News Flash

The City of Coquitlam has awarded more than $129,000 in grants to support local not-for-profits in our community.

COQUITLAM, B.C., December 16, 2025 – The City of Coquitlam has awarded more than $129,000 in grants to support local not-for-profits in our community.   

Fall 2025 Grant Funding and Recipients

Through the Spirit of Coquitlam grant program, 17 community groups received funding that will help them to host events, launch programs, and create opportunities that bring people together in meaningful ways and support projects that make Coquitlam an even better place to live.

Spirit Grants are provided twice a year to help local non-profits turn their ideas into action. To be selected, projects need to support the City’s strategic goals, meet grant eligibility, and request funding from one of six funding streams: capital projects, community support, festivals and events, playground equipment (spring only), sport hosting and sports equipment. 

Refer to the backgrounder below for more details on this season’s recipients. 

The next grant intake will open February 2, 2026. Details about the program and application process are available at coquitlam.ca/SpiritGrant. 

About the Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Program

The Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Program was created in 2002 to assist local organizations in meeting their mandates and community goals. Since 2002, through this program, the City has awarded more than $10.2 million to 280 different community organizations. Funding for the program is derived from the Casino Host Agreement revenue. Full program details are available at coquitlam.ca/SpiritGrant.

Media Contact:Jenny LushDirector Parks and Recreation Planning604-927-3587CommunityGrant@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples. 

Backgrounder

Fall 2025 Spirit of Coquitlam Grant Recipients

Coquitlam is updating its approach to art in public spaces, ensuring the City’s growing collection remains sustainable, accessible and reflective of our diverse community.

COQUITLAM, B.C., December 10, 2025 – Coquitlam is updating its approach to art in public spaces, ensuring the City’s growing collection remains sustainable, accessible and reflective of our diverse community. 

Over the last decade, Coquitlam’s collection of art in public spaces has grown to 54 artworks and two kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Cultural Recognition pieces enriching parks, streetscapes and civic spaces. From murals and sculptures to artful street furniture, the collection of art reflects the City’s history, values and culture while enhancing community vibrancy, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting economic development. 

Investing in Creativity Across Our City

A new Art in Public Spaces Plan will expand the 2011 Public Art Policy and Program Plan and provide an updated framework for care of the current art collection and guidance for future installations. By planning for the collection’s maintenance and growth, Coquitlam ensures residents and visitors can continue to enjoy meaningful art in public spaces that celebrates the city’s history, diversity and culture.

Over the past decade, Coquitlam has delivered a number of significant art projects that foster community partnerships and enrich public spaces across the city. Examples of initiatives include:

• Coquitlam 125 Salmon Project: 12 decorated fibreglass salmon – designed by Jody Broomfield (Squamish Nation) and painted by local artists – were installed in parks and civic locations, supported by business sponsors and the Government of Canada.
• Evergreen Extension Public Art Collection: In partnership with TransLink, 11 art pieces were commissioned for Coquitlam’s four SkyTrain stations, ranging from large sculptures to mosaic installations celebrating the city’s history and cultural diversity and supported by the Province.
• Streetscape Enhancement Program: This program introduced 10 murals and six artist-designed benches across Coquitlam, supported by a provincial grant and partnerships with local businesses.

Residents and visitors can explore many of these works through two of Coquitlam’s Self-Guided Public Art Tours, which provide maps, detailed art descriptions and the opportunity to explore the city’s art collection at their own pace. For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/ArtCollection.

Caring for the Collection and Shaping Its Future

Valued at approximately $2.35 million, Coquitlam’s art collection requires ongoing care to remain vibrant and engaging. The new Art in Public Spaces Plan will guide conservation and restoration of each piece, identify opportunities for future installations, support partnerships and funding, and ensure equitable access to art across the city. With this focus in mind, Coquitlam ensures that its art collection continues to inspire, reflect and celebrate the city’s rich history and diverse communities. Staff will use the plan to shape the future of art in public spaces in Coquitlam.

More Ways to Connect with Us

Visit coquitlam.ca/connect for more ways you can keep up with City matters:

• Follow @cityofcoquitlam on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
• Download the free CoquitlamConnect app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Subscribe to our other e-newsletters, such as our Parks, Recreation and Culture E-news, which provides the latest recreation-specific news.
• Watch Council meetings in person or online.

Media contact:Hilary LetwinCulture Services Manager604-927-6288hletwin@coquitlam.ca  

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Coquitlam residents are advised to prepare for 50 to 80 mm of rain between Tuesday night and Wednesday evening.

COQUITLAM, B.C., December 9, 2025 – Coquitlam residents are advised to prepare for 50 to 80 mm of rain between Tuesday night and Wednesday evening.

The warm air system bringing this rain means freezing levels will also rise, creating snowmelt that poses high stream flows and a risk of localized flooding. 

