COVID-19 UPDATE: PORT COQUITLAM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES

PORT COQUITLAM, BC – Mar. 31, 2020… Port Coquitlam continues to serve the community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with more online services – including Council meetings – and continuing progress on important infrastructure work. 

Starting Apr. 7, Council meetings will take place using online conferencing software and be recorded for public viewing. Essential services also continue to be provided, including fire and police protection, water and sewer services, garbage collection and critical infrastructure maintenance and operations.

“The community can count on us to continue to provide essential services while ensuring the health and safety of our residents and employees,” Mayor Brad West said. “Doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 will remain a top priority, but at the same time, it’s important that the day-to-day work of the city continues where it is possible and safe to do so.”   

The provincial government issued a ministerial order last week to permit online Council meetings and voting, and to clarify the list of essential services cities should continue to provide.

Council and Committee meeting recordings will be posted to www.portcoquitlam.ca/council within 48 hours. Public hearing comments for rezoning applications can be provided to publichearings@portcoquitlam.ca or mailed to: Corporate Office, 2580 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam V3C 2A8. Comments for public hearings will be received up until the meeting. 

“We will get through these tough times together and in the meantime, we encourage the public to stay involved with the city, including following Council online and continuing to provide your input,” Mayor Brad West said.

As construction work is listed as an essential service, the city is continuing with critical infrastructure work at this time.

“We play an important role in keeping our community thriving and we are taking all necessary steps to provide as many of our services as possible, while keeping our employees and the community safe,” Mayor West said. “If you see our crews or contractors around the community, rest assured that they have been instructed to follow all public health precautions as they carry out their work.”

Many city staff are already working from home, and a variety of services are still being provided by phone, email and online, including services for businesses, the development community and seniors.

Information about the status of city services is available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19.

Business and Development Services

Recreation Services

  • Seniors check-ins, mailing list and online programming: sign up at www.portcoquitlam.ca/wilsonseniors, wilsonseniors@portcoquitlam.ca or call 604-927-7974.
  • Facilities will remain closed until further notice.
  • Summer program registration and leisure guide publication and delivery have been postponed until further notice.
  • Full refunds will be provided for activities or rentals affected by the closures and all monthly, annual membership passes and library due dates are suspended for the duration of the closure.

Additional Services

Stay Informed

For City information and updates, visit www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 or follow the City of Port Coquitlam on social media.

For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 8-1-1, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line a: 1-833-784-4397, or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool, visit BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.ca.

For more information and updates please contact the following resources:

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca