News Flash

Advance polls are officially open today, making voting in Coquitlam’s general local election easier than ever.

COQUITLAM, B.C., October 5, 2026 – Advance polls are officially open today, making voting in Coquitlam’s general local election easier than ever. 

Advance voting is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

• Monday, October 5: Town Centre Park Community Centre (1207 Pinetree Way)
• Wednesday, October 7: Centennial Pavilion (620 Poirier Street)
• Thursday, October 8: Town Centre Park Community Centre
• Saturday, October 10 at Town Centre Park Community Centre, Centennial Pavilion, and Victoria Community Hall (3435 Victoria Drive)
• Tuesday, October 13 at Centennial Pavilion 
• Thursday, October 15 at Centennial Pavilion

 Visit coquitlam.ca/elections for a map of voting locations and details on what to bring to the voting place. 

Vote by Mail

Coquitlam voters can also vote by mail in the upcoming election. Pick up a mail ballot at Election Headquarters at City Hall anytime between now and election day. Mail in ballots must be received at City Hall by 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 to be included in the final ballot count. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/elections and click on “Mail Ballot Voting”.

Positions and Candidate Information

On Saturday, October 17, Coquitlam voters will elect: 

• One mayor
• Eight councillors
• Four school board trustees for School District 43 (Coquitlam – Area 1)

Information about candidates including a short bio is available by visiting coquitlam.ca/candidates. 

Two Separate Elections, Two Separate Votes

In addition to the municipal election, a provincial election has been declared for Saturday, October 24. Eligible voters will elect a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for their riding. 

Over the coming weeks, you will see campaigns for both levels of government at the same time, and Provincial advanced voting will overlap with Coquitlam’s general voting day on October 17. For the local municipal election, eligible voters can vote at any municipal voting location. For the provincial election, Elections BC will deliver “Where to Vote” cards to registered voters.

These are two separate elections with different candidates, voting locations, and days to vote. Visit the Elections BC website for information on the provincial election. 

Media contact:Stephanie NicholsChief Election OfficerCity of Coquitlamelections@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.

During Fire Prevention Week (October 4 – 10), Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is reminding residents to use and charge lithium batteries properly to reduce the risk of fire.

COQUITLAM, B.C., October 1, 2026 – During Fire Prevention Week (October 4 – 10), Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is reminding residents to use and charge lithium batteries properly to reduce the risk of fire.

Lithium-ion batteries power many devices in our homes — these include smartphones, laptops, smoke alarms, toys, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, e-scooters and electric cars. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and purchase only approved and certified batteries and charging equipment. Look for a recognized safety certification mark, such as UL, ETL or CSA, which indicates the product meets established safety standards.

Safe Charging is a Superpower

Stay Alert to Potential Problems

Proper Disposal - Recycle Batteries Responsibly

Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location - visit Recycle Your Batteries, Canada for more information, or coquitlam.ca/WasteWizard for recycling locations.

By following these guidelines, you significantly reduce the risk of a fire. For more information on the top fire causes and actions to prevent fires, visit coquitlam.ca/SeasonalSafety.

Media contact:

Scott Young Fire Chief604-927-6400FireRescue@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. 

Bears are currently out and about searching for food as they prepare for the hibernation months of winter. Residents can avoid conflict with bears by securing any attractants that could bring wildlife into their neighbourhoods and onto their property.

COQUITLAM, B.C., September 29, 2026 – Bears are currently out and about searching for food as they prepare for the hibernation months of winter. Residents can avoid conflict with bears by securing any attractants that could bring wildlife into their neighbourhoods and onto their property.

Bear Activity Increases in the Fall

Before winter, bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, in which their appetite increases to ensure they get the extra calories to bulk up before hibernation. This natural drive sends them searching for food wherever they can find it. Bear sightings are common in Coquitlam, and often, bears are just passing through neighbourhoods to move between natural habitats. If bears can’t easily find food in residential neighbourhoods, they will simply move on.

How Can You Help?

Residents can make their homes and yards more bear-resistant with these simple steps:

• Secure Your Attractants: Store garbage, green waste and recycling in a garage or heavy-duty enclosure. Only put carts out after 5:30 a.m. on the morning of collection day, never the night before. Keep all lower-level windows, entrances and garage doors locked to avoid unwanted visitors.
• Keep Carts and Bins Odour-free: Freeze strong smelling food waste until collection day and regularly clean your carts.
• Clean Up Your Yard: Pick fruit from trees, remove bird feeders, clean up spilled seeds, and bring pet food inside.
• Be a Good Neighbour: Take the Bear Smart Pledge and share what you know with friends and neighbours to help keep wildlife safe.

