facilities including sidewalks are cleared for accessibility of all patrons. These priorities may change due to several factors including event intensity, severity and duration and available equipment. 

Considerations may include elements to reduce costs, construction time and inconvenience, as well as improve space and efficiency:

• Suite entrance: If you’re adding or moving the entrance, consider the location so it doesn’t disrupt privacy of the principal unit. Also, the BC Building Code requires the location be a safe exit in case of fire. Our staff can provide assistance regarding your suite’s entrance.
• Minimum bedroom window areas: Bedroom windows are an important part of the exiting requirements of a dwelling. If your house is older, you may have to replace some or all of the bedroom windows to meet the current BC Building Code minimum requirements.
• Fire and sound separations: The secondary suite must be separated from the main dwelling by walls, floors and ceilings that have a minimum required fire resistance rating and sound transmission rating. This will help you determine which walls will separate your suite from the rest of the space.
• Pipes and ducts penetrating fire separations: Metal pipes and sheet metal air ducts may pass through fire-rated ceilings and walls between the suite and the main dwelling as long as they are tightly fitted. Ducts must be fitted with fire dampers if they are part of a shared forced air-heating system.
• Heating: Homes with shared forced air systems will require heating and ventilation systems to be separated for health and safety reasons. If you want to control energy use in each unit separately, you must install separate heating and control systems.
• Laundry: It’s not compulsory to provide laundry amenities in a suite; however, most homeowners do because it’s a convenience most renters seek. You can provide either dedicated or shared laundry.
• Electrical and gas: Depending on your home’s age and its electrical wiring, an upgrade may be required. Electrical systems in older homes were not designed to power our modern needs, and the addition of a suite may cause serious interruptions or damage to your home. Contact the Technical Safety BC for suite requirements.
• Alarms: Is your home equipped with modern smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors? Modern alarms are required to be continuously powered and "talk to each other"; an alarm in one part of your home will activate all alarms throughout your home. These systems are easier to install before finished materials cover the wall and ceiling framing.

A secondary suite will generate additional usage of services. Here is what you can expect:

• Home without a secondary suite - Standard Utility Tax
• Home with an authorized secondary suite - Standard Utility Tax plus 40% surcharge
• Home with an unauthorized secondary suite - Standard Utility Tax plus 100% surcharge

• Technical Advice: We’ll answer your questions and provide information and guidance on such issues as: how to achieve a successful permit application, Zoning Bylaw and BC Building Code regulations, good building practices and what to look for in a contractor.
• Plans Examination: We will review your drawing submission and identify anything that does not comply with current regulations. Our staff will work with you or your designer to resolve these issues to ensure a successful application and permit.
• Inspections: You or your contractor will be responsible for ensuring the work is completed in accordance with the code and is ready for inspection, as well as booking inspections at specific stages of construction. Our inspectors will assess the work and identify work that does not meet standard regulations. Building and Plumbing Inspectors will answer your technical questions and provide an inspection report.

A secondary suite is a separate living area contained within a single-family dwelling and functions as a self-contained living unit complete with a kitchen, bathroom and at least one bedroom. It may share common space on the same floor with the primary residence, for example, a laundry room. The suite must also have at least one access door leading directly outside the dwelling.

A secondary suite is not a separate housing unit with its own Certificate of Title, nor can it be stratified similar to a duplex or townhouse unit. A suite will not be assigned a separate address by the City or be eligible for separate services, such as garbage and recycling.

Most single-family homes, or lots zoned for single-family dwellings would be permitted to have a secondary suite. A secondary suite may only be located in a single family dwelling. A single family dwelling may not contain more than one secondary suite. All secondary suites require building permits to be legal.

There are numerous advantages to legalizing a secondary suite in your home. Most relate to the protection of your financial investment, but more importantly, the safety of your home’s occupants - both your family and your tenants:

• Safety of occupants: You comply with a variety of safety standards designed to provide minimum levels of health and safety to occupants.
• Adequate property and home insurance coverage: You can obtain the proper insurance coverage that will protect you in cases of emergencies and/or disasters caused by either a tenant or a member of your family.
• Reduce neighbours’ complaints: You can provide adequately for your tenants so their impact on the neighbourhood is minimal; for example, providing parking (one space is a requirement) reduces street congestion.
• Maintain your home’s value with potential to increase it: Legalizing your suite is often perceived as a value-add since work undertaken has been completed and inspected, and gains potential for supplemental income.
• Avoid costly penalties: Upon complaint, the City will investigate whether a secondary suite is permissible and/or legal. A homeowner found with an illegal secondary suite will be required to legalize or remove the suite, and may be faced with bylaw compliance fine.

If your suite was built without building or plumbing permits and you do not want to legalize it, you can remove the suite and take advantage of this space for your own personal use. You may still require building and plumbing permits for any work that was done to your home after it was originally built. If you are unsure if your secondary suite or basement finish is legal, please email the Building Division. If you have a legal secondary suite and no longer wish to rent it out, you can decommission it. The benefits to you are the additional space available for your personal use and that you will no longer be charged the 40% tax surcharge that was added to your utility bill.

Important: Ensure fire safety standards in the bedroom or sleeping area of the decommissioned suite meet current standards. The requirement for smoke alarms is mandatory in homes built after December 1981, and is strongly recommended in all homes irrespective of age.

You must apply for suite removal by December 1 to qualify for an adjustment in the next year.

Options

Choose from one of the following options to remove a secondary suite:

• Option 1: Remove Cooking Facilities
  • This option involves removing all types of cooking facilities.
  • Obtain a gas or electrical permit from the Technical Safety BC (TSBC) for the removal of a stove.
  • Remove the stove and terminate all associated gas piping or wiring at the wall.
  • Call the Technical Safety BC Inspector for inspection.
  • Once approved by Technical Safety BC, fill out the Suite Removal Form (PDF), and submit it to Building Permits Counter at City Hall or email to Building Permits.
• Option 2: Remove Locks to Create One Dwelling
  • The unauthorized suite has to be permanently open and accessible to the rest of the house.
  • Remove the locks from doors between the suite and main dwelling. If a door does not connect the suite and the main dwelling unit, a passageway between the two units must be established.
  • Fill out the Suite Removal Form (PDF) and submit it to Building Permits Counter at City Hall or email Building Permits.

Before starting any construction work associated with your secondary suite, you will need a Building Permit. In order to apply for a Building Permit, you must be the owner of the property or produce a Agent Authorization Form For Permit Application or File Access (PDF) if you are not the owner. You will also need a completed Secondary Suite Permit Checklist (DOC).

Depending on the age of your home or building, for a fee, the Building Division may have a record of your plans and/or form survey. To enquire, please email Building Permits. Please note:

• Homeowners must provide proof of ownership.
• Non-home owners must provide a completed Agent Authorization Form.
• Realtors and prospective buyers must show a valid purchase agreement.

During a snow event, City staff’s main focus is plowing the roads. 

If it is safe to do so, we recommend that residents clear the catch basin in front of their property  to help prevent flooding once the snow melts. 

If you’re not sure if you have a catch basin in front of your home, please visit our Adopt-a-Catch Basin webpage and use the online map tool to locate them.  If you would like to report an area of concern, you can use the Snow Response Request Tool. 

Curbside Collection in Winter Conditions 

In the event of wintery road conditions, there may be delays or temporary cancellations of waste collection services. 

• During a snow event, residents should continue to place materials out for collection on your scheduled collection day, ensuring containers are visible and accessible for collection crews.
• If your material is missed due to weather disruptions, collection crews will attempt to return the following day. If collection is still not possible, missed material will be collected the following week on your next regularly scheduled collection day. 
• Download the free Coquitlam Curbside Collection app or sign-up for phone call or email notifications to get instant, property-specific service disruption alerts – details are at coquitlam.ca/recollect. 
• 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.

During stretches of particularly cold weather, the City monitors the thickness of ice in City parks. 

Despite what might appear to be extremely cold weather conditions, the ice is usually not thick enough to support people or animals.

Unless otherwise advised, for your safety, the City asks you to stay off the ice and obey all signs.

Hopefully you have an emergency kit stocked with a flashlight or safe candles. 

In the meantime, power services are managed by BC Hydro. You can contact them to report or monitor an outage using the BC Hydro website. 

• Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, and fall under the City’s Tree Management Bylaw. If the tree is on public property, you can contact the City’s Urban Forestry Division at 604-927-3482 or email Urban Forestry.
• If there are branches down and laying on a sidewalk or across a road, you can contact Engineering and Public Works Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or email Public Works.
• If there are branches down in a park or along a multi-use pathway, please contact Park Operations at 604-927-6300 or email Park Operations.
• If a branch is down and power lines are impacted, please contact BC Hydro 1-800-224-9376 (BCHYDRO).

Check the Environment Canada website for up-to-date conditions.

Introductory Sessions

We recommend all new participants begin at our introductory sessions:

• Parent and Tot -  2 1/2 to 5 years
• Preschool - 3 to 5 years
• School Age - 6 to 12 years
• Youth/Adult Beginner - 13 years or older

Next Level

If you have already completed skating lessons at a different facility, we can do our best to fit you into the right level in one of 2 ways:

1. Skating Evaluation - Come to one of our public skating sessions and one of our staff will conduct an on-ice skating evaluation to determine the proper level.
2. Show Past Progress Card - Show our registration staff a copy of your past Progress Card from the other skating program and we will find the closest fit in our skating program.

When skating, bring:

• Canadian Standards Association approved helmet (no bike helmets), face cage recommended for kids 7 and under
• Gloves or mittens, waterproof is best
• Knee and elbow pads, worn under clothing, are optional - wearing pads over clothes can make it slippery when trying to stand up
• Skates, should be fitting properly and in good repair
  • Figure skates should be the same size as the shoes
  • Hockey skates should be one size smaller than shoe size
  • Skate and helmet rentals are available at the Skate Shop
• Avoid plastic skates 
• A warm jacket or sweatshirt
• Waterproof pants, such as snow pants or rain pants

Rentals are paid for at the Front Desk and redeemed at the Skate Shop. Arrive early as there can often be a line at the front desk. The 10 swipe-pass benefits include a discounted rate as well as using the same equipment all set.

For more information about admission fees and ice skating equipment rentals, visit our ONE PASS page.

The Commercial Zones Review covers all 13 commercial zones in Coquitlam. This includes the major commercial areas of the City Centre, Austin Heights, Burquitlam-Lougheed and Maillardville, as well as smaller commercial areas and properties throughout the city.

The proposed improvements to the Zoning Bylaw incorporate research, analysis and feedback from business stakeholders and members of the public, and include:

• Clarifying language
• Consolidating very similar or underused zones
• Revising or eliminating outdated regulations
• Simplifying lists of permitted uses

For a complete summary of proposed improvements, see the April 6, 2020 Council-in-Committee Report (PDF) or the Proposed Changes section.

The Zoning Bylaw categorizes businesses into defined uses. The Review is looking at how to improve the definitions and regulations for each one of the 13 commercial zones in the city, which include commercial uses like:

• Automotive services (e.g. service/gas stations, auto repair)
• Entertainment (e.g. movie theatres, casino)
• Financial services (e.g. banks, credit unions)
• Food services (e.g. restaurants, pubs, cafes)
• Medical services (e.g. massage therapy, medical or dental clinics, pharmacies, optometrists)
• Personal services (e.g. hair salons, spas)
• Professional services (e.g. notaries, lawyers, counsellors, insurance brokers)
• Retail (e.g. grocery, clothing, electronics or jewelry stores)

The Commercial Zones Review is not going to propose any new commercial areas beyond the ones already envisioned in the Citywide Official Community Plan (CWOCP). The location of current and future (planned) commercial areas can be viewed on the QtheMap web application, under the Designated Land Use layer.

Currently, medical cannabis grow operations are permitted in the Monday through 2 Industrial Business zone; all other cannabis-related uses (including non-medical cannabis retail stores and commercial grow operations) are prohibited. The City has not yet determined how non-medical cannabis may be regulated in the future, and there is no defined timeline as to when regulations may be developed.

If you would like to be kept updated on non-medical cannabis regulation in Coquitlam, you can register to receive email notifications here. You’ll also find our most recent information related to Coquitlam’s Cannabis Regulation Framework.

Commercial property taxes are outside the scope of this Review. However, it is unlikely that any of the changes to the Zoning Bylaw will affect the classification of your property for taxation purposes.

That depends on the changes proposed, the kind of business you own, and where it is located. Some zones are likely to have few changes, so there should be very little impact on the businesses located in those zones. In other zones, potential adjustments to the permitted uses could make it easier for certain types of businesses to locate there. The biggest impact should be on businesses that want to open a new location in Coquitlam: the Review intends to make it easier to understand where your business is allowed, and may expand the number of properties where it could locate.

The Office Development Strategy is a project that started in 2017 to develop more office space and attract more office users to Coquitlam. One of the recommendations of the Strategy was a new Business Enterprise (B-2) Zone to encourage office uses in the City Centre. Work on the B-2 Zone is currently ongoing through the City Centre Area Plan update, which is being coordinated with the Commercial Zones Review to make sure that new and existing zoning regulations are properly aligned.

The City offers a number of services and resources to help new, existing and prospective businesses seeking to operate in Coquitlam. Check out the information on the Starting a Business web page, or visit Business LinQ, your one-stop business resource centre at City Hall.

While existing commercial regulations are working well for many businesses, changing commercial needs and preferences present an opportunity to review the Zoning Bylaw for possible improvements.

The Review covers the Commercial, Service Commercial and Service Station zones, as well as other relevant regulations and definitions in the Zoning Bylaw. The Review does not cover industrial zones, parking and loading requirements, signage, business licensing costs and procedures, or commercial taxation rates.

Most conventional pesticides, including products labeled herbicide, insecticide, fungicide or combined fertilizer/herbicide products (often referred to as "weed and feed") are now restricted, except:

• Biological pest controls (including nematodes, lady beetles and bacterial pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis [BT]).
• Pesticides listed as Permitted Pesticides (PDF)

Read the label. Common active ingredients in most conventional pesticides are now restricted under the Bylaw, including:

• 2, 4-D
• Carbaryl
• Dicamba
• Glyphosate
• Malathion
• Mecoprop

However, many safer alternatives are available, effective and exempt from the Bylaw. If the active ingredient of your product is on the Permitted Pesticide list (PDF), it is still allowed by this Bylaw.

Pesticides should never be disposed of through storm sewers or household drains. Pesticides may be taken to the Biggar Bottle Depot at 2577 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam or the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre at 1200 United Boulevard, Coquitlam where they accept, free of charge, consumer pesticides that have both the poisonous (skull and crossbones) symbol and Pest Control Product (PCP) number. Unidentifiable products will not be accepted and returned products must be in clearly marked and tightly sealed containers. Maximum container size is 10 litres. Visit the ProductCare Recycling website for further information.

Unused pesticide products having no labels may be picked-up by a hazardous waste company. Phone the British Columbia Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253 (RECYCLE) or visit the Recycling Council of British Columbia website for more information on companies in your area.

Giant Hogweed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. If you find Giant Hogweed on your property, it needs to be removed as per the City’s Noxious Weed Bylaw Number 4181, 2010 (PDF). It is best to let a professional remove this plant and to follow Work Safe BC instructions on their safety bulletin and video. The Pesticide Use Control Bylaw (PDF) does not apply to the use of a pesticide in response to a human or animal health issue and the use of pesticides is permitted for the removal of Giant Hogweed.

The City does not allow the use of pesticides on residential or civic properties to treat the European Chafer Beetle. This includes products such as Merit, Sevin or Arena that contain the active ingredients imidacloprid, clothianidin, or carbaryl. Biological pest control using nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) is the recommended treatment option. Please visit our European Chafer Beetle page for prevention and treatment options.

The Maillardville Neighbourhood Plan Update Study Area Map (PDF) shows the boundaries of the Study Area for the Maillardville Neighbourhood Plan Update process.

Variables

It is important to note that the boundaries of a Neighbourhood Plan take into account many variables. Neighbourhood plan boundaries are also informed by the need for: 

• Existing Neighbourhood Plan Boundaries
• Natural and Built Environments
• Public Thoroughfares
• A Reasonable Size (Not Too Big; Not Too Small)
• Topography
• Other Such Characteristics of an Area

View the Detailed Map with Addresses (PDF).

The updated Maillardville Neighbourhood Plan will outline a vision for the area that will help guide change over the next 20 years for this important community of Coquitlam. The planning process provides an opportunity for the community to explore and focus on:

• The creation of a range of housing choices that will be needed now and in the future to address local housing issues such as affordability and choice
• The provision of more transportation choices. Making transit, walking and cycling easier
• The continued development of Maillardville into a vibrant, complete neighbourhood that meets the everyday needs of local residents
• The enhancement of the capability and attractiveness of Maillardville’s employment areas to create more jobs for Coquitlam residents
• New opportunities to enhance parks and natural spaces

Burke Mountain Village (PDF) will be the commercial and social hub of northeast Coquitlam (Burke Mountain). It is envisioned to include a grocery store and other supporting retail stores and commercial services, a civic recreation complex, an urban plaza and park, and apartment and townhouse residential housing.

The City is the owner of the Village lands will be responsible for delivering the road infrastructure, parks, and new community centre. The development of the residential and commercial lands will be influenced by the City, but ultimately sold to private developers through public tender (RFO). See more information about development opportunities.

• July 2013 - Council adopted the Partington Creek Neighbourhood Plan (PCNP), which included an implementation strategy to complete a Master Development Plan for the Neighbourhood Centre.
• Spring 2014 - Development of the Partington Creek Neighbourhood Centre Master Plan (PDF)
• September 2015 - Public consultation on the PCNC Master Plan
• November 2015 - Report to Council (PDF) sharing feedback of public consultation
• July 2017 - Public Hearing and OCP Amendment Bylaw adopted which:
  • Establishes the "neighbourhood centre" to reflect the objectives of the PCNP
  • Adopts policies to guide development within the PCNC
  • Establishes Development Permit Guidelines to guide the form and character of future development within the PCNC
• July 2017 - PCNC Master Plan adopted by Council (PDF)
• 2017 to Present: The City continues with the development planning of the Village, including preparing for the community centre and other public amenities.

Through the public consultation process, residents expressed a strong desire for a neighbourhood centre that serves many of the daily shopping and service needs of the community, with neighbourhood-serving retail and services such as a grocery store.

As property owner, the City has a vital interest in achieving this desired result. The goal is to provide a unique shopping experience with a mix of retail and services that serve local residents.

The City’s Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) Master Plan has identified a community centre as an important asset in Northeast Coquitlam, to be developed in the future.

For more information about the community centre, visit the Northeast Community Centre webpage.

The City will now take the steps necessary to implement the PCNC Master Plan including:

• Development Phasing Strategy - To determine how and when parcels will be released for sale. This is essential to ensuring the right mix of commercial uses that both serves the daily needs of the residents and also allows the businesses to thrive.
• Detailed design of the community centre and public spaces - Critical to establishing a strong neighbourhood identity that will provide functional and well-designed public spaces.

