Floods can happen at any time of year in BC. Floods can damage buildings, cause power outages, disrupt transportation, create landslides and be a hazard for people.
Port Coquitlam proactively takes steps to prepare for the safety of residents and businesses should flooding occur, including: preparing and disseminating flooding and flood preparedness information to the public, liaising with other government and utility organizations, developing contingency plans, patrolling and maintaining dikes and pump stations, daily monitoring weather forecasts and river levels, and updating the City’s flood and evacuation plan as necessary.
The City monitors Environment Canada’s weather forecasts and updates from the provincial River Forecast Centre to provide information on streamflow conditions, and flood warnings and advisories.
The River Forecast Centre issues advisories and warnings about current or expected flood risks on the River Forecast Centre website. There are three stages of notification:
1: High Streamflow Advisory: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
2: Flood Watch: River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bank full. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
3: Flood Warning: River levels have exceeded bank full or will exceed bank full imminently and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.
You can also follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter) to get notifications for Flood Watches and Flood Warnings.
Several different types of floods may occur in Port Coquitlam:
Wet weather events:
Intense precipitation exerts additional strain on our drainage infrastructure. The City consistently strives to enhance and fortify its drainage system, particularly during wet weather events. To mitigate the risk of flooding, the City employs various strategies to maintain the peak performance of its drainage system. This includes regular maintenance, pre-event planning and continuous enhancements to ensure it can effectively manage increased water flow. Additionally, property owners can play a role in minimizing the potential for flooding on their premises by ensuring the drains on and surrounding their property stay clear from debris. In times of wet weather, the City promptly responds to safeguard against flooding and takes necessary action to protect its residents and properties.
Freshet:
Every year in May and June, BC experiences the annual snowmelt season, known as freshet. Heightened precipitation during the spring season and accumulated snow at higher elevations beginning to melt causes rivers to rise. The City monitors the freshet situation annually and proactively takes steps to prepare for the safety of residents and businesses should flooding occur. During periods of high flood risk, including freshet season, the River Forecast Centre provides information on current and forecast streamflow conditions, including modeled forecast data, and flood advisories and warnings. View the Port Coquitlam freshet map here.
Water infrastructure failures:
The City has over 200km of water mains distributing water to residents, businesses, schools and other users. The City has a program to operate, maintain and renew water mains and sewers on an ongoing basis. The City responds quickly to water main breaks, not only to restore normal water supply as quickly as possible but also to reduce the risk of flooding.
Sewer infrastructure failures:
The City also has a similar quantity of sewers, taking away liquid waste from properties. The City conducts proactive maintenance on its sewers and delivers a replacement program to ensure that the risk of sewer failure is reduced. The City responds promptly to all City sewer failures to reduce the impact on residents and the environment. As some overflows can be caused by blockages, residents can help to reduce the risk by not flushing inappropriate materials down the toilet (such as wipes) and by not pouring fats, oils and greases down the sink. Both can cause serious blockages in sewers which can then result in damage to and overflows from the City’s infrastructure. Residents and businesses can also assist by ensuring that their sewer (sanitary) service connection is regularly maintained and kept in good condition.
Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)
An atmospheric river event from October 18-20, 2024 caused overland flooding in Port Coquitlam. As a result of the damages sustained from this event, the Province of BC has declared this event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). The program may provide applicants with assistance to restore uninsurable losses that are essential.
How Do I Apply for Disaster Financial Assistance?
Individuals must apply to the Province of B.C. for Disaster Financial Assistance. Contact your insurance provider as a first step. They will provide you with information about your insurance coverage. For all questions related to the Disaster Financial Assistance program, email [email protected] or telephone: 1-888-257-4777 (toll-free).
Preparing For and Responding To Flooding
To stay informed during floods, sign up to receive City emergency alerts by downloading the free Alertable app. Alerts deliver crucial information and safety instructions from the City to keep you safe.
There are a number of activities you can complete to prepare for a flood.
- PreparedBC guide: Flood preparedness guide
- PreparedBC resource: Prepare for a flood
- City of Port Coquitlam resource: Personal preparedness information
You can stay safe during a flood by understanding flood advisories and warnings, evacuation stages, and actions you can take to protect yourself.
- PreparedBC resource: During a flood
Returning home after a flood can be overwhelming, but if you use caution and take things one step at a time, it is possible to recover and return your home to normal.
- PreparedBC resource: After a flood
Flood Plains in Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam has two flood plains – the Fraser/Pitt River zone and the Coquitlam River zone.
Resources
- Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery – flood preparation and prevention information
- Red Cross – emergency preparedness information
- Government of Canada – emergency preparedness information
- Government of BC – Flood emergency preparedness and response information
- Fraser Basin Council – Flood hazard management
Ministry of Transportation: Disaster Response Routes – A network of roads are identified that can best move emergency services and supplies to where they are needed in the event of a major disaster. Public awareness and cooperation is necessary to keep these Disaster Response Routes clear following an earthquake or other disaster in the interest of saving lives and protecting property.
Ministry of Environment: Integrated Flood Hazard Management Home Page – Everything you need to predict flooding, from the Water Management experts at the Ministry of Environment; who does what, and how it is done.
First Nations Emergency Services Society – FNESS assists First Nations in developing and sustaining safer and healthier communities through various programs and services.
Fortis BC – Flood information for homeowners with natural gas appliances: tips on what to do before a flood, upon evacuation, precautions to take and what to do after a flood.
BC Hydro – Information for homeowners regarding your personal safety, and your home’s electrical safety when you experience a flood, earthquake or wildfire.
BC Safety Authority – Home safety in flood situations: Protect your gas and electrical appliances and systems.
St. John Ambulance, Canada: Health and Safety Training – No matter what you do, it pays to have first aid skills. St. John Ambulance is Canada’s leader in first aid training and products.