Snow & Winter Safety

Downtown Port Coquitlam with Snow

During the snow and ice conditions, the City of Port Coquitlam works extra hard to maintain a safe city for residents and visitors. Winter storms can create personal safety issues if you are not prepared.

Before The Snow Arrives

  • Winterize your vehicle and ensure you have good winter tires ready for when it snows.
  • Prepare your home – have your furnace inspected, shut off outside water and clean the catchbasin grates.
  • Assemble emergency kits for your home and car (click for details).
  • Stock up on food supplies and ensure your prescriptions are filled.
  • Make sure you have a snow shovel and other snow removal equipment (e.g. salt). Once the snow begins, it can be difficult to find these items in the stores.
  • Make alternate plans for getting to school and work in the snow.
  • Help family members who are elderly or have mobility issues make their preparations.

When It Snows

At Home Snow Tips
  • Put your snow shovel to work: all residential and business occupants in Port Coquitlam are required to clear sidewalks next to their property of snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall.
  • If you know of a neighbour who needs help shoveling snow, lend a hand and clear their sidewalks when you do your own.
  • People with a heart condition should use caution when shoveling snow. Use a smaller shovel, take your time, and see a doctor if you experience discomfort.
  • Keep children safe: don’t let them play in snow piles or roadside snowbanks.
  • Avoid parking on the street, as parked vehicles hamper snowploughs.
  • When shoveling snow, pile it on your property – not on the sidewalk or street.
  • Clear snow and ice away from catchbasins to allow the melted snow to reach the storm sewer. When catchbasins are blocked, street flooding can occur, turning the street into an ice rink when the temperature drops.
  • Clear snow and ice away from fire hydrants.
  • Check on neighbours and family members who may need assistance.
Out and About Snow Tips
  • Drive only when necessary, and only in a vehicle with good winter tires.
  • Allow extra time to get to your destination whether you are walking, taking transit or driving – slow down.
  • Dress appropriately for the inclement weather.
  • Always walk on the left side of the road facing traffic and pay close attention.
  • When you see a snowplough approaching while you are on foot, move to the inside of the sidewalk and stay far away from the road as it passes.
  • Stay off of the ice on lakes and ponds during the winter as the ice is too thin and poses a safety risk. Ice is not thick enough to support people or animals.

Snow Removal on Sidewalks

Port Coquitlam bylaws require all properties (including homes and businesses) to clear the public sidewalks next to their property as soon as possible after a snowfall.

This is important to ensure pedestrians can safely get to their destination – in particular, people with limited mobility such as the elderly and disabled, those who use motorized scooters, or mothers with strollers. A fine of $50 to $2,000 may be issued to those who don’t comply with the bylaw.

This is a continuing obligation. Snow and ice must be re-cleared as it re-accumulates.

Be a Good Neighbour!

Clear snow and ice from sidewalks is a difficult task for people who are elderly or have disabilities.

The City is no longer running its formal Snow Angels volunteer snow-shoveling program and is instead asking residents to take the initiative if they see that a neighbour needs help.

Consider clearing a neighbour’s sidewalks when you do your own. Shoveling snow is great exercise, and you’ll be doing your part to make your community a safer place.

Good Neighbour Recognition

Residents who receive ongoing shoveling assistance from a neighbour this winter are invited to nominate them for recognition through the Good Neighbour recognition program. All nominees will receive a t-shirt or another City-branded item during each month with enough snow to require shoveling.

Click here to nominate a neighbour.

Contact

Public Works
Tel 604.927.5496
24 Hour Emergency Contact 604.543.6700
Email publicworks@portcoquitlam.ca

 

Location and Mailing Address

Public Works
1737 Broadway
Port Coquitlam BC V3C 2M9

Business Hours 
7:30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)