The Coquitlam Animal Shelter’s hours are as follows:
Monday through Friday
9 am to 8 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
10 am to 4 pm

The Coquitlam Animal Shelter welcomes all kinds of donations. Find out how to donate cash or items for the animals on our Donations page.

Injured Domestic Animal

• Contact the Animal Shelter: 604-927-7387
• After Hours - Central Animal Emergency: 604-931-1911

Injured Wildlife

• Wildlife concerns (such as issues with bears or deer) or injured wildlife, call the Conservation Officer Service: 877-952-7277 (RAPP)
• Injured wild animals (raccoons, baby birds, etc.), contact:
  • Critter Care: 604-530-2064
  • Wildlife Rescue Association: 604-526-7275

Deceased Animal

• The Shelter will pick up deceased animals found in Coquitlam. Call the Animal Shelter at 604-927-7387
• The Animal Shelter offers cremation services through Until We Meet Again for your beloved pet. There are options to have the ashes returned to you, or for a general cremation. Contact the shelter at 604-927-7387 for prices and other options.

The Shelter accepts surrenders of domestic pets from Coquitlam residents. There is an application process and surrender fee that varies depending on the animal. Please contact the shelter at 604-927-7387 for more information.

The Shelter often has an abundance of pet food and supplies thanks to the generous donations we receive. We are happy to provide pet food to anyone in need within our community, and often have cat and dog beds, linens and other supplies available. Contact the shelter at 604-927-7387 for more information.

Building and plumbing permits are required for all new construction, temporary buildings and for alterations to existing construction. You should always review your building requirements with City staff before commencing a project. Building Permit Fees found in the Fees and Charges Bylaw Schedule "D" (PDF), depend on the nature and scope of the work being done.

• Construction of a new building
• Addition to existing building
• Addition of attached garages
• Building a new secondary suite or legalizing an existing secondary suite
• Upgrading an existing building or changing its use
• Creating new rooms or spaces within existing building
• Finishing a basement
• Demolishing a building or part of a building
• Building a deck or gazebo
• Installation of a hot tub (PDF)
• Construction of a swimming pool (PDF)
• Adding an accessory building, equipment room, shed, or detached garage over 10m2
• Building a retaining wall over 1.2 metres in height
• Constructing roads within a strata development
• Restoration, maintenance or repair of building’s structural components and systems
• Restoration, maintenance or repair of significant building fire and life safety components and systems
• Storage tanks (PDF)

• Restoration, maintenance or repair of building elements and systems that do not affect the structural or fire and life safety performance of a building
• Emergency maintenance
• Decks less than 0.6 metres above grade (PDF)
• Retaining walls (PDF) under 1.2 metres in height
• Fences
• Repairing drain tile
• Installation of a new roof on an existing building
• Sidewalks or patios on private property
• Storage or garden shed structures under 10 m2 in area, but they must comply with the setbacks stipulated in the Zoning Bylaw

Important note: work that does not require a permit, still needs to comply with the City’s Bylaws and the BC Building Code.

• The permit is required before you begin work on your project.
• To apply for a permit, you will be required to provide information about your project in the form of plans and supporting documentation. Sufficient information is required to demonstrate the proposed work will comply with all applicable Codes, Regulations, Bylaws and property encumbrances (e.g., rights-of-way, covenants, etc.).
• Permits can be obtained through the Building Permits Division.
• Building Permit fees in the Fees and Charges Bylaw Schedule "D" (PDF) are based on the value of construction.
• Depending on the nature of the permit in question, various other charges and securities (Development Cost Charges, Damage Deposits, etc.) may be collected at the time the permit fee balance is due.
• After the building permit is issued you must schedule inspections at regular stages of construction, before proceeding to the next stage of construction.
• Depending on the age of your home or building, for a fee, the Building Division may have a record of your plans and/or form survey. To enquire, please email Building Permits. Please note:
  • Homeowners must provide proof of ownership.
  • Non home owners must provide a completed Agent Authorization Form for Permit Application or File Access (PDF)
  • Realtors and prospective buyers must show a valid purchase agreement

To book your inspection(s), you must have a building or plumbing permit issued:

• Online Inspection Scheduling: the Inspections system is available 24/7
• Schedule the inspection before 4:15 p.m. prior to the day of the inspection
• See Inspections for details and additional information
• Electrical and gas inspections are performed by Technical Safety BC

You must be the owner of the property or produce a Agent Authorization Form for Permit Application or File Access (PDF) in order to apply for a building permit.

The Building Permits Division is here to ensure all construction that occurs within the City meets the minimum standards for life and health safety as prescribed in the BC Building Code, the Safety Standards Act, the BC Electrical Code and the Gas Code.

If you are proposing any new construction on the property or within an existing building on the property, you may need a permit. Contact the Building Permits Division  if you are unsure if you require a permit.

The cost of a building permit depends on the nature and scope of the work being done. Please contact the Building Permits Division for more information on permit costs. For gas and electrical permits, contact Technical Safety BC.

If you are bringing in fill that is not part of an active building permit then you need to contact the environmental section of the Planning Department to determine what is required.

The time of year and complexity of the project will determine the length of time for permits. Contact the Building Permits Division for current timeframes.

Please have your legal description and address information ready and contact the Planning and Development Department or come to City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC.

To locate your property line pegs, look on your legal plans. If you are unable to locate the pegs using this information, you will have to hire a private land surveyor to resurvey the property and place new pegs. Local land survey offices are listed in the yellow pages. The Building Division may have a form survey for your property, which can be purchased for a fee. Contact the Building Permits Division to see if one exists for your property.

Information in regards to what you can build, permitted uses, required setbacks and building heights on your lot is specified in our Zoning Bylaw. We encourage you to contact the Planning and Development Department or check out the City’s Zoning Bylaw.

Lot-specific information and regulations are outlined in our Zoning Bylaw. However, due to the highly complex and legal nature of the information in this bylaw, interpretation can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with zoning-related information. To ensure you have accurate information on what you can build on your lot, please visit City Hall and talk to the Planning and Development Department or contact them by email.

Depending on the age of your house, a site survey, which shows the forms / foundation placement on the lot, may be available at the Permits section counter. Homeowners can obtain a copy of their site survey by showing proof of ownership. Realtors and prospective buyers need to show us the purchase agreement. Survey certificates can be purchased for a fee at the Building Permits Division Front Counter.

The maximum height for a fence varies depending on the lot, its zoning, and where on the lot the proposed fence is to be located. Contact the Planning and Development Department  for more specific information.

Inspections are typically conducted between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 (noon) and between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. As inspection levels are usually quite high, it is hard to give a more accurate time than either a.m. or p.m. Please enter morning or afternoon inspection requests in the comments and instructions field through the Inspections system. These morning or afternoon times cannot be guaranteed, however staff will make every effort to satisfy these requests.  A delay in the inspection date or requested time may occur on days when higher volume inspections are scheduled or due to unforeseen circumstances.

Inspectors are assigned areas within the City and this will determine which inspectors will be attending your property.

All approved permits and supporting documents are required to be on site. Also, the final approval slip for all other permits, (plumbing, gas, electrical, sprinkler) are to be on site for this inspection.

Our mapping system QtheMap identifies those lots which may be potentially impacted by high water levels. It is recommended you contact the Building Permits Division for a final determination until all applicable literature is updated.

This is the lowest elevation that you can build livable floor space. Anything constructed below this level has the potential of being impacted by flood waters.

If our records contain a set of the house plans, homeowners may obtain a copy by making a request at our Building Permits Division front counter (you must show proof of ownership). Please contact our Building Permits Division before attending to ensure the City has records for your property. The cost depends on the number of pages to be copied. Staff will let you know at the time of your request what the applicable fees will be.

The size of an accessory building is based on the size of the property and the zoning of the property. Contact our Planning Department at  with the address of the property and staff will be happy to help you. If you have the current coverage of the house and other buildings currently on the property, we can provide you with a more accurate answer other than just the permitted percentage coverage of the site.

Our bylaws require that all surface water be retained on the property. If you have concerns that this may not happen, contact our Building Permits Division with the address of where construction is taking place and staff will place a note on the file to ensure this item is noted as being a potential concern.

Geotechnical engineers are required to ensure the ground being constructed on is able to support the loading of the proposed building. Also, it is to ensure the construction does not negatively impact your property or adjacent properties.

You will have to attend or contact our Building Permits Division to determine this information.

Single Wall Systems

1. A retaining wall exceeding 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height will require a building permit and shall be designed by a professional engineer. 
2. A retaining wall is not permitted to exceed 2.4 metres (8 feet) in height under any circumstances. 
3. Walls exceeding 0.6 metres (2 feet ) in height should have a guard or fence installed on top of it.

Owners of detached single-family dwellings are permitted to perform work on their own plumbing systems providing they meet the following criteria:

• As the owner, you must live in or intend to live in the dwelling upon completion.
• No person other than a member of your immediate family will, with or without compensation, assist with the plumbing work. You must further certify that there is no other dwelling or premises directly attached to your dwelling.
• You are not preparing the building for sale or rent or for occupancy by anyone other than yourself and your household.
• A signed declaration of these conditions, as well as a schematic of the proposed work is required.
• Owners are required to satisfy the building inspector of their competency. For more information, please contact the Building Permits Division.

A right of way (ROW) is an allowance given by a private property owner to the municipality or government to enter on to their private property for a municipal purpose such as water, sewer, road access and other utility services.

Property encumbrances such as right of ways and easements may be viewed at our Engineering Department counter as they have copies of most right of ways and can tell you what they are for. Copying is not permitted. If you require a copy of any of these plans, they can be obtained from:

You can contact the Land Title Office general inquiries phone line at 604-630-9630 or 1-877-577-LTSA (5872). The Land Title Office at the following location: 300 - 88 Sixth Street New Westminster, BC V3L 5B3.

If you need to locate your service connection - water, sanitary or storm you can visit the Engineering & Public Works counter at City Hall or email staff. If you are unable to locate the connection, you may email our Engineering and Public Works for assistance. If you need to turn your water off, you will find that most homes have a main water shut off which is located where the water connection enters the house, usually in the basement or crawlspace. You can shut off the water supply to the house by closing this faucet handle. If there is a leak or break which requires the water to be shut off at the property line, a water shut-off key can be borrowed from the Operations Centre. If you need to report an after hours public works emergency, please call the Engineering and Public Works emergency line at 604-927-3500.

A covenant is an agreement between two parties which would normally put restrictions on land and its use.

This agreement gives private property owners with adjoining properties access to each other’s property for a predetermined purpose.

If the easement is required due to work being done through the City, they will assist you with the procedure. If the easement relates to a private arrangement between two neighbours, you will be required to contact a private lawyer for assistance. 

For title searches and legal document information, please contact the Land Title Office at the following location:

• Land Title Office
• 300 - 88 Sixth Street
• New Westminster, BC V3L 5B3

You can contact the Land Title Office general inquiries phone line at 604-630-9630 or 1-877-577-LTSA (5872).

• Performing any work on a plumbing system in a new or existing building
• Installing a new or replacing an existing sanitary sewer, storm sewer or water service located on private property
• Installing a lawn irrigation system requiring a domestic water backflow device (DOC)
• Installing a new or replacement domestic water backflow preventer
• Installing water and sewer services on private property, e.g. services outside of a building on strata lots

• The repair of leaks in water pipes
• The replacement of plumbing fixtures, provided that such replacement fixtures and the installation thereof conform with all the requirements of the Coquitlam Building Bylaw and the B.C. Plumbing Code
• The removal of stoppages in sewer or water pipes, provided that cleanouts are utilized for such purposes and the removal does not necessitate the cutting of any sewer or drain pipe

The effective date of the new zoning bylaw requirement is January 29, 2019.

The building permit types affected are building permits issued for:

• One-Family Residential
• Quadruplex Residential
• Street-Oriented Village Home Residential Uses
• Triplex Residential
• Two-Family Residential

The City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw is available on our Zoning Bylaw page. View Section 514 of the Zoning Bylaw (PDF) sitting exception.

The regulations are in the City of Coquitlam Zoning Bylaw. The setbacks are listed in the Zone the building is located, and the siting exception is listed in Part 5 General Regulations, Subsection 514 (4).

No. The additional 1.0 meter interior side yard setback applies to mechanical equipment located on the exterior of the building.

Exterior heating and cooling equipment, heat pumps, ancillary swimming pool heating and filtering equipment, as well as emergency generators, are the equipment that are regulated by the siting exceptions. Also note, ancillary swimming pool heating and filtering equipment is restricted to a maximum height of 1.3 metres above grade.

Venting terminations for high efficient central heating and cooling equipment (mainly furnaces and boilers) must be located such that they do not vent into the area of a lot adjacent to an interior side lot line.

Not impacted by this bylaw are:

• Direct Vent Fireplaces
• Exhaust from Heat Recovery Ventilation Units
• Exhausts from Hot Water Tanks and Instantaneous Domestic Water Heaters
• Kitchen and Bathroom Exhaust Fan Outlets
• Portable Air Conditioners

Exhaust vents for central heating and cooling equipment must be located so that they exhaust towards the front yard, rear yard, exterior side yard or through the roof. Reference the manufacturer’s recommendations or contact Technical Safety BC for the appliance venting requirements.

You can call the Building Division at 604-927-3441, or visit the Building Division on the main floor of City Hall and speak directly with Building Division staff.

• Performing any additions or alterations to a fire sprinkler system in a new or existing building. Plumbing Interior / Exterior and Fire Suppression Permit Application Form (PDF)

• Performing routine maintenance to an existing fire sprinkler system including replacement of damaged sprinkler heads and annual testing of system components.

This project involves three partners - the City, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver and Concert Properties - in a project to deliver a Coquitlam YMCA recreation facility, a new Community Policing Station, a Park-and-Ride, and the expansion of Cottonwood Park to Coquitlam’s Burquitlam neighbourhood. This is an innovative and complex partnership that provides significant benefit to the residents of Coquitlam.

Simply explained:

• The City is providing land and capital funding towards the construction of the recreation facility and community amenities in the heart of the Burquitlam area
• The YMCA is providing capital funding as well as operational funding for the life of the facility
• Concert Properties is providing a land parcel and financial support for the significant expansion of Cottonwood Park in exchange for the opportunity to develop the YMCA facility site as a mixed-use development that will include both strata and rental housing

• Through this partnership model, all three partners can achieve much more by working together than by acting alone. For example, the planned YMCA will be almost double the size of the original community centre Coquitlam had planned for the site, and include a pool and other features the City had not proposed.
• In addition, the City will draw on the YMCA’s extensive experience operating recreation facilities and delivering community programs to provide a safe and inclusive community hub in the Burquitlam area. This benefit is further enhanced by cost savings to Coquitlam taxpayers, as the YMCA will be responsible for all ongoing operational costs for the life of the facility.
• By adding Concert Properties to the partnership, the City of Coquitlam will leverage a land development opportunity to bring further value to City-owned land while providing much-needed community amenities - including land and funding for the expansion of Cottonwood Park - at no cost to the Coquitlam taxpayer.
• In addition, Concert Properties brings 30 years of real estate development experience, which includes having worked with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver to successfully deliver their Robert Lee YMCA in downtown Vancouver.
• In partnership with Concert Properties and the City of Coquitlam, 43 Housing Society (a sister organization to SHARE Family and Community Services Society) will operate 100 non-market suites through a 60-year lease. The Housing Agreement outlines that up to 100 non-market suites will be delivered within a 308-suite rental building, with federal funding support.

• The City and YMCA selected the Burquitlam Park site following a rigorous evaluation by a professional consultant of numerous sites near the Burquitlam SkyTrain station. The site selection process involved a comprehensive and thorough technical review that considered many site feasibility factors, including: 
  • Access
  • Adjacencies
  • Availability
  • Proximity to Transit
  • Site Configuration
  • Traffic Patterns
  • Other Detailed Criteria
• The project will realize the vision set for the Burquitlam Park site more than 40 years ago. The park lands were acquired in 1977 for the specific purpose of accommodating a future community recreation facility.
• In addition, the 2002 Burquitlam Neighbourhood Plan identified the need for a future community recreation facility on the site along with the development of a mixed-use development on the site, and the transition of Burquitlam Park to a more urban park. This direction was reinforced in the 2017 Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan.

• The three-party partnership to deliver the Coquitlam YMCA facility and the expansion of Cottonwood Park was a two-step process.
• The City of Coquitlam finalized an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver in early 2015. The AIP outlines the key elements to provide enhanced community services to the Burquitlam area through the partnership.
• In December 2015, the City of Coquitlam and Concert Properties confirmed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that facilitates the development of the future recreation facility on the Burquitlam Park site, as well as the major expansion of Cottonwood Park.

Yes. Through the partnership agreements, the City will be on the title on a 0.8 acre site adjacent to Burquitlam Park as a joint owner of the facility 50/50 with the YMCA.

The facility will provide access to:

• 55,000 square feet of space, with underground parking
• Indoor pool to provide a range of recreation, teaching, fitness and rehabilitative programming
• Change rooms that cater to all ages and abilities, including family change rooms
• Public spaces and common areas
• Gymnasium, studios, and strength and conditioning zones to support active lifestyles
• Multi-purpose rooms to offer a broad range of child, youth and community programs
• Child-minding to allow parents and caregivers time to work out
• A Family Development Centre to help families raise great kids through programming, resources and support

The City and YMCA have worked together to ensure that public access options to the facility will include both membership and drop-in options, and that access to a wide range of programs and services such as aquatics and fitness will be provided in a manner and cost similar to other City facilities. Memberships will be available for purchase through the YMCA beginning in Nov. 2022.

Each year, cities plan their budgets by estimating the revenue needed to provide essential services, factoring in cost increases like inflation, new regulations and added responsibilities from other orders of government. 

In British Columbia and other Canadian provinces, cities are required to collect their needed taxes based on property value (called "assessment") as established by BC Assessment, a provincial agency. Early in the new year, BC Assessment provides the valuation of all the properties in the province.

After the City sets its budgeted expenditures and once BC Assessment provides those values, the City’s tax division can set the municipal Tax Rate. The Tax Rate (often called the "mill rate"), when multiplied by the total value of all the property, will equal the total revenue needed to be collected from that class of property (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.).

Assuming the City's budget did not change and your property value assessment increased by the average, your municipal taxes would stay about the same. If your property value increased less than the average, you'll likely pay less municipal tax. If it increased more, you'll likely pay more. 

As municipalities face rising costs due to inflation and additional responsibility from other orders of government, annual budgets (and taxes) tend to increase in order to maintain essential services and current levels. 

If the City raises taxes—say by 5%— you'll only see a 5% increase to your municipal tax if your property's value rose the same as the average. But most properties go up more or less than the average, so most people will see a slightly different rate increase (more or less than 5%) on their property tax notice. 

