News Flash

Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is sharing safety tips and reminders to help protect your home and family.

COQUITLAM, B.C., November 26, 2025 – With winter holidays approaching and colder, longer evenings, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is sharing safety tips and reminders to help protect your home and family.

• Lights and electrical safetyUse only CSA-approved light sets and do not overload circuits. Inspect lights before use and discard any that are frayed or damaged. When installing outdoor lights, use proper clips instead of staples, and remember to turn lights off before leaving home or going to bed.
• Heating appliancesEnsure furnaces, gas fireplaces, chimneys, and space heaters are in good working condition. Keep portable heaters at least one metre away from flammable materials. 
• CandlesChoose battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative. If you use open-flame candles, never leave them unattended. 
• Cooking safetyCooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. Stay in the kitchen and pay attention while cooking — never leave it unattended. 
• Carbon monoxideInstall a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location, following manufacturer's instructions. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless, colourless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. A buildup in your home can cause serious illness or be fatal. 
• Smoke alarmsInstall working smoke alarms on every level of your home and ensure that all family members recognize its sound. Smoke alarms save lives — and they make great gifts!
• Christmas treesWith fresh-cut trees, choose one with needles that are firmly attached. Make a fresh cut off the bottom, place the trunk in water, refill the water daily and keep the tree at least one metre away from heat sources. If your tree is artificial, be sure that it is fire retardant.
• Emergency escape planEnsure your family has an emergency escape plan with clear routes to get out of your house. Review the plan together and practice at least two ways out of every room, if possible. 

For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/SeasonalSafety. 

Media contact:

Scott YoungCoquitlam Fire ChiefFireRescue@coquitlam.ca604-927-6400

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Coquitlam is developing a new Urban Forest Management Strategy that takes a fresh, practical approach to protecting and enhancing the City’s trees and natural spaces as the community continues to grow.

COQUITLAM, B.C., November 26, 2025 – Coquitlam is developing a new Urban Forest Management Strategy that takes a fresh, practical approach to protecting and enhancing the City’s trees and natural spaces as the community continues to grow.

When complete, the Strategy will aim to support Coquitlam’s broader goals of environmental sustainability, livability and climate resilience by helping ensure the City’s trees continue to thrive for generations to come.

A Rooted Approach to Urban Forest Management

Founded in research and supported by community input, the Strategy will focus on actions the City can control to protect and grow the urban forest in achievable and measurable ways, including:

• Strengthening tree planting, stewardship and community involvement across Coquitlam: Introducing a greater diversity of tree species and sizes onto City property, exploring creative planting solutions in high-density areas and on school property through partnership agreements, and inspiring residents to plant and care for trees through education, incentives and volunteer programs.
• Expanding tree replacement requirements city-wide and introducing a cash-in-lieu system: Applying consistent tree replacement standards across all developments, and allowing developers to contribute funds when on-site planting isn’t possible, which will generate new resources to support tree planting, education, and maintenance throughout the city.
• Prioritizing incentives and education over new tree regulations: Maintaining Coquitlam’s current Tree Management Bylaw while expanding incentive and education programs to encourage more tree planting on private property and keep administrative requirements simple for residents. 

Rather than set an arbitrary tree canopy target, Coquitlam has opted instead for a flexible approach that reflects the reality of a growing and densifying community – particularly given new provincial housing requirements for more homes and density in existing neighbourhoods. The goals of the Urban Forest Management Strategy will balance housing needs with environmental sustainability while ensuring trees remain a defining and valued part of the community.

Research Finds Strong Roots with Room to Grow 

Early research found that Coquitlam’s urban forest is in good overall health. The tree canopy cover, defined as the percentage of land covered by trees when viewed from above, is about 52% overall and 33% within the urban area, which is above the regional average of 31%. This strong result reflects years of City investment in parks, green corridors and tree planting programs such as Tree Spree, which has added 5,000 to 10,000 new trees each year since 2022.

The study also identified areas for improvement, including:

• Expanding tree species diversity to make the forest more resilient to pests, disease and climate change.
• Creating better data and inventories of trees on City property to help make better decisions about potential areas for planting, or assessments of tree conditions.
• Increasing City-wide long-term planning for tree planting beyond individual development projects.
• Providing incentives and funding tools to support tree planting on both public and private land.

The results of the research will be considered alongside community input to develop a draft Urban Forest Management Strategy unique to Coquitlam.

What We Heard from the Community

Public engagement took place in the spring of 2024. The results showed that Coquitlam residents care deeply about trees and green spaces. The community highly values the urban forest and the role it plays in community health and livability. 

In the survey feedback, participants shared concerns about the pressures of climate change, housing densification and the loss of trees as neighbourhoods redevelop. Many participants said they want to see more trees planted, stronger protection for existing trees and more opportunities to get involved in tree planting and stewardship in the community.

Read the full What We Heard report at LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/UrbanForest. 

Next Steps

The early findings will be shared with the community and advisory committees in the coming months. A draft Urban Forest Management Strategy will be presented to Council in early 2026, followed by public review before the final Strategy is considered for adoption later that year.

Media contact:Wendy WiederickManager Urban Forestry604-927-6300parks@coquitlam.ca  

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Coquitlam continues to make major progress on the Burke Mountain Community Centre and Burke Village Park, with the completion of detailed design — the stage where the look and feel of the building and park are refined and finalized.