Why It Matters

Leaving garbage and green waste accessible to bears and other urban wildlife is prohibited. Under City bylaws, allowing wildlife access to unsecured carts can result in a $500 fine. Feeding wildlife is also illegal under the Provincial Wildlife Act. By securing attractants and removing the temptation, residents can help keep bears safe and wild.

If you see a bear:

• Stay calm and try to keep at least 100 metres away
• Do not scream, run or approach the bear
• Speak in a calm, low voice while slowly backing away
• Warn others to avoid the area

Reducing Bear Conflicts Together

As one of 12 designated Bear Smart communities in B.C., Coquitlam uses education and enforcement to raise awareness and ensure everyone is doing their part to keep both bears and humans safe.

To report wildlife attractants, including garbage or green carts set out curbside the night before collection, contact Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-3580 or BylawEnforcement@coquitlam.ca. 

To report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety or causes property damage, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Learn more about bear safety and City requirements at coquitlam.ca/BearSmart.

Media contact:Caresse SelkSenior Manager Environment604-927-3500epw@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 working on Falcon Drive, south of Guildford Way starting Tuesday, October 6 thru Thursday, October 8, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Northbound traffic will be impacted and pedestrian detours will be in place.

What: Utility Maintenance Work 

Where: Falcon Drive, south of the Guildford Way Intersection (Location Map)

When: Tuesday, October 6 to Thursday, October 8 (weather permitting). Work will take place daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Impacts: Northbound traffic  will be reduced to a single lane at the intersection and pedestrians will be re-routed to the west side of the street. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Driver Safety Reminder:When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.

Thank you for your patience as City crews completes this necessary work. 

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

Starting October 6, Dewdney Trunk Road between Cawthra Court and Pier Drive will be fully closed (24/7) to all road users, as part of the Metro Vancouver Dewdney Trunk Water Main Project. Please plan an alternate route.

What: Metro Vancouver Dewdney Trunk Water Main Construction 

Where: Dewdney Trunk Road between Cawthra Court and Pier Drive (Location Map)

When: The closure is scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 6 and expected to remain in place for approximately four months. The closure will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7). 

Traffic Impacts and What to Expect:

• Dewdney Trunk Road will be fully closed (24/7) between Cawthra Court and Pier Drive for approximately four months.
• Traffic will be detoured via Mariner Way and Barnet Highway.
• Dewdney Trunk Road between Mariner Way and Barnet Highway will be limited to local traffic only. 
• Pedestrians will be detoured via Dolphin Street and Mariner Way.
• Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time.

Driver Safety Reminder:

When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.
• Thank you for your patience as Metro Vancouver's contractor completes this necessary work. 

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hot spots.

For more information, contact:Metro Vancouver Information Centre: 604-432-6200After Hours Emergency: 604-451-6610Email: icentre@metrovancouver.org (Include “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” in the subject line of your email)Website: metrovancouver.org (Search for “Dewdney Trunk Road Water Main – Mariner Way Section” for more information or to sign up for project updates)

Metro Vancouver’s Stoney Creek Sewer Upgrade project will resume work on Chapman Ave, just east of North Rd, starting September 14. Chapman Ave will be reduced to single-lane alternating traffic and Gilroy Cres will be limited to local traffic only.

What: Metro Vancouver Stoney Creek Sewer Upgrade 

Where: Intersection of Chapman Avenue and Gilroy Crescent, just east of North Road (Location Map)

When: Construction is scheduled to resume September 14 and will be ongoing for approximately six weeks. Once work along Chapman Avenue is complete, crews will proceed south down Gilroy Crescent to begin the next phase of the project.

Traffic Impacts: Single-lane alternating traffic will be in place (24/7) along the work area. There will be no access to Chapman Avenue from Gilroy Crescent. Gilroy Crescent will be limited to local traffic only. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Driver Safety Reminder:When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.

Thank you for your patience as Metro Vancouver completes this necessary work. 

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hotspots.

For more information, contact:

Metro Vancouver Information Centre: 604-432-6200

After Hours Emergency: 604-451-6610

Email: icentre@metrovancouver.org (Include “Stoney Creek Sewer Upgrade –Coquitlam Section” in the subject line of your email)

Website: metrovancouver.org (Search for “Stoney Creek Sewer Project” for more information or to sign up for project updates)