Changes in property values do not change the overall tax levy. Instead, the City adjusts the tax rate to offset the average increase in assessed values to generate only the amount of money needed to run the City’s operations.

How the value of your property changes in comparison to the average for other properties in Coquitlam affects the amount of tax you will pay on your property. To set the municipal tax rate, the City of Coquitlam examines the average increase in assessed values for each property class within the City. 

If your assessed property value increased by more than the average, you will likely have a higher tax rate increase than the rate increase approved by Council. If your assessed property value increased less than the average, you will likely have a lower tax rate increase than that approved by Council.

Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Services is a part of the Legal and Bylaw Enforcement Division. The primary goals of bylaw enforcement are to ensure public safety and maintain community harmony. View more on our Bylaw Enforcement page.

View various methods for reporting a bylaw complaint on our Complaints and Enforcement page.

Learn about traffic violations on our Traffic Violations page.

Offices are located at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter and the Coquitlam City Hall.

• If you are concerned about a tree on public property, such as on park land or on a boulevard, please call the City’s Parks Customer Service line at 604-927-6300 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If after hours emergencies occur involving trees from City property please contact Engineering Customer Service 24 hours a day at 604-927-3500.
• If the tree is on private property please contact the owner of the property in question or hire a Certified Arborist to review.  The City is unable to complete Tree Risk assessments on private property.

If a tree is on private property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the health and maintenance of the tree. The City’s Tree Bylaw (Bylaw Number 4091, 2010) regulates the conservation, removal and replacement of trees throughout the city. The bylaw also spells out details for obtaining a permit for tree removal. 

For new development, where a "forest edge" will be created along a protected stream or watercourse, the owner/developer is responsible for ensuring that the edge "effect" resulting from the tree clearing does not put at risk the trees adjacent to the stream. The developer must also work with qualified professionals to ensure Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) compliance.

Through the City’s review and approval process for a housing development area, measures are taken to ensure the Stream Protection Enhancement Area (SPEA) is identified and protected for the purposes of preserving the health and viability of fish habitat and essential natural features. Windfirm trees (those with reduced blowdown risk) are also identified to ensure the integrity of the SPEA.

Building Permit applications for new development must include any applicable Stream Protection Enhancement Area (SPEA) documentation and those areas on the property that are protected, as well as copies of registered covenants including those that identify windfirm boundaries and protected trees. When a building permit is issued, the drawings will contain all such information on them to provide those working on the property, such as Builders, as well as City staff, the ability to identify and locate protected areas on and adjacent to the property.

Restrictive covenant agreements are signed agreements, usually between a property owner and a government agency, such as the City of Coquitlam. Restrictive covenants are registered on the property’s land title and usually specify restrictions on activities or land-use applied to the subject property.

When an individual is purchasing a property, the realtor has a responsibility to draw attention to the fact there is a Restrictive Covenant on the title, if this is the case; however, there will be no other details or explanation for the Restrictive Covenant. However, a Land Title search for your property will show what encumbrances are registered on your property, including statutory rights-of-way and restrictive covenants. You can obtain a copy of your land title from the Land Title Survey Authority at www.ltsa.ca. You can also contact Land Title and Survey Authority Customer Service Centre for the Greater Vancouver area at 604-630-9630.

Our Urban Forestry section is actively working with residents in identified areas of concern. The Planning and Development department is also involved in addressing issues during both the planning and visioning processes for all future neighbourhoods and through the land development process as noted above. Additional information on neighbourhood planning can be found on Community Plans.

Write down the details of when and how the damage occurred as well as who was doing the construction work. The City requires that all contractors carry insurance.

Yes. Your insurance policy may provide coverage for your damages and your insurer may take steps to pursue recovery from parties it believes to be responsible.

If you intend to make a claim for compensation against the City, you need to notify us in writing. Your right to make a claim is time limited as you must provide written notice within two months from the date of the incident (Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1).

Do not continue to drive if the vehicle is not operating properly.

Yes. Notify your auto insurer as your policy may provide you coverage and the quickest way to have repairs made.

Yes. Please contact the City so that crews can take steps to address the road hazard or pothole. You can either phone the City’s Engineering and Public Works 24 hour Customer Service line at 604-927-3500 or email Engineering. Please note that Customer Service email is only monitored during regular business hours.

The law in British Columbia does not make a municipality, including the City of Coquitlam, legally responsible to ensure that its roads are always free of defects or hazards, such as potholes. Section 744 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1 provides that a municipality is not legally liable for damages that arise from a breakdown in a road. The municipality must be negligent in its maintenance of roads for it be liable. The City cannot entertain claims for compensation in a case where there is an absence of negligence. 

Additionally, your right to make a claim against a municipality is time limited and you must provide written notice of a claim within two months from the date of the incident (Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1).

For your own safety, be aware of electrical hazards. If possible, move your property or home contents to prevent further damage. Keep the damaged property for possible future inspection. If the service is plugged, the homeowner will often require the services of a plumbing professional to clear the system.

Yes. Insurance policies typically carry sewer back-up coverage and this may be the quickest way to get repairs made. Please refer to your homeowner’s insurance policy or contact your insurance broker and/or home insurer.

Please be aware that property owners are responsible for all sanitary, sewer and drainage pipes located on their side of the property line. If it is determined that the source of the sewer back-up is located outside of your property and is on the City’s side, please phone the Engineering and Public Works 24 hour Customer Service line at 604-927-3500. Alternatively, you can send an email to Engineering. Please note, the Customer Service email is monitored only during regular business hours. Please call if you have an emergency.

The law in British Columbia does not make a municipality, including the City of Coquitlam, legally responsible to ensure that its sewer systems never experience a breakdown or malfunction. Section 744 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1 provides that a municipality is not legally liable for damages that arise from a breakdown or malfunction of a sewer system. The municipality must be negligent in its maintenance of the system to be liable. The City cannot entertain claims for compensation in a case where there is an absence of negligence. Additionally, your right to make a claim against a municipality is time limited and you must provide written notice of a claim within two months from the date of the incident (Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1).

If possible, move your property or home contents to prevent further damage. For your own safety, be aware of electrical hazards while moving. Keep the damaged property for inspection by your insurance company.

Yes. Insurance policies typically carry coverage for this type of loss and this may be the quickest way to have repairs made. Please refer to your homeowner’s insurance policy or contact your insurance broker and/or home insurer.

Please be aware that property owners are responsible for all the water pipes starting at the service valve near the property line. If you discover a water leak coming from City property, please contact the City so that staff can be dispatched to the area and shut off that section of the water main to stop further damage. You can either phone the City’s Engineering and Public Works 24 hour Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or email Engineering. Please note, the Customer Service email is only monitored during regular business hours. Please call if you have an emergency.

The law in British Columbia does not make a municipality, including the City of Coquitlam, legally responsible to ensure that its water systems never experience a breakdown or malfunction. Section 744 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1 provides that a municipality is not legally liable for damages that arise from a breakdown or malfunction of a water system. The municipality must be negligent in its maintenance of the system to be liable. The City cannot entertain claims for compensation in a case where there is an absence of negligence. Additionally, your right to make a claim against a municipality is time limited and you must provide written notice of a claim within two months from the date of the incident (Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1).

• Carts
• Food and beverages
• Vending vehicles
• Other merchandise (e.g. flowers, newspapers)

• Eight pre-approved locations on City streets and boulevards
  • Vending Cart Locations Map 1 (PDF)
  • Vending Cart Locations Map 2 (PDF)
  • Vending Cart Locations Map 3 (PDF)
• Interested vendors can propose additional street and boulevard sites for consideration

• 7 days per week
• Hours at the discretion of the operator between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Year-round

• Annual licence fee is $1,000
• Damage deposit of $1,000
• Parking fees

A full list of the requirements is available in the Request for Expressions of Interest, which is posted on our Bid Opportunities page annually from fall to the first Monday in March. Some of the requirements include: 

• Mobile vending agreement
• Proof of insurance
• Coquitlam Fire/Rescue approval (if cooking food on site)
• Health Authority approval (if serving food)
• City of Coquitlam business licence

Interested businesses must complete a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) every year. The RFEI is posted on the bid opportunities page in the fall and open until the first Monday in March. 

Mid-year applications may be considered, provided spaces for the street vendors are available at the time.

Applications for street vendor licences on private property and for mobile vending licences are accepted throughout the year.

1. Formulate your business plan, including market research
2. Set an appointment with a City licensing representative
3. Complete the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) between fall and the first Monday in March
4. Submit a business licence application (PDF) to the City

Vendors selected to operate will then enter into a mobile vending agreement with the City. Setting up as a street vendor is a multi-step process and the final step is a business licence. Contact our office for more information on requirements.

Volunteering is a great way to stay active in your community. You can take pride in:

• A chance to leverage your skills, expertise and creativity
• Engaging with your community in the great outdoors
• A sense of ownership of your local parks

Time! The most important thing you need is time - and a love for your community. The possibilities are diverse and are suitable for all ages and abilities, plus, we provide any equipment where required!

Learn more about our volunteer requirements.

The Board of Variance is an independent appeal body which consists of five persons appointed by Council in accordance with the British Columbia Local Government Act (the "Act"). The Board, which deals primarily with matters pertaining to the City’s Zoning Bylaw (as amended), hears and makes decisions on minor variances only regarding the siting, size and dimensions of buildings.

The Act allows property owners to appeal to the Board if compliance with the Zoning Bylaw will cause an "undue hardship".

The Board may not alter land use or density provisions of the Zoning Bylaw nor does it replace the Building Permit process. Other technical requirements beyond the Board’s authority such as BC Building Code regulations and standards will also need to be satisfied before a building permit is approved and issued.

The Board meets on a monthly basis except for August and December. If there are no applications to be heard the Board does not meet. It is necessary for a quorum of the Members (3) of the Board to be in attendance at a meeting for the meeting to proceed, therefore, meeting dates and times may also vary based on the availability of the Board Members. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 604-927-3010 if you have questions regarding the meeting schedule.

The Board’s authority is limited to hearing cases and granting variances based on undue hardship. There is no one definition of undue hardship because each applicant has their own unique set of circumstances. Traditionally, hardship has resulted from specific site and/or building characteristics or aspects (e.g., irregular shape, slope) as opposed to those which are personal or generated by the owner. It is the applicant’s responsibility to clearly state the basis for the appeal in their application submission and demonstrate the "hardship" that would result from full compliance with the City’s Zoning Bylaw regulations.

Please contact the Clerk’s Office by email or call 604-927-3010 if you have further questions relative to ’undue hardship’.

Before an application to the Board is made, you should review your plans and drawings with the City’s Development Services staff located on the Main Floor at City Hall (Building Permits counter). Staff will inform you if a variance is required for building permit approval. Board of Variance application forms and other related materials, including a submission checklist, are available at the Building Permits counter as well.

We encourage you to engage the services of a building design professional to assist you in preparing your plans submission if you are unfamiliar with building permit processes and construction matters. It is critical to submit as much detailed relevant information as possible to assist staff and the Board in completing their review of your application. Completed application forms and submissions are to be provided in person to the Building Permits counter. Applications must be signed by the property owner or a person authorized by the property owner. If the applicant cannot attend the meeting and would like to appoint a person to represent them at the meeting it will be necessary for the applicant to provide a letter authorizing the representation. 

This letter should be submitted to the Building Permit’s counter as soon as possible after the application has been submitted. A non-refundable application fee is required at the time your application is submitted. For current fee information, please refer to Schedule B of the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF).

• Each submitted application undergoes a technical review by Development Services staff to confirm requested variances. A brief report on each application is submitted to the Board (called a ’brief’) prior to the start of the meeting.
• Property owners and residents within 50 meters of the subject property are notified by letter of the proposed variance and date of the Board meeting at which the application will be heard. They are invited to attend the meeting or submit written comments to the Board providing input on the application.

At an appointed time, the Board will meet to consider the application and receive verbal and written presentations from the applicant and neighbouring residents. The Board meeting must be conducted pursuant to rules set out in the Local Government Act and as interpreted by the Courts. The meeting will cover each item listed on the Agenda and will be conducted according to the following procedures:

1. The Chairperson will provide introductory remarks including a overview of the process to be used at the meeting.
2. The Chairperson will read out the property address and the name of the owner(s) or representative(s).
3. The applicant will be asked to step forward and state their name and address and then provide an overview of the variance they are requesting and their undue hardship and the reasons they require the Board’s approval.
4. After the applicant has completed their presentations the Board Members may seek clarification on the details of their application.
5. The Chairperson will ask if anyone in the audience would like to speak to the application.
6. All persons appearing who wish to be heard will be requested to approach the Board and give their name and address. If possible, please bring eight copies of any presentations for the Board members and City staff.
7. Letters or photographs filed with the Board Secretary will form a part of the official Board of Variance Minutes.
8. After all persons wanting to speak to the application have been heard the Board will then consider the application. Please note, the Board may adjourn consideration of an application to another date/time should they feel that there is insufficient information provided to make a decision.

Decisions are made during the Board meetings. Any interested parties can contact the City Clerk’s Office on the day following the Board meeting at 604-927-3010 to receive the Board’s decision if they would rather not attend the meeting or cannot stay to hear the decision. Applicants will receive a formal notification of the decision in the mail. Neighbours do not receive a formal notification of the decision of the Board.

Please note, all decisions of the Board are final.

In accordance with "the Act", construction must start at least two years from the date that the variance was granted. If the two year time frame has passed and construction has not started, the applicant must re-apply to the Board.

As noted, the Board’s authority is limited to hearing cases of undue hardship relating to minor variances from the City’s current zoning regulations. Zoning Bylaw amendments (e.g., rezoning) and/or development variance permits are alternative processes for property owners to pursue in cases where the requested variance is not minor in nature.

Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 604-927-3010 or email the City Clerk if you need more information regarding the consultation process and Board of Variance meetings.

Please contact the Building Permits Division at 604-927-3441 or email permits@coquitlam.ca if you need more information regarding the application process.

A non-refundable application fee is required at the time your application is submitted.

For current fee information, please refer to Schedule B of the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF).

Board of Variance meetings are generally held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Coquitlam City Hall (meetings are not typically held in August or December).

Archives are the non-current records of an organization or individual preserved because of their continuing or permanent administrative, financial, legal, evidentiary, informational or historical value.

Most archival records are publicly accessible, although some are subject to restrictions under the legislation below. Archives staff will advise you of any restrictions.

• Copyright Act
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Personal Information Protection Act

Archives are unique and therefore irreplaceable. For that reason, researchers are not permitted to enter archival storage areas and must view original records in the presence of City staff. When you come to the Archives to view archival records, staff will assist you in locating the records you need and will bring them to you.

Because archives are one-of-a-kind originals, they must not be removed from the reference area.

Yes, subject to the provisions of the City’s Fees and Charges bylaw and any copyright restrictions, archival materials can be copied. Because some archival records are in fragile condition, photocopying may not be allowed. City staff can advise you of alternatives to copying.

There may be records relating to the history of Coquitlam in the custody of various archival repositories in British Columbia. You can search for these records online:

• Coquitlam Heritage Society
• Coquitlam Public Library- 100 Years Photographic Collection
• HistoryPin
• MemoryBC
• Quest - Archives Online Search Portal
• Slide Back in Time

The following publications are available in the reference collection at the Archives and at the Coquitlam Public Library:

• Monk, H.A.J. - "A History of Coquitlam and Fraser Mills, 1858 to 1958"
• Coquitlam - "Coquitlam 100 Years: Reflections of the Past"
• Debeugny, Florence - "Maillardville: 100 ans et plus"
• Coquitlam (Coquitlam Public Library) - "Coquitlam Then and Now"
• Boire, Alain J. - "With Hearts and Minds: Maillardville, 100 Years of History on the West Coast of B.C."
• Litzenberger, Lyle - "Burke and Widgeon: A History"

In a tree risk assessment a Registered Professional Forester or Certified Arborist assesses a forested area to identify both windfirm (those with a reduced risk of blowdown) and non-windfirm trees. This then allows for detailed recommendations for pruning and tree removal that will ensure the integrity of the forest and creek corridors.

Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain area has seen considerable development in recent years and remains a heavily treed area with extensive parkland and creek corridor areas. The 2015 windstorms and drought conditions affected the dynamic, green spaces in Northeast Coquitlam. The assessment will allow the City to take a proactive approach towards creating solutions to stabilize the forested space in the Upper and Lower Hyde Creek, and Smiling Creek neighbourhoods.

If the Tree Risk Assessment identified work required within a covenant area of a resident’s private property then the affected resident will be informed in writing of the work planned on their property.

The City will be following recommendations made by the consultant for tree planting and habitat restoration to ensure that the environmental values of these forested areas and Streamside Protection and Enhancement Areas are sustained in the long term.

The City of Coquitlam issued an request for proposal for the Tree Risk Assessment and the assessment was carried out by BA Blackwell and Associates. Read the Report to Council (PDF).

No. These areas are under protective covenants registered to your property and no disturbance of the vegetation or building of structures of any kind are permitted.

In accordance with the Act, any person (or organization/entity) may request access to records held by the City of Coquitlam. An applicant may only request access to records that are within the City’s custody and/or control. The Act also provides an appeal procedure involving an independent (British Columbia) Information and Privacy Commissioner should the applicant believe that the response the City has provided is incomplete or incorrect.

The general right of access to records is restricted by certain specified and limited exceptions. For example, an applicant will not gain access to someone else’s personal information without their permission or information which would harm third party business interests.

The majority of records held by the City of Coquitlam can be accessed without a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Prior to initiating a formal FOI request you should contact the appropriate Department to ask whether the record you are seeking is available through a routine request. For example, front line staff, the City website, and various City publications provide a variety of public information. 

• City of Coquitlam Routinely Disclosed Records (PDF)

Examples of the types of documents that are available through routine requests are:

• Agendas
• Bylaws
• Minutes
• Policies
• Procedures
• Property Related Information
• Publications

It is also important to note that the FOI process is not a method to request that City staff research a particular topic. The City does not have researchers on stand-by and any requests for the production of a significant amount of records, or involving a significant amount of staff time, will likely result in the City providing you with a quote for services and requesting a deposit prior to any work being completed.

The only requests for records that will be put through the FOI process are those that may involve sensitive or confidential information. Requests for all other types of records will be referred to the appropriate Department for response. The City can also only process requests for records that are under our control. For example, requests for policing records must be made directly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

All FOI requests must be made in writing and provide sufficient detail to assist staff in locating/retrieving the records sought. To ensure your request is processed without delay please submit it to the attention of the City Clerk’s Office. Requests can be submitted in the following manner:

• By emailing Freedom of Information
• By Standard Mail:
  3000 Guildford Way
  Coquitlam, BC Canada V3B 7N2
• By Fax: 604-927-3015
• In person:
  City Clerk’s Office
  3000 Guildford Way
  2nd Floor
  Coquitlam, BC Canada V3B 7N2

Section 75 of the Act provides that the City may charge a fee for certain limited costs of providing applicants with records. If there are costs involved in processing a formal request, the applicant will be provided with a fee estimate before the application is fully processed.

To determine if a formal request is required consult with the appropriate City Department directly or email Freedom of Information.

There is no set agenda at a Town Hall meeting - these more informal meetings provide community members an opportunity to voice their opinions, suggest new ideas, and ask questions of Council. Senior City staff are also in attendance to respond to inquiries.

The feedback provided at these sessions provides Council and staff important information about City services, changes taking place in the community and future opportunities.

Generally, questions submitted online during the Town Hall Meeting will be presented to Council in the order they were received. However, in order to hear from as many people as possible, if you submit multiple questions, some of them may be deferred until others have had the opportunity to address Council.

Similarly, if there are several questions regarding the same topic, these may be combined and presented as one question to Council. As such, not all questions may receive a response; however, every effort will be made to address as many as possible.

Depending on which side of the property line the fence/wall is on, it may need to be removed as part of the excavation process. Have a conversation with your neighbour to determine who owns the fence or retaining wall, and decide between you how it will be protected, removed, and/or replaced. It is recommended that an agreement between neighbours be signed to outline the existing and future condition, as well as having photos. Permission from your neighbour(s) will be required to remove any shared fence/retaining wall or a fence/retaining wall on your neighbour’s property.

If the tree is on the property to be developed, excavation for a new building may require that the tree be removed. If the tree is on a neighbouring property, or straddles a property line, excavation may still result in damage to the tree that would require its removal. Talk to your neighbour about any trees of concern; trees to be removed that are not on the subject property require permission from the property owner.

• Tree cutting permits: Any trees to be retained must be properly protected. An agreement is required between neighbours, outlining the existing and future condition, as well as having photos. Tree replacement plans may be required as part of the development of a site, or for the removal of trees.

Excavation activities can take place, if necessary, over the entirety of the subject property. Often excavation will go beyond the eventual building setback in order to properly pour a foundation, with other elements of the eventual design (e.g., stairwells or light wells) permitted to be closer to the property line than the main structure.

If an excavation removes material close to or up to the property line of a neighbouring property, shoring may be required, which may necessitate encroachment agreements. Developers must acquire the consent of the neighbouring property if encroachment is necessary.

Temporary road closures are sometimes required in order for a new development to connect to or install new services under the road, such as water, sewer, or drainage. Those closures are allowed with a Road and Sidewalk Closure Permit obtained from the City. Developers closing a portion of road must still provide safe passage past the development for users of all ages and abilities.

There are a number of possible reasons for a work stoppage on a construction site. The developer may choose to halt work for a time, or they may be subject to a permit hold or stop work order from the City. In those situations, the developer must address the issues raised by the City before work can begin again.

The nature of the issue will determine what department should be contacted.

• For issues pertaining to zoning, site layout, or form of development, contact the Planning and Development Department by emailing the Planning and Development Department or calling 604-927-3430.
• To apply for building permits, schedule inspections, or for questions about excavation, demolition or construction, contact the Building Permits Department by emailing Building Permits Department or calling 604-927-3441.
• For issues around dirty or damaged boulevards and City utilities, damaged street trees, or run-off from a construction site on the street, email the Engineering and Public Works Department or calling 604-927-3500.
• For concerns about the health or loss of on-site trees, email the Urban Forestry Department or calling 604-927-3482.
• For enforcement of bylaws, such as the Noise Bylaw or Unsightly Premises Bylaw, email Bylaw Enforcement or calling 604-927-7387 (7 days a week).

If you are unable to reach the developer to discuss your concerns please contact the Construction Site Liaison team at ConstructionSiteOfficers@coquitlam.ca . If your complaint is sent to this email address it will be forwarded to the correct department to help resolve any impacts on residents from active construction.

These temporary road cuts are related to storm and water mains installed for nearby development. They will be permanently restored with curb installation as development nears completion. City staff consider the temporary repairs to be acceptable as an interim condition.

Developers are expected to keep the adjacent streets clean from debris. Construction vehicles are not allowed to track excessive debris from the site onto the public street. We would require the sweeping on an as-needed basis when excessive material from the site has been tracked onto the street. Environmental Services would also require routine street-sweeping for erosion and sediment control.

Dump trucks are not exempt and must not idle for more than 3 minutes. However, when being loaded, they would be expected to continue to run for efficiency of the operation and so that they can move as needed during the loading process and keep the truck queue moving.

If you have concerns regarding activities on a site, reach out to the contact listed on the sign erected by the developer. You can request that their geotechnical engineer address your concerns. It would be our observation that the normal activities related to excavation should not have a significant impact on neighbouring structures.

Before a building permit is issued, developers are encouraged to plan trades parking. The City is asking developers to share properties for parking use. Developers are encouraged to utilize the underground parking on their site as soon as possible and to make that a priority.

When they wash the chute, a bucket must be attached to capture all the water running off the chute. Some small overspray may occur and is considered acceptable. It is impossible to fully prevent overspray and small amounts will not impact the creek water quality. Trucks are not permitted to wash their vehicles (other than the chute) on the roadway if there is a risk of any harmful material (notably soap) that could get into a water course. Truck drivers should be washing their vehicles at their yard. 

Construction noise is permitted between: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday. Homeowners working on their own property, other than constructing a new home, can also work between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday or holidays. Noise from construction for profit or gain is not permitted on Sunday or holidays. 

Construction noise means any noises or sounds made on or associated with a construction site, in carrying on work in connection with the construction, demolition, reconstruction, alteration, or repair of any building or structure, in carrying on any excavation or other operation, or in moving or operating any machine, engine, or construction equipment. Please call the bylaw department to report any construction noise which disturbs and is occurring outside permitted hours. 

On occasion, sites may need to complete construction work such as large continuous concrete pours that cannot be completed within the allowable hours. As a result, a noise exemption permit from the Engineering Department prior to working outside the allowable hours must be obtained. Prior neighbourhood notification of the noise exemption permit is a requirement.   

Building permits are needed for all new construction, including additions, temporary buildings and for alterations to existing construction. Please visit our minor projects information page or contact the building permits division directly if you would like to confirm if a building permit is required. 

If a building permit was issued for the work it should be posted in a visible location on site. Our Good Neighbour Development Policy also requires that all adjacent property owners are issued a notification letter from the neighbour advising the nature of the upcoming work. You can also check our Building and Construction web page which may have information on the project, depending on the project size. If you suspect there is work being done without permits, please contact the building permits division. 

There are several factors to determine if a building permit is required for a retaining wall, including the height of the wall, whether the wall is part of a multiple wall (stepped) system, and how steep the slope is. More information on steep slopes and retaining walls may be found in the steep slopes and retaining wall PDF. You can also contact the building permits division to discuss your particular project to determine if a permit is required before starting any work.

If you are unable to reach the developer, please contact the Construction Site Liaison team at ConstructionSiteOfficers@coquitlam.ca. If your complaint is sent to this email address it will be forwarded to the correct department to help resolve any impacts on residents from active construction.

In Coquitlam, gas or electrical permits/inspections are regulated by  TechnicalSafetyBC.ca.

Demolition permits are required to deconstruct a structure over 10m² whether the structure was originally built with or without a permit. 

A building permit is required if you are deconstructing a portion of a building or making interior changes

Online versions of the Building, Plumbing, and Fire Code are available online and free of charge at BC Publications.

Online versions of the City of Coquitlam zoning bylaw are available on the zoning bylaw web page.

The City building and plumbing inspectors inspect new construction at various stages of the project. Please see Inspections to be Scheduled Prior to Concealing Any Works Guide (PDF) for a list of inspections conducted by the City.

Contractors are required to provide notice to residents when a road, sidewalk, or lane is going to be closed or have restricted access. You can also find information about any road closures within the city on the Municipal 511 interactive map. 

The City of Coquitlam does not allow any contaminated water from a construction site to be pumped onto the street or into storm drains. Please see Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices (PDF). 

The Good Neighbour Policy places greater onus on the developer to follow City bylaws, regulations, and policies; encourages early and ongoing communication between the developer and the neighbourhood they are working in; and, helps to protect and enhance the health of existing neighbourhoods and the natural environment. The policy formalizes a notification process for developers to contact and inform neighbours about the work that will be taking place.

Yes, the app is free.

Go to the App Store and search for CoquitlamConnect. Select the app icon and download the latest CoquitlamConnect app.

Go to the Google Play store and search for CoquitlamConnect. Select the app icon, tap the icon and accept in the next screen.

iPhone 5X and up are supported, but the augmented reality feature will only work starting with the iPhone 6S and up. The app will also run on the iPad, but it is not optimized for this device.

CoquitlamConnect allow you to get updates, news, and information directly on phone. The app allows you to locate the nearest city facilities, parks and events and provides the ability to bookmark news, events, civic facilities and city services.

The default placement of the icons for the CoquitlamConnect was decided through analytics that revealed the top hits on our website. However, each user can customize their home screen to display the icons in the order of their choice.

Customize the home screen of the CoquitlamConnect app in a few simple steps:

1. In the top right-hand corner of the home screen, click on the settings gear.
2. Select Home Screen Settings.
3. Using the three horizontal lines, drag and drop the icons in the order of your preference.
4. That’s it! You’re done.

CoquitlamConnect does not collect any personal information.

iPhone Users

Removing the app is as easy as tapping and holding your finger down on CoquitlamConnect icon, then tapping the "X" in the top-right corner.

Android Users

If you’ve installed an app on your phone or tablet using Google Play that you no longer want, you can uninstall it by following these steps:

1. Visit your device’s Settings menu, and navigate to Apps or Application manager (this may differ depending on your device).
2. Touch the app you’d like to uninstall.
3. Select Uninstall.

First, check to see if you are running our current version and, if not, perform an upgrade. Getting the latest version often solves common issues. If upgrading doesn’t resolve things, and if you don’t see an answer for your issue in the list above, please email CoquitlamConnect with a description of the behaviour.

Please include the following information in your email:

• Type of device
• Operating system version
• Steps to reproduce the problem

Yes, you will still need the Curbside Collection app to check your pickup schedule; however, you will now be able to open the Curbside Collection App via CoquitlamConnect. Just tap on the "City Apps" icon.

No. If you do not wish to download the CoquitlamConnect app, you will still be able to access all information about City services through the City’s website.

The permit number is located at the top of the printed copy of the permit issued for the work. The permit number is also printed on the address card issue with the permit and also in the top right corner of each inspection report provided at the worksite by the plumbing and building officials.

Special software is not required; an internet browser is required to use the Inspections system on a computer or mobile device.

You can schedule or cancel an inspection up to 5 business days in advance. You must cancel scheduled inspections by 4:15 p.m. the day before your scheduled inspection, or call 604-927-3441 before 8:30 a.m. the day of the scheduled inspection.

An inspection request scheduled prior to 4:15 pm can be scheduled for the next business day or the following 4 business days using the Desired Date of Inspection calendar. Inspections scheduled after the 4:15 pm cut-off can be scheduled using the Desired Date of Inspection calendar for the 5 business days following the next business day.

Use the Special Instructions box in the schedule inspection screen to request a morning (a.m.) or afternoon (p.m.) inspection. Morning inspections occur between 9:30 a.m. to 11:59 a.m., afternoon inspections take place between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (The City of Coquitlam reserves the right to reschedule or postpone your inspection to an alternate time or later date, depending on inspector availability and workload.)

The inspection you are requesting is already scheduled for that day or a previous inspection request has not been completed.

When the Inspector has completed the inspection and updated the system, Inspections will indicate the inspection result. Login to Inspections any time to check the results of your scheduled inspection.

Postponed indicates that the requested inspection will not be conducted on the requested date. The inspection is automatically rescheduled to the next business day. You will be contacted by the Building Division staff using the phone number you provided in the Schedule Inspection screen.

The View Inspections screen indicates the order to schedule inspections based on the permit type, beginning with the first inspection at the top of the list followed in the sequence listed. Construction, therefore, must not proceed beyond each inspection stage without the inspector’s express agreement and until the status of the preceeding inspection is closed by the Building Official.

To help permit holders to make sure previous inspection and deficiencies are kept up to date and completed, the Inspections system checks the permit number for previous inspections status that are not closed and automatically schedules previous inspections. Inspections and sequence may vary depending on the permit type and scope of work. If you require additional information regarding inspections, inspection sequence, and compliance please contact your Building Official for guidance prior to the start of construction. Please note, prematurely concealed work may have to be exposed for inspection causing an owner unnecessary delay and expense.

Yes, a separate plumbing inspection 435 Outside Services Rough-in includes the following that must be scheduled using the Plumbing Services Permit number:

• Rain Water Leaders (RWL)
• Sanitary Sewer
• Storm Sewer
• Sump
• Water Service

Yes, if the work is complete and ready for inspection, a separate plumbing inspection 440 Final Exterior Services (includes Rain Water Leaders) must be scheduled using the Plumbing Services Permit number.

In some cases due to the permit type and scope of work additional inspection processes may be required to be added to the list of inspections. Please email the Building Permits Division or call 604-927- 3441.

In the View Inspections screen select the details to review information about the results for the inspection or please email the Building Permits Division or call 604-927- 3441.

The Special Instructions box can be used to provide additional helpful information regarding the inspection details, including construction and site information that may be unique to the scope of work that will assist the Building and Plumbing Official during the inspection. Some examples of special instructions are (this is not a complete list):

• Afternoon (pm) inspection if possible
• Approved plans, Engineers field review, forms survey on site
• Dog in backyard
• Drainage cavity mock-up only
• DWV water test only
• Engineer on-site in the morning
• Excavation only
• Footing formwork only
• Morning (am) inspection if possible
• Professional Engineer’s excavation and site safety report posted on site
• Registered Professional Engineers field review on site
• Safe access from street only
• Safety orientation required
• Stucco paper and wire only
• Stucco scratch coat only
• Sump only

The building permit number is for building inspections only; please use the separate plumbing permit numbers issued for interior and exterior plumbing permits to schedule the plumbing inspections.

At this time the inspection report and deficiencies are not available. The results of the latest inspection attempt are available by selecting Details in the View Inspections screen.

At this time, the Inspections system is only available for scheduling building and plumbing inspections.

Under the tree management bylaw, you can remove up to two trees of protected size (20cm or greater stem diameter measured 1.4 off the ground) per 12 month period if the trees are not located in a specialized area of Coquitlam (see specialized areas below). If more than two trees are to be removed in that period, you will be required to apply for a tree cutting permit through the City’s Urban Forestry department.

If the tree is located in specialized or sensitive area (below), a tree cutting permit is always required:

Ask yourself?

• Is the tree located within a Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA)?
• Is located within a Steep Slope area (slope >36%)?
• Is there a protective covenant which restricts the removal of trees?
• Is the tree located on Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue?
• Am I removing more than two trees of protected size?

You may prune your tree, but you cannot damage your tree. Under the tree management bylaw, trees on private property are protected from being ‘damaged’ in a way which creates hazards for the homeowner and the community. Improper pruning practices such as ‘topping’ or ‘pollarding’ is considered damage and the homeowner may be subject to fines from the City.

If you wish to prune your own tree, consult the Best Management Practices (BMP’s) of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) first to ensure no damage comes to your tree.  To ensure proper pruning methods, hire an ISA certified arborist to ensure its health and longevity while training the tree to grow to a desired form.

Trees are adapted to respond to forces acting upon them, such as wind. A large mature tree that has been exposed to wind forces throughout its lifetime should be well-adapted to deal with windy weather.

However, recently exposed trees, such as those in urban development areas, may not be well-adapted to wind forces. Look for indications in the surrounding soil such as cracking or heaving to determine if your tree is moving too much in the wind.

If you are concerned with the movement of your tree in the wind, consult an ISA certified arborist to perform a tree risk assessment.

An ISA certified arborist is trained to perform pruning and trimming on trees in a manner that benefits the tree for the long-term. When done correctly, pruning can be one of the best things you can do for your tree. When done incorrectly, it can have long-term consequences on the health and safety of the tree. Only ISA certified arborists are trained and experienced in making the proper cuts to ensure tree health, appearance, and longevity. 

The City of Coquitlam does not prune or remove trees on private property.

There are three main points to remember when trimming trees on adjacent properties:

• You can trim any overhanging tree branch back to the property line, without trespassing onto your neighbor’s property.
• You cannot damage your neighbor’s property; in this case their tree
• You have the right to maintain your property in a safe condition

It is often not possible to trim branches back to the property line while simultaneously making a proper pruning cut. This can result in damage to your neighbor’s tree, and you may be held liable. Consult your neighbor before making any cuts, and use an ISA certified arborist to perform any and all tree work.  The City of Coquitlam will not act as mediator between neighbours in these instances.

Consult your neighbor. If they agree to have the tree removed, obtain an agreement in writing before applying for a tree cutting permit if required with the City. If they refuse to an agreement, have the tree professionally surveyed to determine ownership. The City will not act as a mediator between private property disputes.

The first step is to contact your neighbour and discuss your concerns and try to work out an agreement. If unable to contact the property owner directly forward concerns in writing to the registered owner of the property. This information can be found through a land titles search. If you and your neighbor are unable to come to an agreement, it may be helpful to consult the online Civil Resolution Tribunal and attempt to reach a conclusion that satisfies both parties. The City of Coquitlam does not act as a mediator between two private property owners in instances such as this.

In most cases, the City will not remove a tree for nuisance issues. These include leaf drop into gutters and yards, blocking sunlight from reaching your house, or a general dislike of the tree.

The City of Coquitlam believes trees are an important community amenity that provide many benefits and, therefore, the City will not remove trees on City property unless they are a risk to public safety.

If you believe a City-owned tree is dead or dying, or presents a hazard to you, your property, or your neighborhood, please contact Parks Customer Service.

Look for a loss of leaves or discoloration of the leaves in the upper canopy when the tree is in bloom. Identify if there are large dead branches, or detached branches hanging in the tree. Cracks in the trunk or bark, and mushrooms at the base may be a sign of decline. Consult this online resource for additional information. If the tree is on your property, consult an arborist. If the tree is on City property, contact Parks Customer Service.

Many properties in Coquitlam that include a greenbelt or natural area as part of their yard are also adjacent to a steep slope or a stream. The trees on the land, are likely within the Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) or on a ‘steep slope’, both of which restrict the removal of trees and vegetation in order to protect the aquatic and terrestrial organisms that live there, or to maintain slope stability.

Trees adjacent to a creek or stream are an invaluable source of food, protection, and habitat for these organisms. The province of BC and City of Coquitlam must first agree that trees pose a hazard to people or property before their removal can be permitted.

Trees and their root systems growing on a steep slope can be integral to the stability of the slope. Unless the trees is deemed hazardous by an ISA certified arborist, these trees cannot be removed.

