City of Port Coquitlam
2580 Shaughnessy Street V3C 2A8 Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada

If there was a fire in your home, would you know how to get out quickly ? If your first way was blocked with flames or smoke, would you know a second way? Having an escape plan is an important part of your home fire safety plan, along with working smoke alarms. Your smoke alarm will let you know there's a fire and your escape plan will get you out safely and quickly ! To make a Fire Escape Plan:... Draw a map of each level of your home. Show all the doors and windows Know at least 2 ways out if possible Have an outside meeting place (something like a tree, lamp post or mail box) a safe distance in front of the home where firefighters can see you Teach your children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them Have a plan for everyone in your home with a disability Make sure everyone in your home knows how to call 9-1-1 from a cell phone or a trusted neighbours house Practice your escape plan with everyone in your home Make a home escape plan today! Stay Safe! http://ow.ly/4Gye50DEcCw

Spring into our spring break programs! Port Coquitlam families looking for fun options for their children and youth to move, create and connect can take advantage of the City’s outdoor day camps and swimming lessons. Camps will run Monday to Friday from March 22 to 26 and Monday to Thursday from March 29 to April 1. Check it out at http://ow.ly/aJwr50DEWZE. Registration for Port Coquitlam residents will open at 8:00 am on Wed, Feb 24, and Fri, Feb 26 for the general public. Register on-line at http://ow.ly/ChQD50DEWZD All camps will have the appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place.

Those ahead of the game wondering where the Utility Bills are they have been mailed out and should get to you soon! Due date is March 31st If you have not received your bill by the end of next week or have any questions you can reach our Tax staff at [email protected]. Payments can be made via:... Online Banking Pay at your Financial Institution Pay by Mail (Cheques only) 24 hour drop box at City Hall Utility bill discounts are available for seniors and people with disabilities on a limited income who meet certain criteria. Applications must be submitted each year before the due date to avoid penalty. http://ow.ly/Mpo150DDZTX

Move, Create and Connect at Afterschool Active at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre! Program starts Monday, Feb. 22 from 3:30 - 5pm for 6-10 years. Monday: Soccer... Tuesday: Basketball Wednesday: Floor Hockey We also have Playmania for Parents and Children 0 - 6 years of age. Come Play with us in your core bubble groups at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Registration is required at http://ow.ly/YCEw50DE1SD.

We're accepting applications for the Community Capital Projects Matching Grants program! Non-profit Port Coquitlam organizations, including sport, arts, environmental, parent/teacher and community-service groups are eligible to apply for matching funds between $1,000 and $10,000 for a future capital project that will take place within Port Coquitlam. Application deadline is March 31, 2021. We'll be hosting a grant info session on March 2 from 5-6pm via Zoom offering tips for successful grant writing. Register online at http://ow.ly/5jWN50DD3mv.

On Nov. 25, Council will consider a draft 2021-2022 budget that proposes an increase of 2.37 per cent for the average household but eliminates the $25 parcel tax collected from 2017 to 2020 to help fund the Port Coquitlam Community Centre construction. While the proposed increase may change following Council deliberation and public consultation, the city continues to take a rigorous approach to financial management. Overall, the 2021 proposed operating budget reflects Council...’s desire for affordable, efficient and effective city operations while investing in key community needs. The budget will carry through on Council priorities, such as increased bylaw enforcement, along with some enhancements to core services such as increased snow clearing, parks maintenance and litter collection that residents have been asking for and have grown in importance in the past year. While impacts of the pandemic will continue into 2021, the 2021 budget has been prepared with normal levels of service as a baseline, to ensure the city is prepared for any eventuality. As in 2020, the city will continue to closely monitor service levels and budgets throughout 2021 and adjust as necessary. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/media

Happy Diwali! We will be lighting up City Hall tonight in recognition of the festival of lights. If you’re celebrating, please do so safely and follow all provincial health orders - avoid large gatherings and celebrate only with your immediate household. You must have a permit to light fireworks. We wish everyone peace, happiness and good health. Enjoy and stay safe.

This year brought us the opportunity to provide a little extended time to our outdoor pool schedule. It was nice to have Centennial Pool open for this long but sadly to say, we must close for length and public swimming for the season, this Saturday Nov 21. We hope you enjoyed your swim, until next time! Check out portcoquitlam.ca/pools to switch/continue your swim to indoors for continued length and public swimming.... Don't forget pre-registration is required. Register at portcoquitlam.ca/register.

