Port Coquitlam residents can now get access to free N95 face masks to filter out fine particles from B.C. wildfire smoke.
The masks, designed to filter out harmful particles, are available at the following locations:
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre (2150 Wilson Ave.)
- Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier Ave.)
- Port Coquitlam city hall (2590 Shaughnessy St.)
Port Coquitlam has approximately 15,000 masks to hand out.
"Port Coquitlam is the only city taking this common sense step and I’m proud that we are always going the extra mile for our residents," Mayor Brad West told the Tri-City News.
The N95 masks are being given out to help those that have health issues with smoke.
The service comes as Metro Vancouver has issued an air quality advisory due to ongoing smoke from B.C. wildfires.
Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities, including Port Coquitlam, can be found on Metro Vancouver's website, as well as the provincial government's BC Air Quality page.
Meanwhile, the City of Coquitlam has opened up clean air spaces in buildings with upgraded air handling systems that use charcoal filters to filter out fine particles.
According to airmap.ca, operated by Metro Vancouver, the Tri-Cities is currently under a moderate risk air quality advisory.
