COQUITLAM, B.C., August 5, 2026 – In response to the yellow-level air quality warning issued today by Metro Vancouver, the City of Coquitlam has activated a number of cleaner air spaces to provide short-term relief to individuals at risk and those suffering from the current air quality conditions in our area.
The air handling systems in the following facilities have been upgraded to provide improved indoor air quality when the outside air quality is poor. The public is welcome to access these cleaner air spaces during regular operating hours:
- Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court)
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Maillardville Community Centre (1200 Cartier Avenue)
- Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Coquitlam Public Library, City Centre Branch (1169 Pinetree Way)
- Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Coquitlam Public Library, Poirier Branch (575 Poirier Street)
- Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
All members of the public are also welcome to visit City Hall and any City recreation centres during regular business hours to enjoy a cool, air-conditioned indoor environment.
What is an Air Quality Warning?
Metro Vancouver issues air quality warnings for the entire Lower Fraser Valley airshed, including Metro Vancouver and parts of the Fraser Valley Regional District, when air pollution levels are elevated and may pose health concerns or are expected to reach those levels The warnings explain the cause of the problem, where it is in effect, and what people can do to stay healthy.
Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities, including Coquitlam, can be found at airmap.ca and https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html.
What is a Cleaner Air Space?
Cleaner air spaces are publicly accessible indoor spaces with upgrades to air handling systems to provide improved interior air quality, and offer short-term relief during times of increased air quality risk.
Coquitlam’s cleaner air spaces have charcoal filters to augment existing air filtration, updated mechanical systems that provide the option of recirculating interior air, and air curtains to help better seal facility entrances. The sites are not intended for overnight or extended stays.
Learn more at coquitlam.ca/CleanAirSpaces.
Tips to Protect Your Health during Smoky Conditions
Take these steps to reduce your exposure to or risk due to poor air quality, including:
- Keep windows and doors closed at home
- Keep vehicle windows closed and set air conditions to recirculate
- Spend less time outside and limit outdoor physical activity
- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids
- Buy a high-efficiency particulate air filtration system
- Stock up on medications for respiratory conditions such as asthma
Residents are also encouraged to check in on family members or neighbours with known respiratory or health risks.
Media contact:
Eva Kaczmarczyk
Manager Emergency Programs
City of Coquitlam
media@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.