COQUITLAM, B.C., April 17, 2026 – The City of Coquitlam is reminding residents to practice responsible fishing at Lafarge and Como Lakes following reports of a cormorant observed entangled in fishing line.

The City has been in contact with the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, and staff and volunteers are actively monitoring the bird’s condition. Due to the nature of diving birds, which can fly and submerge easily, safe capture is not currently feasible as the bird remains mobile. If you observe a change in the bird’s condition, please contact the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC at 604-526-7275 or the City’s Urban Wildlife team at urbanwildlife@coquitlam.ca 

The City is working with wildlife experts on a coordinated response and is exploring additional ways to reduce the impacts of fishing on local wildlife. Staff are also working with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to discuss potential mitigation strategies during peak fish stocking periods.

Managing Impacts in High-Use Recreational Areas

Lafarge and Como Lakes are popular, high-use urban parks that attract both anglers and wildlife. As both lakes are regularly stocked through the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, periods following stocking often see increased activity from both anglers and waterfowl, raising the risk of wildlife becoming entangled in discarded or abandoned fishing line.

While responsible fishing etiquette is promoted through the City’s free Learn to Fish program and signage at both locations, improperly discarded line continues to pose a serious risk to birds and other wildlife.

City crews and volunteers work year-round to keep parks clean and safe. This includes:

• Routine shoreline maintenance and litter removal, including fishing line
• Two annual clean-ups specifically focused on removing discarded fishing line
• Ongoing support from Adopt-a-Park and trail volunteers, who help remove litter and report hazards for staff follow-up
• Bylaw park patrols at Lafarge Lake, and other City parks – those caught littering are subject to enforcement.  

How Can You Help?

Park-users are asked to do their part to protect local wildlife:

• Never leave fishing line, hooks or tackle behind
• Properly dispose of all fishing gear and litter
• Retrieve and safely discard any stray line you come across
• Report any discarded fishing line that can’t be safely retrieved to the City
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife and report injured animals to the Wildlife Rescue Association. 

By taking a few simple steps, anglers can help ensure Lafarge and Como Lakes remain safe and enjoyable for everyone who shares these spaces.

Report a Concern

Residents are reminded to not approach any birds that may seem in distress as they could end up injuring the creature or themselves. Instead, please report injured or distressed birds to the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC at 604-526-7275.

Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Senior Manager, Environment
604-927-3500
epw@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.