We are pleased to share a major affordable housing project in Port Coquitlam has taken a step forward, bringing the community closer to providing almost 450 new units for families and others who need housing support over the next several years. Council advanced bylaws that will facilitate continued progress on a 302-unit subsidized housing building at Gately and Kingsway Avenues and Ticehurst Lane. The project is in addition to a 63-unit building on Welcher Avenue that was a...pproved last month, and an 83-unit project on Prairie Avenue that was approved in the summer. The new projects will all offer non-market (subsidized) rental units in attractive, neighbourhood-appropriate buildings with resident amenities and family-friendly spaces. Almost two-thirds of the 448 proposed new units would be suitable for families of various sizes, including 181 with two bedrooms and 97 with three to five bedrooms. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/media

Next Tues Nov 24, City Council will consider final reading to changes to its tree bylaw that will expand protection for significant trees and include stronger penalties for breaking the rules. The proposed amendments, which received three of four readings Nov. 10, stem from a staff review and public feedback and are intended to clarify restrictions, address loopholes and protect more trees. Key changes include:... Reducing the minimum size for significant trees which may only be removed if they facilitate development or present a hazard from 60 centimetres (about 24 inches) in diameter at breast height (DBH) to 45 cm (about 18 in) DBH, Better clarifying when tree removal is prohibited, and when and where tree replacement is required, Raising fines for violations to $500 in most cases, with a discount for early payment, Requiring permits for any tree that is over 15cm DBH or 5m tall, and Considering all trees that are cut without a permit and removed to be treated as a significant tree in terms of penalties. They’re one of the many steps we’re taking to make Port Coquitlam a more livable and sustainable community for current and future generations. Details at portcoquitlam.ca/media.

Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating and the importance of doing it safely. If your plans include lighting fireworks, you'll need to apply for a Fireworks Permit from the Tax Department at City Hall before 3:00pm Friday November 13th. When using fireworks, remember: -Always have a hose or bucket of water near by -Only adults can light the fireworks... -Read the manufacturers recommendations on the fireworks for safe clearances and proper procedures -Never point the fireworks at other people or structures We hope you enjoy this year's festival! Don't forget to keep your group to your immediate family or household (no large gatherings) and to follow all of the most recent public health orders . Have fun and stay safe! www.portcoquitlam.ca/fireworks https://www.portcoquitlam.ca//know-the-fireworks-rules-an/

Batten down the hatches Port Coquitlam! Very strong winds are expected along the coast this morning as a deep pacific low moves up the coast. Please use caution in parks and on trails, and avoid forested areas. Please take a moment to check any catch basins out front & remove any debris around them. Much appreciated. If you have any problems with a city service please report it to portcoquitlam.ca/report or 604-927-3111. Current warnings in effect: http://ow.ly/CaBj50Cn5Xw

The City will invest more than $55 million over the next two years on projects intended to improve access and safety, boost the vibrancy of the downtown and ensure sustainable city services. Reflecting City Council’s ongoing focus on getting the basics right the core services residents and businesses rely on the 2021-22 capital budget focuses on upgrades to the transportation network, utilities and other key infrastructure, including improvements to parks and trails. Key... projects include the completion of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC), funding for traffic calming and pedestrian safety, and improvements to the downtown that will include the extension of the Donald St. Pathway from Wilson St. to McAllister Ave. and replacement of the McAllister St. pedestrian bridge over the Coquitlam River. Highlights of the draft 2022 capital program, estimated at $26.5 million, include: $7 million for road paving and utility replacements (water, sewer, drainage) $6.7 million for major utility facility replacements and upgrades (culverts, pump stations, valves) 1.3 km of new sidewalk and 1.2 km of new multi-use paths $1,230,000 for sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements $150,000 for traffic calming $200,000 for new streetlights $400,000 for lane paving $405,000 for school/park road safety improvements $1.6 million for park rehabilitation (turf replacement, skate bowl resurfacing, sport court amenities, athletic field upgrades) $60,000 for trail signage and network upgrades Replacement of the McAllister pedestrian bridge Design of Veterans Park and Leigh Square improvements Kingsway Avenue road improvements and multi-use path from Tyner Street to Coast Meridian Rd New public art to enhance the downtown Capital projects for 2021, totaling about $28.3 million, will include major improvements on Prairie Ave. and Kingsway Ave. to improve appearance, function and safety. For more details visit portcoquitlam.ca/media.