The early signs of winter are showing across the Tri-Cities, including some snow on the roofs of homes in Coquitlam's Westwood Plateau neighbourhood on Sunday (Nov. 7).
Due to the changing weather in the forecast — mostly rain, but daily temperatures are expected to dip to less than 10 C per Environment Canada — local residents are being encouraged to start early winter preparations.
"Winter in the Lower Mainland can mean all kinds of weather, including snow and ice or wind and rain, that can cause flooding and power failures," says Coquitlam public works director Brad Lofgren.
"While city crews are out in full force 24/7 during snow events, we also look to our residents to be prepared for the winter season before we have severe weather impacts."
ON-STREET PARKING
First, let's clarify the rules of street parking in Coquitlam.
Since Nov. 1, restrictions are in certain areas to ensure snowplow crews have room to clear roads and make them safer when the snow flies. The rules are in place until March 15.
A city release lists the following areas with specific activated parking restrictions during a snow event:
- Corona Crescent in the Chineside area
- Hamber Court and Pritchett Place on Burke Mountain
- Upper Westwood Plateau area
Regardless of neighbourhood, residents are also asked to not park on their respective streets when snow is in the forecast and to sign up for alerts or follow Coquitlam's social media channels.
The city adds vehicles will be towed if there are violations against the on-street parking rules.
You can visit the winter wise page of the city's website for more information on seasonal parking restrictions.
HOW CAN I BE "WINTER WISE?"
Home and Property
- Clean the catch basin grates around your property regularly to prevent flooding
- Protect your home from falling branches by pruning dead branches and removing dead trees to reduce the danger of them falling on power lines or your house during a storm
- Shut off your outside water to protect outdoor faucets and other plumbing
- Isolate and winterize your automatic irrigation systems
- Consider an alternate safe heating system in case of power failures (not gas, propane or kerosene, which cannot be used inside)
- Follow directions and only use outside in well-ventilated areas, where the exhaust cannot enter the home
- Have flashlights, electric lanterns and extra batteries on hand, and make sure you have an emergency kit
- You can download a checklist on the city's winter preparedness and safety page
Vehicle
- Take transit during snow events, especially if you are not experienced driving in the snow, or if roads are impassable or dangerous
- If you choose to drive your vehicle, make sure to drive only with good snow tires
- They are made to handle snow, ice and lower temperatures better than winter-rated all-season tires
- Have a mechanic winterize your vehicle and make sure it is working properly
- Keep a small, portable emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, extra clothing, first aid supplies and other necessities
- You can download a checklist on the city's winter preparedness and safety page
You and Your Loved Ones
- Make arrangements with loved ones who live on their own and are elderly or have limited mobility to help them prepare for winter
- Don’t let important prescriptions, supplies or foodstuffs run low in case the weather prevents you from getting out
- When heading outside, wear warm clothing and solid shoes or boots with good traction
When it Snows
- During a snow event, city roads are plowed according to a priority system that supports the greater public safety and public transportation access
- Report areas of concern using the city's real-time snow reporting response tool
- As a responsible neighbour and citizen and, as per the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw, you are required to clear all the sidewalks around your property within 10 hours of the snow stopping
- Do not shovel your snow onto the roadway
- To ensure plows do not push the snow back onto your sidewalk and driveway, we recommend shoveling onto your yard and to the right of your driveway when facing the road
- While you are out walking, if a snowplow approaches, move to the inside of the sidewalk and stay far away from the road while it passes
Be a Good Neighbour
- Please consider helping your neighbour clear their catch basin, shovel their sidewalk, or move their garbage carts — especially if they are elderly or have limited mobility
- Volunteer to be a snow angel and help someone clear sidewalks
Changes to Waste Collection
- Heavy snowfall can affect the ability for waste collection to get to certain areas of the community
- If your garbage and/or green cart has not been collected by 7 p.m. during a snowfall event, bring it off the street or lane for the night and place out again after 5:30 a.m. the next morning
- If your carts are still not collected, please bring them in again and wait until your next regularly scheduled collection day
