As winter approaches, the City of Port Coquitlam is preparing for the colder months ahead and encouraging residents to take steps now to stay ready. While the forecast shows dry conditions for the coming week, overnight temperatures are expected to fall to 1–3°C, creating the potential for frost, icy patches and other early-season winter conditions.
The City’s winter-response fleet includes over 800 tonnes of salt, 20,000 litres of brine, plows, sanders, bobcats, utility vehicles and light-duty trucks designed for cul-de-sacs and narrower areas.
The City also uses a Snowplow Tracker that provides real-time location and route information during snow events. When snowfall arrives later in the season, residents will be able to view plow activity and track progress at portcoquitlam.ca/snow.
Road Clearing, Waste Collection and Sidewalks
When snowfall occurs, the City will maintain its priority approach to snow and ice clearing:
- First Priority: Main and arterial roads, steep hills, and school zones on steep inclines.
- Second Priority: Bus routes, school zones (flat areas), and collector roads.
- Third Priority: Residential streets leading to subdivisions, industrial side streets, and back lanes.
Note: Second- and third-priority routes are not serviced until first-priority routes are clear and maintained.
The Ministry of Transportation maintains the Mary Hill Bypass and portions of Lougheed Highway.
If icy conditions make roads unsafe, waste collection may be delayed. Updates will be provided through the PoCo Sort & Report app, City social media and at portcoquitlam.ca/snow.
The City clears sidewalks adjacent to parks, bridges and other city-owned properties. Port Coquitlam property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks free of snow and ice adjacent to their properties.
When shoveling your driveway, please pile the snow on the left side of the driveway (facing your property). This will improve your visibility of approaching traffic and will reduce snow windrows resulting from plow trucks dragging your snow pile back into your driveway.
Residents and businesses must clear sidewalks bordering their property by 10:00 a.m. after a snowfall. A $150 fine applies for non-compliance.
Waste Collection During Snowfall
In the event of snow, waste collection will be prioritized for garbage. If road conditions are hazardous, waste collection may be temporarily suspended. Notifications will be posted on the PoCo Sort & Report app, social media channels, and at portcoquitlam.ca/snow. Crews will collect missed waste after completing the regular routes, which may result in delays.
How Residents Can Prepare Now
- Have salt, de-icer and shovels ready
- Install winter tires and winterize your vehicle
- Keep gutters and catch basins clear of leaves
- Update home and vehicle emergency kits (portcoquitlam.ca/ep)
- Keep phones charged and maintain a backup power source
- Plan for alternate travel options on icy mornings
Supporting Vulnerable Populations
The City collaborates with BC Housing, Progressive Housing Society, Fraser Health, and the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group to provide support for unhoused or vulnerable individuals in the area. Services include:
- City Staff Assistance: Bylaw officers and other City staff will continue to check on vulnerable individuals and connect them with outreach services.
- Tri-Cities Street Survival Guide: Available at portcoquitlam.ca/housing, this guide lists resources for those in need.
- Shelter Map and Warming Centres: The BC Housing Emergency Shelter Map is available at smap.bchousing.org, and additional warming locations can be found at EmergencyMapBC.ca.
Residents are encouraged to check on family, friends and neighbours who may need support during colder nights.
For winter-readiness information and service updates, visit portcoquitlam.ca/snow, use the PoCo Sort & Report app, or call 604.927.3111.
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