We ask that residents with City boulevard trees fronting their property help keep the tree watered during the hot summer months. Young trees in particular need to be watered twice a week during the driest months (July/August). We ask that residents help keep boulevard trees watered while adhering to summertime watering restrictions. City staff will often place watering bags around newly planted trees in the summer but residents can help by re-filling them while watering their lawn or plants. Thank you for your consideration!

Trees planted within the separated boulevard are typically pruned on a schedule and are the responsibility of the City to maintain.  Residents cannot prune these trees, and may receive a bylaw violation ticket if they choose to prune a City tree and damage it.  Our arborists are ISA certified and trained in making the best cuts to ensure tree health and appearance. If you have concerns contact Parks Customer Service.

 Mature boulevard trees not located in separated boulevards are not maintained by the City of Coquitlam and homeowners are responsible for their general upkeep under the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw.  This may include pruning back branches that are encroaching on pedestrians’ access to sidewalks or at entrances to parks. All pruning of City trees must adhere to the Best Management Practices (BMP’s) of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); the best way to ensure this is to hire an ISA certified arborist.

For expansions on private property – If you have a valid City of Coquitlam business licence, a valid Provincial Liquor License Amendment (for those businesses serving alcohol) and have unobstructed space on private property adjacent to your business, you will likely qualify for the program. Staff will review your submission and if acceptable, will grant you a temporary permit for the outdoor expansion area.

For expansion on public property – If you have a valid City of Coquitlam business licence, and have a space fronting your business that meets the established guideline for this program, you will likely qualify.

This program also applies to retail businesses wishing to increase their sales footprint outside their store.

Businesses may apply to use this temporary outdoor space for:

• Expanded patio seating;
• Merchant displays (e.g. clothing racks, outdoor tables, etc.)
• Pick-up or drop-off kiosk or customer queuing; or
• Other uses, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Restaurant, café and pub operators must have an existing liquor licence in order to provide liquor service in the expanded outdoor area. The expanded area must comply with all Provincial liquor laws.

For expansions on private property or simple installations on public property (such as tables and chairs that can be removed at the end of every business day), if the application is complete and is supported by the necessary agency ,owner approval, and proof of insurance (for public patio)  you will be granted a temporary permit within two business days. More complex installations on public property, may require up to one week to review and City staff will contact the applicant, as required, to discuss the steps necessary to receive a permit.

The City of Coquitlam Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program is designed to coincide with the provincial program regulated by the BC Cannabis and Liquor Distribution Branch. The program has been extended to October 31, 2021. While no end date has been set, the City is prepared to adapt to changes or extensions to this program.

No additional insurance requirements are needed for private spaces. 

For use of sidewalk or curbside, the City will require proof of insurance. Details on insurance requirements can be found in the council adopted policy and in the application forms.

New Accounts

If you have not registered for programs, booked a room or bought memberships with Coquitlam Parks, Recreation and Culture in the past two years, you’ll need to create an account.

Visit our Registration login page and follow the prompts to create your account. A temporary password will be emailed to you from PerfectMind: communication@perfectmind.com. Please click on the link in the email to create your own secure password. Your account will then be verified and ready to use. 

Click on the link in the email to update your password. Your account is now verified and ready to use! 

Existing Accounts

Have you registered for programs, booked a room or bought memberships with Coquitlam Parks, Recreation & Culture in the past two years? If you have, a new account has been created for you.

Expect an email from PerfectMind: communication@perfectmind.com with a link to verify your new account. You should have received an email with a link to verify your new account. The link will take you to our Registration login page. You must verify your new account before registering for programs.

To login to your account, visit cityofcoquitlam.perfectmind.com 

If you have forgotten your password, click ‘Forgot Password’ link on the login page. A temporary password will be sent to the email address we have on file within a few minutes. The email will be sent from communication@perfectmind.com. If you don’t receive an email, be sure to check your spam / junk folder. 

When logging in using a temporary password, you will be prompted to replace it with a permanent password. 

Our new system meets the industry standard for encryption and security measures to protect people’s personal information. Should you choose to save your financial information for easy and fast transactions, your credit card information is encrypted and secure in our system.

At the same time, we strongly encourage you to choose a strong password and be diligent in protecting your personal information and account details. More information visit Coquitlam’s Privacy Policies page. 

No, you can still search programs and see program availability at cityofcoquitlam.perfectmind.com. However, if you want to register for a program online, you need to have an online login. 

In order to register online, you will need an online login which requires an email address. You do not have to use your main email address; any email address will work. However, this is where all correspondence will be sent including password reset emails, registration confirmations, receipts, etc.

Yes, you can register by phone at 604-927-4386 during customer service call centre hours.  

Phone registration hours:

• Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (except statutory holidays) and weekends 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Payment by Visa, MasterCard or American Express

Yes, one of the features of the system is that you can see and manage your own information. 

This includes:

• Adding family members;
• Changing your contact information;
• Adding a credit card to your account for easier checkout;
• Managing your own login; and
• Viewing a schedule of the programs you and your family are registered in.

You are not able to register for a program that is full, but you can add yourself to the waitlist. If a space opens for that program or additional sessions are added, you will be contacted by email. If you do not respond to the email within 24 hours then your space will be given to the next person on the waitlist. Placement on a waitlist does not guarantee a spot.

You have successfully registered for a program, class, or activity when you click the “Checkout” button on the payment screen. You will receive a confirmation email with all of the details. You can also view your current registrations by clicking on the “My Profile” button found at the top left and navigating to your schedule.

View your current registrations by clicking on the “My Profile” button found at the top left and navigating to your schedule.

Yes, customers can withdraw from courses online; however, some courses do not allow online withdrawals. If you experience problems, please call our customer service line (604-927-4386) for support. We’re available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (except statutory holidays) and weekends 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

To withdraw from a program online:

• Log into your account
• Select the person whose course information you want to view
• Scroll down to "Schedules" and click to expand
• The courses you have registered for will appear in the calendar; select "Switch to list view"
• Find the course you would like to withdraw from and click on "Actions" on the right hand side
• Select “Withdraw”

If you have credit on your account, you will see this during checkout. The credit will show as a payment option, and you can choose to use the credit, or to leave it on your account for a future transaction. Please note that the credit does not show on your “My Info” tab, but only shows during checkout.

To have someone removed from your account, simply contact customer service by email.

Yes, you can use your gift card online. During check-out, you will need to enter in the gift card number exactly as shown on the card, including symbols (e.g. %099999999999?).

Our previous database had accumulated client profiles that were obsolete or incomplete. To ensure that we only transferred current and accurate information into our new recreation software, not all accounts were transferred into the new system.

Visit cityofcoquitlam.perfectmind.com to create a new account. 

There is a possibility of having multiple accounts using different email addresses. If you think this might be the case, please contact a customer service staff at 604-927-4386 to have the accounts merged. In the case of a merge, staff will resend the up-to-date login information.

If you have any questions or issues setting up your account, please contact customer service by email.

Program withdrawal fees for fall programs:

• No withdrawal fee if withdrawal is more than 5 days from beginning of the program
• $5 withdrawal fee if withdrawal is within 5 days of the program starting
• $5 withdrawal fee if program has started

Exceptions: Camps require 10 days advance notice to avoid the $5 service fee.

A triplex or fourplex requires a “Form & Character” Development Permit (DP) which can be approved by the General Manager of Planning and Development and is not required to be brought to Council for approval.

Coquitlam has one Development Application Form (PDF) that is used for all types of applications. For a triplex or fourplex, choose the DP, “Form & Character Delegated” on the Development Application Form.

• To complete the Development Application Form (PDF) you will need to read through this guide and use the services of development professionals 
• You need to submit all items required on the DP – Delegated Submission Requirement Checklist, found on page 5 on the Development Application Form (PDF).
• You, as a property owner, will need to fill out a Planning and Development Agent Authorization Form (PDF) if you are wanting to give someone else permission to be the applicant for your development application on your behalf.
• If you are wondering what we are expecting on the plans in the application submission, please review the Drawing Details (PDF)  information. For landscaping information, also see the brochure Landscaping Near Sensitive Bear Habitat (PDF), and  the standards for tree planting and acceptable tree species in the Standards for Tree Cutting Permit (PDF) brochure.
• You need to address all the Design Guidelines, and submit a completed Housing Choices DP Design Guidelines Checklist (PDF) as part of your Development Permit Application package.
• Please see the City’s Housing Choices Standard Plans to speed up the application process. If you would like to use a standard plan, your designer or architect will just need to fit the plans to your property’s size and grades. 

All triplex and fourplex projects need to meet the standards of design for new development, as required by the Development Permit (DP) Design Guidelines criteria.

You will need to apply for a DP and the project design must meet the Design Guidelines (PDF) criteria to receive City approval of the DP. Once approved, a DP notice is registered on the title of the property as the property owner and the City have legally agreed that the project, as it is designed in the DP, is ready for a Building Permit application.

In addition to the Design Guidelines criteria, any project must meet the City’s Bylaws, including the Zoning Bylaw.

Yes, if your property is within the Laval Square or Allard-LeBleu DP area shown here, there are enhanced design guidelines in Section 4.1.2 of the Design Guidelines found here in Part 4 of the Citywide Official Community Plan. 

If you have trees on or near your property an arborist report is required to be submitted with your Development Permit Application package. Your Landscape Plan and Site Plan will need to reflect any tree protection (no disturbance) areas as detailed in the arborist report. 

• The arborist report submission checklist is detailed in the Arborist Report Guidelines (PDF).
• For more information, read about the City’s Tree Management Bylaw or consult the Tree Resource Guide (PDF) and Trees and Development.

All applications are unique and will be reviewed on their own merits, but typically, once Development Planning receives your complete application:

• Within 3-4 months staff will fully review your application. This timeline may vary depending upon unusual, or unexpected issues, quality of submissions, or incomplete submissions. Staff may request changes or further submissions of plans and / or documentation;
• Your consultants will need to address these issues and submit a coordinated revised package;
• Staff will review the revised application package.

If the revised information does not address the City’s concerns, further revisions may be requested.

You will need to ensure the following is satisfied prior to applying for a Building Permit:

1. Your Development Permit has been authorized by the Director of Development Services and your landscape security has been submitted;
2. If you are required to apply for a Watercourse Development Permit, or just have a QEP submit a Riparian Areas Regulation detailed assessment report:
   • The Riparian Areas Regulation detailed assessment report has been approved by the Province of BC; and
   • The Watercourse Protection Development Permit has been issued;
3. If you are required to apply for a subdivision, the conditions of the subdivision approval have been completed, and the plan has been registered in the Land Title Office.

The Building Permit process requires review and approval of the submitted plans and material. Within 4-6 weeks staff will fully review your application. This timeline may vary depending upon unusual, or unexpected issues, quality of submissions, or incomplete submissions. Staff may request changes or further submissions of plans and / or documentation. 

Please note that other permits, Engineering Works, fees, refundable securities and Development Cost Charges may be required prior to a Building Permit being issued. See the Applicable Fees and Charges page for more information.

Once the Building Division requirements have been satisfied, a Building Permit may be issued.

The typical processing time for a Development Permit for a Housing Choices project is approximately 12 months. This timeline can be increased or reduced, depending on the response time and quality and completeness of submissions from the applicant.

To ensure that you are able to receive application approval in the shortest amount of time possible, staff recommend the following:  

1)    Prepare your application  

Prior to making an application, ensure that you are familiar with the City’s general procedure for putting together your own Housing Choices application. 

To assist you with this process, staff have developed a seven-step guide (Information for Building a Triplex or Fourplex) that will direct you where to find information, and to highlight various aspects of the development for you to consider. We recommend that you review these City prepared materials thoroughly prior to making your application. 

You will need to hire qualified professionals to assist you with the preparation of your project, and you may want to consider hiring  those who have worked with the City of Coquitlam on similar Housing Choices applications before. You can find a list of current Development Permit applications including the applicant name by visiting out Current Development and Building Permit Applications page. 

2)    Consider using the City’s “Standard Plans” 

One of the greatest contributors to longer processing times is the “back-and-forth” between applicants and staff during the review process. 

To help streamline this process, the City has prepared a variety of free pre-approved architectural and landscaping plans for your use. These “pre-approved” standard plan packages can be used by your hired professionals.  

3)    Consider a pre-application

If you do not want to make use of the City’s Standard Plans, but you would like to have an initial review of your project, consider applying for a Pre-Application to receive a coordinated high-level review from appropriate City departments regarding any major issues determined from preliminary concept plans (e.g., required road dedications, required statutory right-of-ways for city utilities, etc.). Be sure to talk to City staff before submitting a pre-application.  

4)    Follow Staff Recommendations and Meet City / Provincial Requirements

Staff aim to provide responses (through a Review Letter) to applicants within 10-12 weeks of receiving an application and any future resubmissions. This is consistent with other types of development applications received by the City. 

The Review Letter provided at the end of the review cycle for each submission will specify exactly what issues need to be addressed in order to receive Development Permit approval. To reduce the number of review cycles, the applicant should address all the items raised in the Review Letter. If applicants are unsure of how to address an item, staff are happy to meet with applicants and their professionals and help them understand what is required.

If you are required to apply for a subdivision or a Watercourse Protection Development Permit, these applications will be reviewed at the same time as your Development Permit.

Conditions of a subdivision approval may include: 

• Submission of legal documents that your legal advisor has drafted;
• Submission of legal plans that your BC Land Surveyor has drafted; and
• Submission of your Civil Engineer’s plans, if frontage works and utilities are required to be constructed.

All submitted documents and plans will require weeks of review and may require revisions if the submission does not address the City’s requirements.

If you are required to apply for a Watercourse Protection Development Permit or just have a QEP submit a Riparian Areas Regulation detailed assessment report if developing within 30m of a watercourse, the detailed assessment report must be approved by the Province of BC before any other City permits can be issued (including Watercourse Protection Development Permit).

Also see our Applicable Fees and Charges page regarding Engineering Works and Refundable Securities.

The City needs to ensure that the roads and lanes next to development projects meet the City’s current road and lane standards. Property owners who are applying for a Housing Choices project next to a sub-standard road or lane may have to give a portion of their property to the City in order to widen the road or lane and bring it to current standards.

Different bylaws trigger the need for road or lane widening. Some properties which would possibly be impacted by widening include those next to arterial and collector streets (as shown on Schedule “R” to the Zoning Bylaw (PDF)). Widening may also impact properties that are:

• Next to lanes behind arterial streets;
• Next to a lane and lane intersection;
• Next to a street and street intersection;
• In a location on, or near, where a lane is proposed to be built, as shown on Schedule “R” to the Zoning Bylaw (PDF).

For specific information relating to your property, please contact Development Services staff.

If road or lane dedication(s) is required, you need to submit a Subdivision Application (PDF) in addition to your Development Permit Application.

Make sure you add to the Development Application Form (PDF), a Subdivision – Lot Line Adjustment Application, and include the items in the application package identified on the Submission Requirement Checklist on page 5 of the Development Application Form (PDF).

For more information on subdivisions, read the Subdivision Application Guide (PDF) and Drawing Details (PDF) required for the Application.

Yes, it is possible to create a separate legal property title by creating a strata corporation and the deposit of a strata plan in the Land Title Office following construction. The creation of a strata corporation and a strata plan will require the use of your hired professionals, including a BC Land Surveyor and a legal advisor. The strata corporation and strata plan must be finalized prior to the buildings being occupied.

The Cedar Drive and Partington Creek Upgrade Project is a multi-phase project to extend the sewer system, mitigate flooding, enhance Partington Creek and provide transportation upgrades.

The soil in the area of the planned roadway is poor, and will settle over time. Preload is gravel and fill that is placed for a number of months so that as much of the settlement can happen prior to constructing the utilities, road surface, and other features, which are negatively affected by settlement. The preload will be placed in phases, and will be approximately 2 metres higher than the planned roadway.

Once construction is finished, the upper section of Cedar Drive will be about 1.5 metres higher than the existing Cedar Drive, and about 3.5 metres higher than the nearby farmland.

Trunk sanitary sewers are the lower, and larger pipes in the City’s sewer network. In this project, the trunk sanitary mains will carry sewage to the new pump station that is being constructed on Cedar Drive. Smaller sewer pipes carry sewage from residential and commercial buildings to the trunk sewers.

A forcemain is a pipe that is under pressure and carries sewage that is pumped from one location to another. In this project, the new forcemain will take sewage from the new sanitary pump station being installed on Cedar Drive to a sanitary sewer main on Coast Meridian Road.

Traffic impacts will be moderate in 2021 because most of the work that is being done will be off of the road. Most of the work will involve dumping and placing the preload gravel and fill material.

In 2022 there will be significant impacts because the trunk sanitary sewer will be installed in the roadway. We will provide notice about traffic impacts prior to starting construction on the sewer pipes.

To reduce traffic impacts, City staff are looking at drilling to install the sanitary forcemain, if it is possible and cost effective. There will be times when Cedar Drive will be closed during construction (in 2022) and traffic will be detoured to upper Victoria Drive. In the upper section of Cedar Drive, the plan is to install the new sewer main in the old road so it will not be installed until the new road is in place.

New sewer mains and drainage mains will be installed on upper Victoria Drive. This work will be coordinated with the Cedar Drive/Partington Creek project in order to help minimize the impacts.

Overall, the project will have large benefits for the environment. The project includes a large increase in riparian area and an increase in aquatic habitat, connecting to Partington Creek. There will be impacts such as removal of trees in a corridor from Cedar Drive to upper Victoria Drive, but overall there will be more benefits than impacts.

These culverts will help the creek in a couple of ways. During high flows, such as during a heavy rain storm, some of the water from Partington Creek will be diverted into the channel, at the upper end of the project. This diversion will prevent Partington Creek from spilling onto the roadway and the small bridges that cross the creek. During periods of low flows, the culverts will feed small pools in the channel, which will provide new aquatic habitat for fish, such as salmon fry.

Native species of vegetation and trees will be planted.

The section of old Cedar Drive will stay in place to provide access to the adjacent properties. Once development happens and old Cedar Drive is not needed anymore, the road will be downgraded to a gravel pathway to further increase the riparian area and to allow for access to utilities (sewer main, water main, gas main, hydro lines, TELUS lines, etc.).

The location of the multi-use pathway along new Cedar Drive will provide a safe location for pedestrians and cyclists and will include new lighting. For the time being, old Cedar Drive will stay in place to provide access to the adjacent properties.  The plan is that, at some point in the future, old Cedar Drive won’t be needed anymore and it can be downgraded to a gravel pathway (as noted above). This is dependent on redevelopment happening, and getting different access to the nearby properties.

The work is not currently scheduled in our five-year capital plan.

