As the BC River Forecast Centre maintains a High Streamflow Advisory, the City of Port Coquitlam is monitoring conditions closely and taking proactive steps to help protect residents, businesses and property should flooding occur.
The advisory means river levels are rising, or are expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected at this time. Minor flooding in low-lying areas remains possible. Forecast heavy rainfall may also increase the risk of localized flooding, ponding on roads, and elevated water levels in ditches and drainage channels. The City is also monitoring upstream water releases by BC Hydro as part of the overall conditions affecting local waterways and drainage systems. Residents are urged to use caution near rivers and other watercourses, where currents may be fast moving and water levels can change quickly.
A significant portion of Port Coquitlam is located within the Fraser and Pitt River floodplain and protected by dyke infrastructure. In response to current and forecast conditions, the City is taking a proactive approach to flood preparedness and response.
The City’s response includes:
sharing flood preparedness and response information with the public;
liaising with government agencies and utility providers;
updating contingency and evacuation planning as needed;
patrolling and maintaining dykes and pump stations;
monitoring weather forecasts, rainfall and river levels daily; and
coordinating staff and equipment to support flood response operations.
City crews are actively maintaining critical storm sewer infrastructure across Port Coquitlam, including clearing trash racks, catch basins, culverts and outfalls to help keep water moving through the system. Teams are deployed on both the north and south sides of the City to monitor known flood-prone areas and take action where needed. This work is supported by a dedicated pump maintenance crew and flush truck team, which will remain in service throughout the event.
In response to current conditions, equipment and supplies have been positioned to support operations. An excavator has been staged at Hyde Creek where it crosses Coast Meridian Road, and an additional pump and generator have been deployed to Cedar Pump Station. Sand and sandbag stations have been replenished and are available at the Public Works Yard and Cedar Park. Other emergency equipment has been inspected and is ready for deployment if conditions worsen.
This work builds on the City’s established response planning and ongoing maintenance program. Preparations ahead of this weather event include monitoring forecasts and local conditions, maintaining drainage infrastructure, deploying equipment to priority locations, coordinating staff across service areas, and preparing for sustained operations during periods of heavy rainfall.
Property owners can also help reduce potential impacts by checking gutters and drains, ensuring sump pumps are working properly, and clearing leaves and debris from catch basins near their property where it is safe to do so.
Flood readiness starts with the same basic steps residents take to prepare for other emergencies, such as an earthquake, power outage or severe storm. Residents and businesses are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place and be ready to act if conditions change.
Floodplain maps and flood preparedness resources are available at portcoquitlam.ca/flood. Information about the City’s free emergency preparedness courses and resources for residents and businesses is available at portcoquitlam.ca/ep.
Download The Alertable App
Residents can download the Alertable app at any time to receive emergency alerts from the City of Port Coquitlam. The app provides updates on emergencies such as floods, fires, earthquakes, storms and other hazards affecting the community.
The Alertable app is free to download through the App Store, Google Play or links at portcoquitlam.ca/alertable. Notifications can be customized by alert type, severity and sound level. All users receive Critical Alerts for large-scale emergencies and natural disasters, including evacuation alerts and orders.
For additional information, monitor the City’s website and social media channels at portcoquitlam.ca. For field closure information and updates, visit portcoquitlam.ca/sportsfields or call 604-927-5455 for a recorded message.
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