COQUITLAM, B.C., November 25, 2025 – Coquitlam continues to make major progress on the Burke Mountain Community Centre and Burke Village Park, with the completion of detailed design — the stage where the look and feel of the building and park are refined and finalized. 

Early site work and construction will start in 2026, with the community centre and park expected to open in 2029. 

Residents Invited to Celebrate and Learn More 

Come celebrate this major milestone, view renderings and learn more about the design and construction timelines, and speak with staff at an upcoming information session:

• December 4, 2025
• 5 – 8 p.m.
• Burke Mountain Discovery Centre, 3537 Princeton Avenue

Enjoy refreshments, fun giveaways and bring the kids for a special pajama story time with the Coquitlam Public Library, at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

A Vibrant Community Space

The detailed design brings playful and engaging elements throughout the facility, from the pool, fitness centre and gymnasium to the library and multi-purpose rooms, while balancing safety, functionality and sustainability. The pool will include unique spray features, a climbing wall and a drop slide — the first of its kind in Coquitlam. 

Inside, the main staircase will act as both a gathering place and a playful feature, with a small climbing surface for children to explore. The use of colour throughout the facility will bring energy to the space and make it easy for visitors to find their way around. Large interior and exterior windows will create an open, connected feel, offering clear views between the pool, gymnasium, library and lobby. Plans are also underway to incorporate public art in the community centre.  

A New Chapter for Burke Mountain

Nestled within the community centre, Burke Mountain’s very own Coquitlam Public Library branch will offer a curated collection designed around the interests of the local residents. Families can enjoy children’s programs such as Story Times and activities, with more offerings to come as the library branch grows.

The new library branch delivers on the vision set out in the Library Services and Spaces Strategy, developed in collaboration with the Coquitlam Public Library. Read the strategy at coquitlam.ca/library. 

Refining the Park Design

Next door, Burke Village Park is taking shape as an inviting outdoor space for everyday use and small community events. Colourful, moveable seating and umbrellas add flexibility to the plaza space, while a great lawn area has room to move while taking in the views. The water play feature has been refined to include a mix of spray styles from gentle mist to playful jets that will add fun for people of all ages and abilities. 

Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond energy efficiency, a comprehensive Sustainability Plan is guiding how the facility and park will respond to future climate conditions and how materials are selected. The community centre is projected to be one of Coquitlam’s most energy-efficient recreation facilities, with significantly lower estimated energy use per square metre than other facilities. There is also a dedicated Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) around the natural watercourses on site. 

Follow Along for Updates

• Sign-up for the City’s e-newsletters, the Coquitlam Current and the PRC E-News, at coquitlam.ca/connect.
• Follow @CityofCoquitlam on Instagram and Facebook
• Visit LetsTalkCoquitlam.ca/BMCC and “+ Follow” the project page for updates.

Media contact:Tobi MayDirector of Major Capital Projects604-927-6300BurkeMountainCommunityCentre@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

City crews will be completing maintenance work at the City Centre Sanitary Pump Station. Southbound traffic will be limited to a single lane along Lougheed Hwy between Dewdney Trunk Rd and the Coquitlam Bus Loop on November 26, between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What: Underground Utility Work

Where: Lougheed Highway at City Centre Sanitary Pump Station; located south of CPR Overpass between Dewdney Trunk Road and the Coquitlam Bus Loop (Location Map)

When: Wednesday, November 26,  between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather dependent).

Traffic Impacts: During active construction, southbound traffic will be limited to a single lane in this section of Lougheed Highway adjacent to the pump station. In addition, the multi-use pathway (MUP) on the west side will be closed. Pedestrian and MUP users will be detoured to the east side of Lougheed Highway. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, contact:Engineering and Public Works - Customer Service604-927-3500epw@coquitlam.ca

As part of the City's Pipeline Road Upgrade project, work continues along Pipeline Road between Guildford Way and Gabriola Drive. Please plan extra time when using this route or plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

 What: Pipeline Road Upgrades - Construction Update

Where: Pipeline Road from Guildford Way to Gabriola Drive

When: Ongoing to December 2025. Work will take place weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: At times, single lane alternating traffic will be in place, with possible turn restrictions at intersections. Pedestrian access will be maintained but there will be occasional detours. Please plan extra time when using this route or plan an alternate route to avoid delays. 

To stay up-to-date on project updates and for more information,  please visit www.coquitlam.ca/PipelineRoad and/or visit www.coquitlam.ca/NotifyMe to subscribe to Pipeline Road Upgrade Project to receive project updates via email. 

For more information, contact:Public Works Liaison604-927-3550pwl@coquitlam.ca  

The City's contractor will be completing underground work on Lincoln Ave, west of Pipeline Rd starting the week of Sept 8 for approximately three months. Crews will work Mon to Fri, 7 am to 7 pm., with potential Sat work. Traffic flow will be impacted.

What:  Water Main Work (Pressure Reducing Valve Upgrades)

Where: Lincoln Avenue, west of Pipeline Road  (Location Map)

When: Construction is scheduled to begin the week of September 8 and will take approximately three months to complete (weather dependent). Majority of the work will take place Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with potential Saturday work. There will be occasional night time work throughout the duration of the project. 

Traffic Impacts: During active construction, traffic will be limited to single lane so there will be occasional delays.  Please plan extra time when using this route or plan alternate route. 

For more information, please contact:Public Works Liaison604-927-3550pwl@coquitlam.ca