Coquitlam residents who:

• Are Canadian citizens and/or permanent residents currently living in the City of Coquitlam OR
• Are refugees who have settled within the City of Coquitlam AND 
• Meet the income verification requirements and have all the required documents

• Temporary residents (visitors), including those on a study or work permit
• Immigrants classified as business class, an investor or entrepreneur

Address Verification

• Bills or government issue ID
  • Provide a copy/scan of a bill or government issue ID that matches your application’s address and is current within two months.
  • E.g. Bills: cable, gas, electricity, phone, internet, utility, rental agreement, bank statement, government documents
  • E.g. ID: BC driver’s licence, BC Services card, BC ID, passport, permanent resident card (must be current for primary applicant)
• An Adjudicator or referring Agency can also verify residency
• Bills and ID must be in the name of one adult in the family with same Coquitlam address as on application

Income Verification – The City uses the Low Income Cut-off (LICO) from Statistics Canada as a reference.

• Provide income verification from any of the following:
  1. Government assistance documentation OR
  2. Compass Card (red) Eligibility Documentation OR
  3. Agency verification complete on application (if applicable) OR
  4. Adjudicator verification completed on application (if applicable) OR
  5. Income statement (Option C print) from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Using family total income before taxes.
• Submit income statement for each person that contributes to the household income and expense.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

• Eligibility letter (receive in June each year) OR
• T4AOAS slip OR
• GIS confirmation from Service Canada account 

Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)

• Benefits Eligibility letter

Compass Card (Red)

• Eligibility letter or verification information at My Self Serve (MySS)

Employment Insurance (EI)

• Approval letter OR
• EI confirmation from Service Canada account

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) / Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) 

• RAP/GAR documentation OR

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) or Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA)

• Notice of Deposit (Ministry cheque stub) OR
• Confirmation of Assistance statement from My Self Serve (MySS) OR
• T5007 or T5 Statement of Benefits tax slip from CRA if received social assistance  OR
• Validated Release of Personal Information (get in person from Ministry of Social Development Office)

• Complete Adjudicator/Agency Details section of the application form (adjudicator signature) OR 
• Submit copy of Income statement (Option C print) OR
• Submit copy of Compass Card (Red) eligibility

• SHARE Family & Community Services Society 
• School District 43
• TriCities Mental Health
• Fraser Health Authority 
• Community Living BC
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
• Immigration Services Society of BC (ISS)
• Adjudicator/agency section can also verify income and residency

• Your total income before tax (gross income) must fall within the LICO guidelines.

• Total Family Income means total combined income, before taxes, by all family members in Canada and abroad who contribute to the household income and expenses. 
• This includes income from: employment of all types, all investments, pensions, child support payments, foster child support payments, rental revenues, funds in trust, disability benefits, worker’s compensation, foreign investments, and income and benefits or pension and other financial sources.

Use the Low Income Cut-offs table to determine if you qualify. 

If you do, then you can get proof of income several ways:

• Online:Get a proof of income statement right away from the Canada Revenue Services Agency website:
  • Sign into your CRA My Account online
  • Under Related Services, click on Proof of Income Statement (option 'C' print)
• Order through MyCRA web app
• By mail: Phone 1-800-267-6999
  • Automated line is always open and a statement will be mailed
  • To verify your identity before you call you’ll need:
    • Social Insurance Number
    • Full name and date of birth
    • Your complete address
    • Line 15000 from your most recent tax assessment
    • This method may take up to 10 days to receive by mail
    • Notice of assessment (NOA), T1 General or T4 statement CANNOT be used to replace this document.
  • You need to submit Income Statements for all adult members of the family who contribute to the household.

Qualifying Income Levels

Family: One or two adult(s) married or common-law partners and their legal dependents aged 18 and younger

Statistics Canada. Table 11-10-0241-01 Low Income Cut-offs (LICOs) before tax by community size (100,000 to 499,999) and family size, in current dollars.

Coquitlam residents who are not eligible to receive government or income assistance and are not associated with an Agency who still face significant financial hardship, may apply for financial assistance for recreation by completing the application form in conjunction with: 

• An adjudicator OR
• By using Income Statement (Option C print) from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for each person of your family who contribute to the household income and expenses

An adjudicator is someone you have a professional relationship with; who must be familiar with your financial situation; and sign your application form to verify financial need using the LICO table as a guideline. 

An approved adjudicator is a(n): 

• Professional in social work or family services
• Financial case worker
• School principal or teacher
• Daycare provider
• Counsellor
• Church clergy/pastor/minister, etc.
• Accountant (stamp required/business card or letterhead)
• Family doctor or dentist—if aware of financial situation (doctor/dentist stamp is required)
  •  Adjudicator can also verify Coquitlam residency
  • The application form will be returned to the applicant if any adjudicator other than those listed above are used

• If all required information is received and correct, we strive to process applications within one  week. A letter will be sent directly by mail or by email. 
• Applicants can also check the status of their application in Sign Me Up, the recreation registration system.
• It’s the responsibility of the applicant to provide all documents. Follow up information may be requested.

• Go to any of our recreation facilities and have your picture taken to receive your pass.

• Email Community Services 
• Call 604-927-6076

• Email Community Services
• Call 604-927-4386 or 604-927-6076 
• In person at any recreation facility front desk  
• Log on to your Sign Me Up recreation registration account

You can visit any Coquitlam recreation facility for: 

• Drop-in swims, skates, fitness centre, etc.
• Drop-in pass can be shared with family or friends as long as the pass holder is present
• Drop-in pass cannot be shared for pre-registered drop-ins
• $225 credit cannot be shared between individuals

• Withdrawals: withdraw from most programs up to 5 days (10 for camps) before the first class

* Does not apply to programs that are designates as non-refundable

• The credit automatically goes back to your subsidy account in Sign Me Up, your online recreation registration account. We follow the City’s withdrawal policy. 

• Yes – NEW (see above)

• Credit is meant to help towards the cost of some of your recreation activities; you are responsible for payment of any remaining balance.

• Visit or phone a recreation facility to register for a program or to purchase a pass for swimming, skating, fitness classes and weight rooms. 
• As you register for programs or purchase passes, these costs will be deducted from your Recreation Credit balance. 
• You can apply for and receive Recreation Credit once per year.
• Recreation Credit has no cash value; refunds on purchases will be returned to your account as Recreation Credit. 

• You can register online, in person at a recreation centre or by calling 604-927-4386.

• 50 free drop-ins / $225 credit has a term of 365 days. You may renew a month in advance if eligibility criteria is met.
• Any unused credit will be removed from your account at the end of the 365-day term.

• Pre-registration is recommended for some of our drop-in activities. If you have questions, call 604-927-4386.
• Drop-in pass cannot be shared for pre-registered drop-ins.

• Online submission: coquitlam.ca/financialassistancerec
• Mail: Financial Assistance for Recreation, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2 
• Email Community Services
• In Person: at one of our recreation facilities 
  • City Centre Aquatic Complex 

    1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7T8

  • Dogwood Pavilion 
    1655 Winslow Avenue, Coquitlam, BC V3J 0E7 

  • Glen Pine Pavilion 
    1200 Glen Pine Court, Coquitlam, BC V3B 2P7 

  • Maillardville Community Centre
    1200 Cartier Ave, Coquitlam, BC  V3K 2C3

  • Pinetree Community Centre 
    1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Z4

  • Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex 
    633 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, BC V3J 6A9

If submitting in person, application form and photocopies of supporting documents should be in a sealed envelope labeled "Financial Assistance for Recreation Application". 

We require documents to verify address and income. For privacy reasons, you can:

• Keep your originals and submit photocopy/scans
• Black out or redact information that is not relevant to the application. For example, if you submit:
  • Driver License – black out driver license number
  • Income Statement – black out Social Insurance (SIN) number
  • Bank Statement – black out account number

50 free drop-ins plus a $225 credit for admissions, passes or programs will be allocated for 365 days 

1. Log into your online recreation registration account.

2. Go to My Info and down to Subsidy Allocations.

3. View Amount Remaining and/or Utilized Amount.

Toilet flushing uses about a quarter of water used in a home and are a major source of water leakage. Switching to a water efficient toilet will also reduce the pressure on our City’s water and sewer infrastructure, defer the costly infrastructure upgrades and save water for other essential uses like firefighting and water main flushing.

Old toilets must have a flush capacity of at least 13 litres (3.5 gallons) to be eligible for the rebate program. If your toilet has been in place earlier than October 2011, it is likely eligible. You can also check the flush capacity by looking on the inside or outside of the toilet tank.

Eligible water efficient toilets must be Canadian certified (e.g. CSA, CUPC, Warnock Hersey) and have a flush capacity of maximum 4.8 liters (1.28 gallons) for single-flush models, or 4.1 to 6 litres (1.1 to 1.6 gallons) for dual-flush models. Check with your local retailer or plumber before you make your purchase, or look for the flush capacity marked on the inside or outside of the toilet tank. 

Applications along with supporting documents must be complete and submitted within 90 days of purchasing the new toilet. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis while funding lasts. The City of Coquitlam reserves the right to reject incomplete or inadequate applications.

There is a maximum of two toilet rebates for each Coquitlam property.

Yes, in order to conserve water please dispose of your old toilet. Toilets are considered garbage and can be taken to the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre for disposal.  Make sure you take a photo of the cracked toilet tank before throwing it away!

You do not have to be the registered homeowner to submit the rebate application as long as the name and contact information of the homeowner is included on the application. Rebates are issued in the form of a $100 credit to the homeowner’s utility bill.

Please ask your plumber to provide written/printed proof (e.g. invoice) indicating the date of the toilet purchase and installation. This should be submitted with your application form and other supporting documents.

Even though low-flow toilets use less water to flush, they will not will not cause your home’s sewer pipe to back up. 

Toilet flushing accounts for 24% of all indoor water use, which means that there are also other forms of wastewater from your home that flow into the sewer service line and keeps waste moving along. 

Also, current low-flush toilet models have a more efficient flushing system than the early generation of low-flow toilets. 

To prevent blockages, however, it is very important to know what items should never be flushed down the toilet, as they will inevitably clog the sewer system. Find out what all those ‘un-flushables’ are by visiting Metro Vancouver’s Unflushables webpage or the Recycling Council of BC.

There are also other reasons why a sewer pipe could back up, e.g. tree roots have grown into the service pipe, the slope or grade of the service is below standard, or the pipes have deteriorated over time. Underground sewer and stormwater pipes require periodic inspection and maintenance to maximize their service life. 

In general, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the pipes between the house and the property line. It is recommended that home owners periodically have their pipes camera inspected and maintained as required.

If you have any concerns or questions, contact the City’s Engineering and Public Works Department anytime at 604-927-3500. If there are any issues with the portion of the sewer service that you own and maintain, you would need to call a private plumbing company.

Items such as medication, napkins, wipes and hair should never be flushed down the toilet as it will inevitably clog the sewer system and cost a significant amount of money to repair damaged infrastructure. 

Find out how to properly dispose of these ‘unflushable’ items by visiting the Recycling Council of BC.

You can also, check out Metro Vancouver’s Unflushables campaign.

The Austin Works Yard Renewal project is a critical city initiative to address significant operation constraints that impact the City’s ability to meet current and future servicing needs. The Austin Works Yard Renewal Project includes: a new Fleet Maintenance and Workshop building; expansion of the western portion of the existing Works Yard and associated bulk storage to the north and west; conversion of vacated workshop spaces in the Water Sewer Utility Building to administrative space; and abatement and demolition of the existing Fleet Maintenance and Auxiliary Building to convert into fleet parking and storage.

The works expansion project remains entirely within the confines of the works yard property and will not overlap into Mundy Park. However, the work will include the rerouting of the Mundy Park Community Path and the Austin Trail, which currently passes through the existing Works Yard boundary. The Mundy Park boundaries have not changed to accommodate this project and the Mundy Park Urban Forest Reserve will remain a protected area.

The lands currently within the works yard lot boundary have been held specifically for expansion of the existing yard to accommodate increases in service demands as the City grows. These areas would be difficult to delineate for the typical park user since there are no visual identifiers showing where the park boundary ends and portions of the Mundy Park trails cross over into the works yard boundary.

There is a requirement for some trees to be removed within Mundy Park along or near the realigned trail route. However, tree removals will be limited to invasive species or trees that represent a safety hazards to park users and City staff. The realigned trail route has been specifically designed to avoid impacting large, mature native trees 

The bulk of the tree removals will be occurring within the existing Works Yard boundary.

The City has committed to replace, at a minimum, every tree removed in relation to the expansion project, including those removed to accommodate the new trails.  Any trees removed as part of the project will be replaced by trees planted in Mundy Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods, with the goal of enhancing the area adjacent to the project boundary, new trails, and maintaining overall tree canopy coverage in the same neighbourhood.

The City is committed to reducing and/or mitigating potential impacts resulting from any tree removals within the Austin Works Yard lot boundary and the creation of a new forest edge adjacent to Mundy Park. To meet this goal, the City has worked closely with a team of professional foresters and certified arborists to minimize tree removal requirements and to achieve a long-term stable forest edge to the adjacent Mundy Park.

The City has also worked closely with a team of professional biologists to assess the impacts of the expansion project on wildlife, critical habitat and watercourses, and to seek mitigation recommendations for those impacts.

The timing of the tree removal portion of the project is critical to avoid tree removals during the bird nesting window.

Austin Works Yard is located in a central location between Coquitlam neighbourhoods and adjacent to key roadways that provide easy access to other areas of the City. It is also one of the safest locations to stage emergency repairs and servicing in the event of flooding, earthquakes or other emergencies.   

The Northeast and Lafarge Lake satellite works yards have been established to support neighbourhood specific requirements within the City. However, the large scale relocation of central services to another area to accommodate the expansion would require the duplication of service infrastructure and facilities at a significant cost and an overall long-term loss in operational efficiency.

Public Hearings are a type of meeting mandated under the Local Government Act for specific property uses including: changes to Official Community Plan bylaws, Zoning bylaws, certain bylaws authorizing temporary use permits, phased development agreement bylaws, bylaws for the early termination of land use contracts or bylaws for heritage revitalization agreements.

Because this project is happening on the existing Austin Works Yard lot, and requires no change to the zoning or land use, it does not require a Public Hearing.

Due to the largely technical nature of this project, there is limited ability for the public to provide input on the design of the new Works Yard itself.

The City is committed to working with nearby area residents and staff have had a number of one-on-one conversations with neighbours. 

Regarding the concerns around environmental impacts, the City is working closely with several area environmental groups for additional input in addition to the expertise of Foresters / Arborists and biologist teams working on the project.

The priority of the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant is to support not-for-profit, community-based organizations that are based in and serving Coquitlam residents. Priority may be given to new and one-time programs and projects, or those that demonstrate a reduced reliance on City funding in following years.

For information on the priorities of each funding stream, please refer to the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Information Guide (PDF).

Applicants are notified approximately four months after the application deadline, once the approval process has been completed.  The Grant Coordinator will contact applicants within two weeks of receiving Council approval for grants.   

No, applying for a Spirit of Coquitlam Grant does not guarantee that you will receive funding. The granting process is competitive and applicants should submit the best application possible.

Organizations must be in good financial standing with the City, including having completed any requirements for previously received City funding, in order to receive a Spirit of Coquitlam Grant. If you are unsure of your organization’s standing with the City of Coquitlam, please contact the Grant Coordinator at 604-927-3571 or by email.

If your application has not yet been reviewed by the committee, please submit changes to the Grant Coordinator. 

If your request for funding has already been approved, contact the Grant Coordinator at 604-927-3571 or by email to discuss the changes.

In order to be eligible for a Spirit of Coquitlam Grant, applicants must be:

• a registered not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or the equivalent provincial or territorial legislation;
• demonstrate that their organization has been active in the execution of their mandate for at least 12 months prior to funding release;
• in good financial standing with the City of Coquitlam; and
• follow all applicable City codes of conduct, bylaws and regulations.

For more information on the eligibility requirements, please refer to the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Information Guide (PDF) or contact the Grant Coordinator.

• Visit the City Archives page 
• Call the Archives staff at 604-927-3900 or contact them by email.

• The City of Coquitlam Archives is actively collecting photographs, documents, and other records related to the hospital. Visit the City of Coquitlam Archives page or call the Archives staff at 604-927-3900 for information on collecting policies and how to make a donation.
• The City of Coquitlam is not currently accepting new donations of material for the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection. However, we are currently documenting offers to share information about artifacts in the collection for follow up in the future. If you have information or a story to share about an item that is part of the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection, please email Riverview Collection. 
• Coquitlam Heritage collects artifacts associated with the Riverview Hospital and other aspects of Coquitlam’s heritage.  For information on their collecting policies and how to make a donation, visit the Coquitlam Heritage site or call the Society at 604-516-6151.

• The City of Coquitlam is not currently processing loans of the artifacts in the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection.  We are currently collecting names and contact information for organizations interested in a loan for exhibition purposes for follow up in the future. If you are interested in organizing a future loan, please complete the online form.  

• Yes, there are records at the City of Coquitlam Archives. You can visit their webpage to find out more about how to search their collection, or contact staff by email or by phone at 604-927-3900. The Archives has also created several online exhibits about the history of Essondale and Riverview.
• There are artifacts and records at Coquitlam Heritage. Visit their website for contact information to inquire with staff.
• The Port Coquitlam Heritage Society has books and research resources about Riverview. You can visit their website to search their collection database or to find out how to contact staff for more information.
• Documents determined to be the property of the Provincial government were transferred to the Royal BC Museum Archives. You can visit their website to search for photographs, documents and other items. 

Note: All of these resources include content that could be disturbing to some readers. These resources are not recommended for children.

• The Riverview collection is now accessible online through a searchable database. This digital platform features photographs, detailed descriptions of artifacts, and related documents from the City Archives. The new database follows best practices in collection management and enhances public access to this valuable set of historical artifacts. To view the searchable online database, visit RiverviewHospitalArtifacts.ca.
• Read the City of Coquitlam publications Collecting Riverview: A visual history of photographs and objects (PDF) and the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection: Catalogue of Artifacts (PDF).
• Access books and articles through the Coquitlam Public Library. Search the catalogue online or ask the library for help with your search. 
• Access the Statement of Significance commissioned by the City of Coquitlam in 2008 to support the inclusion of Riverview Hospital in the City’s Heritage Register.  
• Visit Coquitlam Heritage  to learn about the history of Coquitlam including səmiq̓wəʔelə (formerly the Riveview lands) and ƛ̓éxətəm (formerly Colony Farm). 
• Download the Government of British Columbia’s 2012 report A Heritage Conservation Plan for the Riverview Lands.
• Attend Treefest or other events hosted by the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society
• Academic libraries including Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia (UBC) also have material related to the hospital and the history of mental health treatment in British Columbia. UBC Rare Books and Special Collections holds a number of published and unpublished works related to the history of the hospital.