City Taking Preventative Measures

The City takes proactive and preventative measures to help manage the impacts on the community and City services such as:

• Ensuring critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition.
• Having crews inspect and clear catch basins and culverts with a priority focus on known problem areas and to deal with other reported issues as required.
• Monitoring water levels along the Fraser and Coquitlam rivers to gauge response and mitigation measures as needed.
• Reminding construction sites to prepare for heavy rainfall and inspecting developments to ensure compliance with City bylaws.
• Conducting annual tree assessments to remove hazardous trees from public spaces.
• Having additional crews and equipment on standby and ready to respond to emerging situations.

As part of these standard measures, City crews are actively sweeping roadways to clear any debris.

Preparing for Risky River Conditions

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a flood watch with river levels rising and potentially reaching or exceeding banks. Fast-flowing rivers pose a higher risk to life safety; therefore, we urge residents to stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creeks, including potentially unstable riverbanks.

Visit PreparedBC’s resources on preparing for flood hazards, and the City’s webpage on flood preparedness.

Residents Can Help Reduce the Risk of Flooding

Localized flooding can happen when drain pipes become blocked by tree roots or debris. Residents can help reduce flooding by:

• Clearing gutters and catch basins: Keep the catch basins near your property and gutters on buildings clear of leaves and debris. Rake up leaves and debris to prevent them from plugging drains. View our catch basins map, and consider adopting one near you.
• Clearing ditches and culverts: If you have an open ditch along or next to your property, check to see that it is clear. Common items such as toys, balls, and other debris can often get lodged in the culverts and cause water to back up.
• Do not blow leaves from private property onto City streets: Doing so can greatly increase flooding risk by blocking catch basins.
• Cleaning foundation drains and sumps: These drains collect water from homes and properties, and direct it to the City storm sewer. The pipes can become blocked by leaves, dirt, roots or debris and should be flushed out periodically, or in some cases replaced. 
• Repairing broken or damaged pipes: Broken or damaged pipes can cause blockages and flooding of your home. Check that your home drainage system is working properly.

Report emergency City drainage problems to Coquitlam’s Engineering and Public Works line at 604-927-3500 or by completing our Online Service Request form, which are both available and monitored 24 hours a day. 

Staying Safe Out in the Community

• Motorists and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when traveling in heavy rain, and treat any intersection with a traffic signal that is blank or flashing as an all-way stop.
• Watch out for and avoid walking or driving through pooling water on roads and pathways. Do not wade through flood water.
• Watch for falling trees or branches and postpone hiking through forested parks and trails, in particular pathways along ravines or steeper slopes, due to increased landslide risk.
• Never touch hanging power lines.
• Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

Visit coquitlam.ca/HeavyRainfall for more tips.

Media contact:

Brad LofgrenDirector, Public Worksepw@coquitlam.ca604-927-3500

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.

Full road closure of Inlet Street from Sechelt Drive and Toba Drive, will be in effect on Wednesday, December 17 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for setting up a crane for the development at 1184 Inlet Street. Traffic will be detoured. Plan alternate route.

What: Crane set-up for the development at 1184 Inlet Street

Where:  Inlet Street between Sechelt Drive and  Toba Drive (Location Map)

When: Wednesday, December 17, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: This section of Inlet Street adjacent to the development site will be fully closed to traffic and traffic will be detoured. Please plan an alternate route.

For more information, contact:Engineering and Public Works Customer Service604-927-3000epw@coquitlam.ca 

City crews will be completing repairs to the CPR Overpass along Lougheed Highway, between Dewdney Trunk Road and the Coquitlam Bus Loop. Work is scheduled on December 18 and 19, nightly between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Traffic will be impacted.

What: Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Overpass - Repairs

Where: Lougheed Highway at CPR Overpass, located between Dewdney Trunk Road and the Coquitlam Bus Loop (Location Map)

When: Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19 (weather dependent). Due to high traffic volumes, work will take place during overnight hours between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

Traffic Impacts: During active construction, the southbound and northbound curb lanes will be impacted at various times. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or plan extra time when using this route.

Travel with caution through construction zones, watch for work crews and equipment, and obey all traffic personnel and signs, including construction speed limits. Thank you for your patience.

For more information, contact:Engineering & Public Works - Customer Service604-927-3500epw@coquitlma.ca 

As part of the City's Pipeline Road Upgrade project, work continues along Pipeline Road between Guildford Way and Gabriola Drive. Please plan extra time when using this route or plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

 What: Pipeline Road Upgrades - Construction Update

Where: Pipeline Road from Guildford Way to Gabriola Drive

When: Ongoing until early 2026 . Work will take place weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: At times, single lane alternating traffic will be in place, with possible turn restrictions at intersections. Pedestrian access will be maintained but there will be occasional detours. Please plan extra time when using this route or plan an alternate route to avoid delays. 

To stay up-to-date on project updates and for more information,  please visit www.coquitlam.ca/PipelineRoad and/or visit www.coquitlam.ca/NotifyMe to subscribe to Pipeline Road Upgrade Project to receive project updates via email. 

For more information, contact:Public Works Liaison604-927-3550pwl@coquitlam.ca