• When someone donates records to the City of Coquitlam Archives, the archivists collect information about those items and the history of the donors. If you have historical documents or photographs you would like to donate, or have information about items the Archives already has in its collection, you can contact the Archives. Information about contacting Archives staff and making a donation can be found on the City of Coquitlam Archives page.  
• Coquitlam Heritage collects oral histories about Coquitlam (audio and/or visual recordings of story donors telling their stories), including information about Riverview Hospital and səmiq̓wəʔelə. It also collects stories about artifacts and documents it collects, and items in its collection. You can contact them if you have a story you'd like recorded, items to donate, or information about an item in their collection. Visit Coquitlam Heritage for contact information.
• The City of Coquitlam is not currently accepting new donations of material for the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection. However, we are currently documenting offers to share information about artifacts in the collection for follow up in the future. If you have information or a story to share about an item that is part of the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection, please email Riverview Collection.

• If you have information or a story to share about an item that is part of the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection, please email Riverview Collection.

• Information about visiting səmiq̓wəʔelə (formerly known as the Riverview lands) can be found on the səmiq̓wəʔelə website.
• The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society organizes events at səmiq̓wəʔelə including tree tours. Visit their website for more information.

• The Riverview collection is now accessible online through a searchable database. This digital platform features photographs, detailed descriptions of artifacts, and related documents from the City Archives. To view the searchable online database, visit RiverviewHospitalArtifacts.ca.
• The artifacts are currently not on display, but the City has made them accessible through publication of Collecting Riverview: a visual history of photographs and objects (PDF)  and the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection: Catalogue of Artifacts (PDF).
• The City is also offering a loan program for select artifacts to institutions for educational and research purposes. Organizations, individual researchers or members of the public interested in seeing artifacts in person or organizing a loan can submit a request at coquitlam.ca/RiverviewArtifactLoan.

• There is very little information about individual people who were patients or employees at the hospital in the documentation of the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection, beyond what is included in Collecting Riverview: A visual history of photographs and objects and the Riverview Hospital Artifact Collection: Catalogue of Artifacts.  You can complete a keyword search of these PDF documents to see if there is any information about the person you are looking for.
• The Riverview collection is now accessible online through a searchable database. This digital platform features photographs, detailed descriptions of artifacts, and related documents from the City Archives. To view the searchable online database, visit RiverviewHospitalArtifacts.ca.
• You could use genealogical research tools to learn more about family members. For information on conducting genealogical research, visit the Vancouver Public Library’s information page for Genealogy and Family History research.
• The BC Archives database has several series of records that might be of interest to you:
  • Patient case files (GR-2880)
  • Patient registers (GR-3019)
  • General records (GR-1754)

• BC Housing and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are working in partnership on a new plan for səmiq̓wəʔelə (formerly the Riverview lands). Information about the history, current use and the ongoing səmiq̓wəʔelə master planning process can be found at the səmiq̓wəʔelə website.
• The lands are part of the ancestral territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm people. Visit their website for more information about kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation’s historical and ongoing connections to the lands and their management.

• Treadmills (10)
• Woodway Treadmill
• Ellipticals (4)
• Recumbent Bikes (4)
• Upright Bikes (3)
• Stair Climbers (2)
• Arc Trainers (3)
• Rowers (2)
• Spin Bikes (2)
• Nu Step
• Arm Ergometer

• Selectorized AssistedChin/Dip
• Selectorized Chest Press
• Selectorized Pectoral
• Selectorized Shoulder Press
• Selectorized Upper Back
• Selectorized Bicep Curl
• Selectorized Arm Extension
• Selectorized Vertical Traction
• Selectorized Leg Press
• Selectorized Leg Extension
• Selectorized Leg Curl
• Lat Pulldown
• Seated Row
• Olympic Bench Press
• Olympic Incline Bench Press
• Free Weight Benches (5)
• Deadlift Platform
• Dumbbells (1 – 65lbs)
• Barbells (20 – 60lbs)
• Dual Cable Functional Trainer
• Cross-Over Functional Trainer
• Multi-Jungle Functional Trainer
• Preacher Curl
• Back Extension
• Roman Chair
• Smith Machine
• Squat Racks (2)

In accordance with the section 464 of the Local Government Act, a local government must hold a public hearing prior to adopting an official community bylaw, a zoning bylaw, or a bylaw under section 548 (early termination of land use contracts). 

In December 2023, the Provincial Government implemented Bill 44 – 2023 Housing Statues (Residential Development) Amendment Act prohibiting local governments from holding public hearings for:

• Residential rezoning applications consistent with the Official Community Plan (OCP); 
• Amendments to the Zoning Bylaw that facilitate small scale multiple unit housing; and
• Mixed-use projects that are consistent with the OCP, where at least half of the proposed gross floor area is residential.

Public Hearings are chaired by the Mayor or Acting Mayor and held to provide the public with an opportunity to convey their views on proposed land use amendments.

Public Hearings are advertised prior to the scheduled Public Hearing. In most instances, Public Notices are also mailed to owners and occupants of surrounding properties (within 100 metres of the land that is the subject of the application) and signs are posted on the subject property at least 10 days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing.

The Planning and Development Department Brief is provided to Council in advance of Public Hearings containing any further information requested by Council at First Reading of the Bylaw and prior to the Public Hearing. The Brief is available to the public on the Friday prior to the Public Hearing.

Tenants who live in a purpose-built rental building that have five or more units are protected under the policy.

Tenants residing in strata rental properties, in which the building is owned and operated by a single owner or entity, are eligible for assistance and compensation made available through the policy.

All tenants are eligible for assistance and compensation if they: 

1. have a tenancy agreement with the landlord and, 
2. were permanently residing at the rental property on the date the City received a Development or Rezoning Application. 

Tenant eligibility criteria for multi-phased projects is identified in Q4.

Where a multi-phased project is proposed, the trigger point that determines a tenant’s eligibility for assistance under the Tenant Relocation Policy is the Master Development Plan application.

Payment must be made to the tenant before or on the scheduled move-out date.

A tenant may decide to move out soon after the Applicant submits their development application, or they may choose to stay as long as possible. A tenant may terminate their tenancy at any time in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). Under the RTA, Notice to End Tenancy will only be allowed after the landlord receives all necessary permits and approvals.

Compensation, including moving assistance, must only be paid by cheque or Electronic Funds Transfer.

Transit-Oriented Areas are defined as areas within 800 metres of a rapid-transit station (e.g., SkyTrain station) and 400 metres of a bus exchange (e.g. bus loop at Coquitlam Central Station) and West Coast Express station.

According to the Province, the following densities and heights are intended for residential buildings and mixed-used residential buildings in Transit-Oriented Areas within Metro Vancouver:
 

The City Centre Area Plan and Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan guide the development of mixed-use, pedestrian friendly, transit-oriented communities. Both plans support a range of uses and densities, with higher densities clustered around SkyTrain stations, while accounting for local factors like neighbourhood and block layout, historic development patterns, transportation access, terrain, and environmental considerations.

New provincial rules for Transit-Oriented Areas set building height and density allowances based mainly on how close a property is to a SkyTrain station, without considering local context. This affects areas where, due to local conditions, City plans allowed only low-density housing – like single-family homes or townhouses – which must now permit apartment buildings.

(Updated August 2025)

Contrary to the City’s current standards, the City will not be able to require minimum residential off-street parking spaces, except for accessible parking for disabled persons, for buildings within Transit-Oriented Areas. The Province has stated they want parking volumes to be determined by market need and demand. These restrictions do not apply to commercial off-street parking requirements.

No. In Coquitlam, all lands currently zoned for residential uses or mixed uses (including residential) that are located within 800 metres of a SkyTrain station must be designated as a Transit-Oriented Area and the minimum densities and building heights that apply to those lands are prescribed by provincial regulation. Transit-Oriented Area exceptions include lands zoned to permit industrial and agricultural uses.

In addition, there are several scenarios where Federal or Provincial statutes are applicable, the provisions of which supersede or have a limiting effect:

• Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
• Airport Zoning Regulations under Aeronautics Act
• Federal Crown land
• Flood plains, hazard areas, riparian areas and other environmentally sensitive areas
• Heritage objects and sites that are subject to heritage designation or heritage revitalization agreements

Please also see the responses to Questions 1 and 2.

The City is not required to “pre-zone” properties for the purpose of fulfilling the obligations of the legislation. However, certain properties within Transit-Oriented Areas may be rezoned or “pre-zoned” as a direct or indirect result of other provincial housing initiatives.

The legislation prescribes minimum allowable densities (expressed in Floor Area Ratio), and heights (expressed in number of storeys) and removes required minimum residential parking rates. The City is not required to make any further changes to zoning regulations; however, further changes may be contemplated in the course of implementing the legislation. In addition, requirements may vary by zone and Transit-Oriented Areas. 

Please also see the responses to Questions 2 and 4 and refer to the Zoning Bylaw for current zoning regulations.

No, station locations are set in provincial regulation with specific geographic coordinates, and boundaries are established as specific distances from each station location. The mandatory densities and heights only apply to the properties within the tiers prescribed by the Province. The prohibition on residential parking minimums applies only to those properties located within a Transit-Oriented Area as laid out by the Province. Also see the response to Question 5.

Yes, properties inside and outside a Transit-Oriented Area can assemble. If a property outside a Transit-Oriented Area is consolidated with a property inside a Transit-Oriented Area, the City is required to apply the minimum densities, heights and removal of residential parking minimums prescribed by the Province.

Answer Updated July 2025

This City is not required to permit Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) development. (i.e. 3 to 6 units on a lot) on properties located within a Transit-Oriented Area. In addition, the City cannot permit a rezoning on a property in a Transit-Oriented Area where the rezoning does not comply with the minimum allowable densities and heights. While new zoning for SSMUH was implemented in June 2025, properties within Transit-Oriented Areas retained their existing zoning.

Answer Updated July 2025

In mid-2024, the City adopted a bylaw designating Transit-Oriented Areas, and removed residential parking minimums from Transit-Oriented Areas in mid-2024. Updates to align the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw are being completed in stages.

Zone updates must consider revisions to the density bonus and rental incentives program and need to be aligned with the DCC program update and new ACC program. The zone updates will be completed in coordination with the Rental Incentives Program Review.

Zone updates will determine the new density allocations within the minimum allowable densities (i.e. tenure and commercial requirements). This may include provisions for the regulation of tenure through the City’s Rental Incentive Program Review to ensure housing needs are considered in new housing supply.

Answer Updated July 2025

The Transit-Oriented Area regulations do not require landowners to sell or redevelop their property. Land development in Coquitlam is initiated by land owners choosing to sell their property to a developer, who submits development applications to the City.

Building multi-family housing like townhouses or apartments often requires assembling smaller lots into a larger, usable site. These land assemblies must be practical, consider future streets, lanes and walkways, and not leave behind properties that are too small to redevelop to their designated potential.

Should you have questions about selling your property, you are encouraged to seek independent advice from a qualified real estate professional. Should you have questions about redeveloping your property, please reach out to Planning and Development by email.

Land use designation – describes the existing or future uses and building types a property can have (e.g., commercial, residential, etc.) and are found in the Official Community Plan. Changing the land use designation does not automatically change the zoning.

Zoning – specifies permitted uses, lot sizes, and other regulations, such as the height, setbacks and density of buildings. All land in the City is assigned a zone under the City’s Zoning Bylaw. A zoning change (i.e., rezoning) must be consistent with the land use designation in the Official Community Plan.

Use the Proposed Land Uses map on this website to locate your property relative to the Transit-Oriented Areas and proposed land use designations. Please note that there are separate maps showing the Transit-Oriented Areas and Southwest Shoulders and Corridors.

For further assistance, please contact Development Services by email, or by phone: 604-927-3430.

Both park enhancements and park expansions involve adding or upgrading park features (such as play equipment, sport courts and fields). A park expansion will also include land acquisition to increase the size of the park.

Land needed to create a new park, or expand an existing park, will be designated “Parks and Recreation” in the Official Community Plan. The land use designation indicates the intended future use, but does not prevent the current use from continuing – usually a private residence.

The City will acquire the land over time, as funding permits, based on priority and as properties become available for purchase. The City purchases park properties based on fair market value, and generally obtains an independent third party appraisal for review. For additional details, please visit: https://www.coquitlam.ca/567/City-Lands-and-Real-Estate.

Development is primarily responsible for the cost of new infrastructure and amenities needed to serve the growth in population. This includes funds to acquire parkland and develop parks, which the City collects through development fees.

Community plans may identify new streets and walkways that are needed to support future growth. These are built when the property redevelops, and are funded and constructed by the developer. Until redevelopment happens, property owners are not required to sell or modify their land, and can continue to use it as they do today.

Building multi-family housing like townhouses or apartments often requires assembling smaller lots into a larger, usable site. These land assemblies must be practical and not leave behind properties that are too small to redevelop to their designated potential — including those needed for future streets and walkways.

See also the response to “Am I required to redevelop or sell my property?”

Refunds have now been issued as credits to your recreation registration accounts. 

No, refunds will be applied to your recreation registration account.

Yes, you can request to have it paid out after it has been applied to your account by emailing your request to prcs_info@coquitlam.ca, calling 604-927-4386 or visiting a City recreation facility.

Once you've logged in online:

1. Click on the name of the child/youth that has the 2024 Summer Child and Youth Pass
2. Scroll down to "Transaction" and from the drop-down list on the right side, select: "Transaction - Members"
3. Once the credit has been applied, you will see a line called "Customer Adjustment" and "-$15.00"
4. If there is more than one passholder on the account, a single credit will be issued for all passholders. When logging in, select the "Primary Contact" and follow steps 2 and 3 above.

If you do not see the credit on your account, please email prcs_info@coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-4386.

You can email prcs_info@coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-4386. 

• The pool will not open as planned due to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances, largely construction delays.

• Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool, Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, City Centre Aquatic Complex and the Coquitlam Bettie Allard YMCA are all open for swimming.
• Admission is free at Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool until the end of the season.
• Resident Access times and rates are available at the local YMCA for residents who do not have a membership.
• More options to stay cool this summer include:
  • Spray Parks
  • Blue Mountain Wading Pool
  • Water play pop-up activities at local parks
  • Summer swim camps for kids

• Water Play Pop-Ups are fun activities like inflatable waterslides and relay games held at Coquitlam parks. Our recreation team is still finalizing some of the details and the schedule will added to coquitlam.ca/StayAndPlay.

• The Summer Child and Youth Pass can be purchased at any Coquitlam recreation facility or over the phone by calling 604-927-4386.

• Current pass holders will be credited the $15 difference; funds will be credited to the recreation account for use towards a future registration or membership purchase. 
• To have a refund paid-out, please visit a City recreation facility, or call 604-927-4386.

• Staff will terminate your existing summer pass membership (with full refund) and re-issue for $10. The residual $15 will go back to the subsidy.

• The purchase of the Summer Pass is not eligible for full refund, only the amount of the cost reduction ($15) will be refunded to current pass holders who purchased at full price.

• The City of Coquitlam has partnered with the YMCA to provide Coquitlam residents access to the Coquitlam Bettie Allard YMCA fitness and aquatic facilities at the City’s drop-in rates.
• That means if you are a Coquitlam resident, you do not need a YMCA membership to access this facility.
• A link to the current schedule of resident access times are available at coquitlam.ca/YMCA.

• The pool is being renamed after its location within Mundy Park. This change will assist in wayfinding, making it easier for residents to find Coquitlam’s facilities by tying them to their geographical location.

• Coquitlam Sharks Aquatic Club training and competitions in all disciplines and age groups continue to be operated at City pools including Eagle Ridge Pool, City Centre Aquatic Complex, and Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex. Sharks will host both their annual “Sharks in the Park” swim meet and the BC Summer Swimming Association regional swim meet at Eagle Ridge Pool this summer.

• The new Mundy Park Pool will open for the 2025 outdoor swim season.

• Please email your questions or feedback to PRCS_info@coquitlam.ca; your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate staff for response.

The maximum number of dwelling units permitted on your property will depend on how your property is zoned and the size of your lot. On lots currently restricted to one-family (a.k.a. single-detached) residential uses, the Province has mandated that the City allow:

• A minimum of 3 units on lots with an area less than 280 m² (3,014 sq.ft.).
• A minimum of 4 units on lots with an area greater than 280 m² (3,014 sq.ft.).

The legislation also establishes requirements for lots near bus stops with frequent service, but TransLink (the regional transit agency in Metro Vancouver) has confirmed that none of the bus stops in Coquitlam meet the necessary criteria.

The City is still determining exactly how these changes will be put into effect in Coquitlam.

There is no requirement from the Province for specific built form or unit configuration. A variety of building forms are currently allowed in many areas of Coquitlam. The City is exploring which options might best meet the City’s goals and objectives of providing high-quality, livable housing choice and diversity while also aligning with the provincial legislative changes.

The legislation aims to make it easier to build accessory dwelling units and secondary suites by allowing them on most lots (with some exceptions). Accessory dwelling units and secondary suites will count as dwelling units, and the City is currently exploring the best configuration of units and buildings that would be allowed on a lot.

Currently, neither secondary suites nor accessory dwelling units may be stratified or subdivided in Coquitlam. Small-scale housing like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and multiplexes can be stratified and sold. Rules around stratification of detached accessory units are still being considered.

On September 16, the Province approved the City’s application to extend the deadline for the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Zoning Bylaw changes. The new deadline for Coquitlam is June 30, 2025. See our Information Bulletin for more information, and stay tuned to our Let's Talk page for further updates.

Yes, single-detached housing will still be permitted on all properties currently zoned to allow for single-detached housing. While the Province is mandating that up to 4 units be permitted on a lot (depending on lot size and location), you will not be required to build multiple units on your lot.

As a result of the changes from the Province, significant additional density may be added to neighbourhoods, resulting in a corresponding increase in the infrastructure required to support this density, including upgrades such as water and sewer-line capacity, and electrical services.  It is difficult to estimate what the total cost for these upgrades may be at this time.

When a death occurs, the person(s) with legal “control of disposition” will need to make arrangements through a Funeral Chapel or Crematorium. Funeral Chapels and Crematoriums are the ones that generate the death certificate, and the death certificate is one of the documents the Cemetery Clerk will ask to see. After visiting the Funeral Chapel or Crematorium, the person(s) with legal “control of disposition” will call the Cemetery Clerk to make an appointment. Questions the Cemetery Clerk ask the person(s) with legal “control of disposition” to provide the deceased person’s last known address, date of birth, place of birth (City), date of death, place of death (City), which funeral chapel or crematorium was used, what the urn is made of (if it is a cremation), and the executor(s) information. A right of interment (this may already exist), and an interment permit will need to be completed and fees paid in full prior to interment.

Control of Disposition means the right of a person to control the disposition of human remains or cremated remains in accordance with Part 3, Section 5 of the: Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act.

Our cemetery caretaker is on duty Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Interment are held in perpetuity. There is no limit to how long someone can be interred for.

A portion of the price paid for the Right of Interment goes towards a maintenance care trust fund or Perpetual Care Fund. Income from the care fund is used to provide regular care and maintenance at the cemetery in perpetuity. Regular care and maintenance activities can include: cutting grass, regrading of graves, planting and care for trees and gardens, maintenance of water supply systems, road, drainage, etc. The minimum amount to be contributed to the endowment care fund is governed by provincial law.

Perpetual Care Funds in BC are protected by law and are very conservatively managed. Income from the fund can only be spent on care and maintenance of the cemetery. The principal of a cemetery’s Care Fund is protected by provincial cemetery legislation.

In order to protect Interment Right Holders, strict provincial rules govern the use of cemetery lands. Graves are normally considered to be sold in perpetuity which restricts possible redevelopment.

Adult full burial plots, in-ground Cremation plots, and single or double niches may be purchased ‘pre-need’ and place on reserve if you are a resident who are 65+ or have lived in Coquitlam for 20+ consecutive years, or have family members interred in the cemetery. 

A right of interment can be surrendered back to the City only. It cannot be sold privately. If less than 30 days have passed since the date of original issue, the full amount of the original fees paid will be returned by the City. If more than 30 days have passed, a refund equal to the current purchase price less 10% for above-ground niches for cremated remains, and 25% for in-ground burials, will be issued by the Administrator to the Right of Interment Right Holder as per bylaw 9.8 Robinson Memorial Cemetery Bylaw No.5000, 2021(PDF).

• there are not interment in the designated lot;
• the original Right of Interment document is surrendered;
• the administration fee is paid; and
• any fee associated with the removal of any memorial that is on, or around the surrendered lot is paid. 

They cannot be paid in advance or by installments (payment plan).

Yes. In the event that cremated remains are placed in a full burial grave in advance of a casket to be interred in the same grave, the cremated remains will be removed by the Caretaker at the time of the full burial and reinterred on top of the casket at no cost during the casket interment. 

Each full burial plot can accommodate one casket or two caskets (double depth graves) and a maximum of four urn vaults and 8 sets of cremated remains.

The graveside service is a matter of family preference and can be treated the same as a casket interment. For cremated remains families have the option of placing the cremated remains themselves or having the Cemetery caretaker assist. 

A marker permit is required, which you purchase from the cemetery, you then send the permit to a monument dealer of your choice and start the design of the memorial.

Unless the marker is installed at the time of interment, our Cemetery Clerk will contact the family after the marker is installed.

Artificial flowers may only be place in a Cemetery between November 1 and April 29. Cut flowers, wreaths and floral offerings place on graves will be removed by the Cemetery Caretaker when their condition is considered to be detrimental to the beauty of the Cemetery. No person will adorn or define a grave with a fence, hedge, railing, curbing or landscaping. Only authorized employees of the City can plan, remove, cut down, or destroy any trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, bulbs or rocks in the Cemetery. On the day of an interment and for a period of seven (7) days following an interment, any type of floral tribute is permitted.  As per bylaw 14; Robinson Memorial Cemetery Bylaw No.5000, 2021 (PDF).

In total, these new requirements and legislative changes represent a shift in every aspect of the City’s planning framework. In particular, the provincial changes affect the approval process for residential housing projects, allowing density increases beyond what has been traditionally permitted in Coquitlam neighbourhoods (e.g. up to four units on single-family lots).

Yes. Under the Local Government Act, the Province has authority over municipalities and these changes are now the law.

The City of Coquitlam is currently working towards implementing the new legislation. Some elements are already in place, including the removal of Public Hearings for residential rezonings, a Transit-Oriented Areas Designation Bylaw, and zoning updates to allow Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing. Changes to the Citywide Official Community Plan will take place in stages.

As a result of the legislative changes, the City of Coquitlam must:

• Revise our Housing Needs Report (PDF) using a new standard method, for a more consistent, robust understanding of local housing needs and extend the time horizon from the current 5 years to 20 years.
• Update the Citywide Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaws by the end of 2025 and then every subsequent five years to reflect and pre-zone for the housing units required to meet anticipated needs over 20 years.
• The Official Community Plan must also include housing policies respecting each class of housing need required in the most recent Housing Needs Report.

Coquitlam has long believed that development must fund the additional amenities and infrastructure required to support the associated community growth. Through Development Cost Charges, Density Bonusing and Community Amenity Contributions, Coquitlam has ensured that development is used to fund things like roads, parks, new recreation centres, affordable housing and child care. 

The provincial legislation creates new financing tools including expanding what can be included in Development Cost Charges (DCCs) and a new Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) to fund the projects required as the Coquitlam grows. However, the new rules also limit the City’s ability to continue with the existing Density Bonus system, which will likely have a significant impact on the delivery of future amenities in the City.

For example, looking at the 27 development applications currently in progress in transit-oriented areas, the Density Bonus contribution would exceed $365 million to the City. This is funding already earmarked for projects such as the Northeast Community Centre, improvements to Blue Mountain Park, and the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund and Child Care Partnership Reserve Fund. Funding for all of these projects is in jeopardy.

As part of the legislation, the Province no longer allows public hearings for rezoning for housing projects that are consistent with the Official Community Plan. Public hearings will continue for commercial, institutional and industrial projects, or for the consideration of rezoning applications that are not consistent with the Official Community Plan.

The new rules still require the City to notify the public of zoning changes. This will include:

• Mailing notifications to owners and tenants of properties undergoing rezoning, as well as people who live within 100 metres
• Posting a notice on the City’s website (coquitlam.ca/PublicNotices) or through the City’s email subscription service (coquitlam.ca/NotifyMe)
• Displaying a development application sign on the site

The provincial legislation requires the City to pre-zone single- and two-family neighbourhoods to allow for Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing.  As higher densities could have impacts on property assessments, and as property values are one of the factors in determining property tax rates, taxes may be affected through this legislation.

BC Assessment, a provincial agency, is responsible for determining assessed value of properties and is therefore the best resource. The City will monitor any adjustments to assessed values, and will continue to work to keep property taxes as low as possible.

On September 16, the Province approved the City’s application to extend the deadline for the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Zoning Bylaw changes to June 30, 2025. In June 2025, Council adopted Zoning Bylaw changes to bring into effect Provincial legislation around Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing.

Updates to the Official Community Plan to align with provincial regulations for Transit-Oriented Areas are being completed in stages. The current round of updates focus on the Burquitlam-Lougheed neighbourhood, where moderate adjustments to the Burquitlam-Lougheed Neighbourhood Plan are needed. A future project stage will address Transit-Oriented areas where more substantial planning work is needed. 

No. Land development is initiated by owners choosing to sell their land to a developer. The Transit-Oriented Development Area regulations describe a property’s future development potential by identifying what someone might be able to build. The regulations don’t say that development has to happen, or force owners to sell their property.

If you or someone you know is feeling harassed, we recommend reaching out to the agent’s agency and reporting any harassment you may be experiencing. Land owners are strongly encouraged to seek independent advice from a qualified real estate professional. To ensure you’re receiving accurate information, you can also reach out to City staff directly.

Due to the demands of implementing the provincial housing mandates, some of the City’s planned projects had to be reprioritized. On May 17, 2024, Council determined that the Burke Mountain Village Development Planning project be deferred until 2025.

General

• BC211 – Free, confidential information available 24/7 in over 240 languages, that links people to resources for help, including basic needs like food and shelter, as well as mental health and addictions support.
  https://bc.211.ca
   2-1-1  (phone or text)

For Residents in Housing Need

• BC Housing – Provides assistance to those in need of emergency housing or ongoing housing support.
   bchousing.org/housing-assistance 
  604-433-2218
• Metro Vancouver Housing – Regional housing services with a focus on affordable rental homes for individuals with low to moderate incomes.
   metrovancouver.org/housing
   604-432-6200
• Rent Bank (Tri-Cities Share) - Provides interest-free loans to renters, to help them maintain their tenancy through help with their rent payment, hydro/natural gas payment or security deposit.
  https://sharesociety.ca/tri-cities-share-rent-bank
  604-540-9161
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – Assists people with services, including housing.
   https://successbc.ca/service-categories/housing/
   604-468-6000
• YWCA Housing - Provides housing for single women and their dependent children.
   https://ywcavan.org/programs/housing
  604-282-3113

Food Resources

• SHARE Food Bank - Part of Share Family & Community Services, this food bank provides food support to those in need.
  https://sharesociety.ca/share-food-bank
• Food for Families (Port Coquitlam) – Provided by CityReach Care Society, serves vulnerable families, individuals, and seniors through pre-packaged food hampers; pre-registration required.
  https://www.cityreach.org/programs/foodforfamilies
   604-254-2489
• Free and Low-Cost Food Directory – Coordinated by Fraser Health, provides a list of free and low-cost food programs available to people in need.
  https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/free-and-low-cost-food-directory 
• Pet Pantry – Operated by the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, offers pet food free of charge to those in need. Contact the Animal Shelter to arrange a time for pick up.
  coquitlam.ca/AnimalShelter
   604-927-7387

Mental Health and Substance Use

• Fraser Health Crisis Line – Immediate, free and confidential crisis intervention and community resource information to people of all ages.
  options.bc.ca
   604-951-8855
• Tri-Cities Mental Health and Substance Use Centre – Provided by Fraser Health, services include assessment, treatment, individual and group therapy, referrals to supportive housing, residential programs and community support services, transition of care between services, older adult programs, crisis intervention and peer support.
  https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Port-Coquitlam/tri-cities-mental-health-centre
   604-777-8400

Donations

• Share Food Bank – Accepts financial donations directly at https://sharesociety.ca/donate-to-share, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables and non-perishable foods.
  https://sharesociety.ca/share-food-bank
• Coquitlam’s Animal Shelter Pet Pantry – welcomes donations, including canned pet food, treats and durable toys.
  coquitlam.ca/PetDonations
  604-927-7387

See also Coquitlam’s Guide to Donating Locally (PDF).

Residential water metering is common practice for water utilities worldwide, and municipalities across the Lower Mainland are transitioning from flat rates to metering. Residential metering improves the alignment between how much water each person uses, and how much they pay for their water and sewer services. This also provides a financial incentive for people to conserve water and help protect our drinking water supply.

With a meter, people who conserve water could pay less each year for their water and sewer utility bills, relative to the existing flat rates.

Every property submitting a building permit application after January 1, 2025 will be required to install a water meter as a condition of building permit approval. Minor renovations worth less than $150,000 will be exempted from the water meter installation requirement.

Existing residential properties without any building permits planned are not required to install a water meter. However, later in 2025, additional details will be prepared and shared for any existing residential customers who might want to choose to have a meter.

An approved list of meters is available within Coquitlam’s Water Meter Specifications (PDF). 

Meters are typically installed at the property line, with one meter per water service. 

Individual units in a multi-family building do not need to be metered, as there will only be one meter installed at the property line.

A water meter can be installed by City of Coquitlam crews, or by a qualified contractor subject to the City’s requirements and standards. 

Work by a qualified contractor requires a plumbing permit and inspection by City staff along with the  associated permit and inspection fees. 

If it is preferred for Coquitlam crews to install the meter, the cost is included with Schedule F of Coquitlam’s Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF). The 2025 rates are as follows, and additional fees would apply if the water service also needs to be installed or replaced:

• 19mm meter = $2,162
• 25mm meter = $2,162
• 38mm meter = $3,550
• 50mm meter = $3,927

Note: larger meters require specific quotes 

Alternatively, you can request a quote from a qualified plumber to install a meter subject to Coquitlam’s requirements and standards. Meter sizing guidelines are included within Coquitlam’s Water Meter Specifications (Section 9) (PDF).

Approved water meters can be purchased through a plumbing supply company (for example: Fred Surridge, Flow Systems, and Gibsons).

The meter needs to be installed before final occupancy is granted, and will be inspected by City staff to ensure that the correct meter was installed according to City specifications and standards.

In 2026, the City will release an online portal, where property owners will be able to login to see their hourly water consumption. Property owners will also be able to set and receive alerts for high consumption and possible leaks. If the meter is installed in 2025, and if you would like to review your detailed consumption before 2026, please email Engineering and Public Works Customer Service and your detailed historical consumption can be provided.

Metered billing for residential properties will not begin until 2027. Flat rates will still be required for residential properties in 2025 and 2026.

Metered water and sewer bills are sent every 4 months, and similar to other utility bills, include a fixed base charge as well as a volumetric charge based on total consumption. Coquitlam also has a seasonal water rate, which charges a higher amount for water used between May – September, and a lower amount for water used from October – April. Additional details are available on coquitlam.ca/MeteredUtility.

Leaks on private property are the responsibility of the property owner to repair.

Please email Engineering and Public Works Customer Service or call 604-927-3500.

Homelessness in the Tri-Cities has increased 86% since 2020, reflecting challenges in areas such as housing affordability, poverty, mental health and addiction, which are primarily the responsibility of the Province. 

The crisis is being felt more acutely in our region due to the net loss of shelter and support services for the unhoused in recent months, including:

• Permanent closure of the expansion shelter at the SureStay Hotel, which had provided approximately 20 – 35 beds;
• Reduction of temporary shelter beds at 3030 Gordon from 30 down to 12 beds; 
• No Emergency Weather Response (EWR) location;
• Reduced winter shelter program at local churches and associated outreach services, which has decreased from the standard 6 months to 4 months; 
• Outreach service providers in the Tri-Cities receiving little to no funding through the Federal Reaching Home Program for new or enhanced services; and,
• The end of Provincial grant funding for essential community service providers.

The Province has not replaced the spaces lost. The increasing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and the reduction of spaces and services, along with compounding affordability, mental health, and poisoned drug supply crises have contributed to the development of an encampment along Gordon Avenue.

The homelessness crisis in our region reflects broader challenges, such as the rising cost of housing, food insecurity, and gaps in mental health and addiction services. While the City works to address public safety concerns and advocate for more resources, long-term solutions require substantial provincial coordination and investments in housing and support services by the province.

The City is closely monitoring the encampment through regular patrols by Bylaw Enforcement and coordinated efforts with Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam Fire Rescue. These measures aim to address safety concerns, manage impacts on the surrounding area, and support ongoing communication with residents and businesses.

The City is closely monitoring the encampment through regular patrols by Bylaw Enforcement and coordinated efforts with Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam Fire Rescue. These measures aim to address safety concerns, manage impacts on the surrounding area, and support ongoing communication with residents and businesses.

The City is actively managing the immediate impacts of the encampment by coordinating safety measures, conducting regular cleanup efforts, and advocating to the Province for additional housing and support services. City staff also work closely with local agencies and the provincial government to seek long-term solutions to homelessness, including the need for more shelter and supportive housing options.

The City has increased patrols, worked with law enforcement, and coordinated efforts to manage litter and other safety concerns around the encampment. While there are limits to what the City can do without more provincial resources, community safety remains the top priority in our response.

The City engages with local businesses to understand their concerns and provides support through regular communication and resources. Efforts include maintaining cleanliness in commercial areas, offering security advice, and facilitating discussions between business owners and social service providers to address specific issues related to the encampment.

The encampment requires daily involvement from various City departments, including Bylaw Enforcement, Public Works, and Coquitlam Fire/Rescue and the RCMP. This places a strain on local resources and highlights the need for additional provincial support to address homelessness.

Providing portable toilets and sanitation stations is not a simple solution. Past experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant challenges, including vandalism, theft, and hazardous materials like drug paraphernalia, which created safety risks for workers and the public. Further, these temporary unsupervised and unsupported facilities may also present safety risks to those using them. The City is working with the Province, through BC Housing, to explore solutions to address hygiene concerns at the encampment.

Coquitlam works within its municipal mandate to support affordable and supportive housing by facilitating partnerships, providing funding, and offering land for housing projects that assist vulnerable residents. Broader housing, mental health and addiction services remain the responsibility of the Province. The City is continuing to engage with and advocate to the Province to provide supportive housing and wrap-around supports.

Key contributions by the City include the donation of land for 3030 Gordon Avenue in 2009, the only facility of its kind in the Tri-Cities, and over $17 million allocated through the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to create hundreds of affordable and supportive housing units. The City has also committed $14 million to future projects, with plans to deliver more than 1,300 new units through additional funding requests. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/Housing. 

The City has consistently pushed for additional supportive housing through partnerships with BC Housing and local organizations. Despite these efforts, more provincial funding and resources are needed to meet the growing demand and ensure appropriate services are available for residents in need.

Coquitlam is an active member of the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group, which includes various non-profit organizations and agencies working across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody to respond to homelessness. The Task Group provides resources like the Tri-Cities Street Survival Guide and coordinates efforts to support vulnerable residents.

The City continues to advocate to the province for more shelter and supportive housing options through partnerships with the Province and local agencies. Coquitlam has repeatedly requested additional resources to meet the growing needs of the community.

In the Tri-Cities, two primary temporary shelter options have traditionally been available during extreme cold weather:

• Extreme Weather Response Shelter: Typically Extreme Weather Response shelters are opened in communities during the winter season on the worst weather nights of the year. While the Tri-Cities has had an Extreme Weather Response program in the past, due to location constraints, these shelter beds will not be available in the Tri-Cities during the 2024-2025 winter season. 

To locate Extreme Weather Response shelters in other communities, use the map at https://smap.bchousing.org/ or contact the BC211 Shelter and Street Helpline (https://shelters.bc211.ca/bc211shelters) for information about open shelter services.

• Tri-Cities Winter Shelter Program (Cold Wet Weather Mat Program): Operated by Progressive Housing Society in local churches, this program offers temporary overnight shelter during the winter months. The program has faced challenges in recent years due to increased demand and the complex needs of unhoused individuals, including mental health and addiction. For the 2024-2025 winter season the program will be open for four months (December – March) rather than the usual six month (October – March) time period. The City continues to advocate for provincial intervention to sustain and regularize these vital resources. 

The lack of a local Extreme Weather Response shelter program for the 2024-2025 winter season and the shorter opening period of the Tri-Cities Winter Shelter Program highlight the urgent need for the province to provide additional support and resources to assist unhoused individuals during extreme cold weather.

The City supports the Tri-Cities winter shelter program traditionally hosted by local churches, which has provided temporary overnight shelter during winter for over 15 years. However, the program is at risk due to the complex needs of unhoused individuals. Without provincial intervention, this vital program will be operating at reduced capacity for the 2024/2025 winter season and may not be sustainable in the future.

In British Columbia, the responsibility for housing, including emergency shelters, primarily falls under provincial jurisdiction. The Province, through agencies like BC Housing, funds and manages these services. While municipalities like Coquitlam support these efforts by facilitating land use, zoning, and local partnerships, the City does not have the staffing resources or expertise needed to operate shelters independently. The City continues to advocate for increased provincial support to address the needs of unhoused individuals during extreme weather conditions.

The winter/cold-wet weather shelter program has traditionally provided temporary overnight shelter during winter in local churches supported by volunteers. However, increased demand and the complex needs of unhoused individuals, have strained the program’s capacity. The City has advocated for provincial intervention to sustain this vital resource for the 2024/2025 winter season and beyond.