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1. Gatensbury Fire Evacuees

Has the Reception Centre closed?

The Reception Centre closed as of Monday, March 11 as all displaced residents have been provided with temporary accommodation. 

For any immediate questions or concerns not addressed in this document, contact the Emergency Support Services via email at ESS@coquitlam.ca.

How long can I expect to receive temporary hotel accommodation through the Emergency Support Services?

We understand this is a difficult time for all residents affected by the Gatensbury fire. Most of the residents may now safely return home, and will no longer be provided temporary accommodation as of check out time on Sunday, March 17.

Residents who cannot reoccupy their units (see list above),  will continue to receive temporary hotel accommodation, along with meal and incidental vouchers, until Wednesday, March 27, 2024 through the  Emergency Support Service program. These residents will be provided an information update on Wednesday, March 20 at 2 p.m. in the Birch Room at the Executive Plaza Hotel, which will include more information on resources and supports available to assist you. Details on this information update will be shared by email and through notices at the hotels.

Where can I find ongoing information and updates?

We are committed to keeping you informed and will share updates on timelines and access as soon as information is available. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work to get accurate and updated information to you.

Who do I contact if I have further questions or require additional assistance?

See the Community Resources section of this FAQ for more information.

For specific requests or other inquiries related to the supports available to you, please reach out to Emergency Support Services by emailing ESS@coquitlam.ca.

I did not have insurance, what resources are available to assist me in replacing personal items lost or damaged in the fire?

We understand that losses due to a fire can be incredibly challenging, especially when you're without insurance to cover the replacement of personal items. See the Community Resources section of this FAQ for more information on local organizations, emergency assistance programs and charitable groups that may offer aid, such as clothing, household items and financial support.

Additionally, the Coquitlam Foundation is actively coordinating fundraising efforts to support residents displaced by the Gatensbury Fire. The Emergency Social Services (ESS) team is currently working closely with the Foundation to finalize the details on how affected residents can access this assistance. We expect to share more detailed information shortly.

How do I check the balance on the gift cards I was issued?

Through the Emergency Support Services program, affected residents were provided gift cards to cover meals and incidentals. It is the responsibility of residents to keep that card safe and to keep track of balances. Stores will not be able to tell you the balance on your card.

If there are not enough funds on the card, it may be declined at the point of purchase (e.g. if you are spending $15 but only have $14.50 on the card, it may be declined). You can also make partial payments (e.g. if you are spending $20 but the card only has $15, tell the vendor to take $15 from the card and you will have to pay the remaining $5 separately).

To check the balance on your gift card, visit jokercard.ca or call 1-855-288-0926. 

I understand funds have been donated to the Coquitlam Foundation for residents of 523 Gatensbury Street. How can I access that funding for me and my family?

We are grateful to the Coquitlam Foundation for stepping up to collect funds from community members looking to support affected residents. While we understand residents may be looking for longer-term solutions, at this time, our immediate focus is on temporary support and working to get as many residents back in the building as quickly as possible.

Once we have a clearer picture of the long-term impacts, the City will work with the Coquitlam Foundation to disburse funds based on needs and requests.

2. Offers of Assistance: How to Help the Residents of 523 Gatensbury

How can I provide financial assistance to those displaced by the Gatensbury Fire?

The Coquitlam Foundation is coordinating the collection and management of cash donations to ensure financial aid reaches those in need efficiently. 

Here's how you can contribute:

• Online Donations: You can make a donation through Canada Helps. Please indicate that your contribution is for the "Gatensbury Street Fire Assistance Fund."
  
  
• Cheque: Cheques can be made out to "Coquitlam Foundation" and sent to:
  PO Box 64710, Sunwood Square
  Coquitlam, B.C. V3K 7A1
  Ensure you mention "Gatensbury Street Fire Assistance Fund" in your correspondence.
  
  
• E-Transfer: Send e-transfers to treasurer@CoquitlamFoundation.com. The account is set for automatic deposit, eliminating the need for a password. Please include “Gatensbury Street Fire” in the message section of your e-transfer.

For direct contributions to the "Gatensbury Street Fire Assistance Fund," please use the link provided by the Coquitlam Foundation. 

Where can I drop off donations, such as goods, food or clothing?

We are grateful for your willingness to help, however, we kindly request that donations such as goods, food, clothing and household items not be brought to City facilities or 523 Gatensbury Street. Managing these items requires extensive resources and space, impacting our ability to offer direct assistance to those most in need.

Instead, consider some of the community donation centres listed in the Community Resources section of this FAQ or our Guide to Donating Locally.

3. Community Resources

General

• BC211 – Free, confidential information available 24/7 in over 240 languages, that links people to resources for help, including basic needs like food and shelter, as well as mental health and addictions support
  https://bc.211.ca
   2-1-1- (phone or text)

For Residents in Housing Need

• BC Housing – Provides assistance to those in need of emergency housing or ongoing housing support
   bchousing.org/HousingAssistance 
  604-433-2218
• Metro Vancouver Housing – Regional housing services with a focus on affordable rental homes for individuals with low to moderate incomes
   metrovancouver.org/housing
   604-432-6200
• Rent Bank (Tri-Cities Share) - Provides interest-free loans to renters, to help them maintain their tenancy through help with their rent payment, hydro/natural gas payment or security deposit
  https://sharesociety.ca/tri-cities-share-rent-bank
  604-540-9161
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – Assists people with services, including housing
   https://successbc.ca/service-categories/housing/
   604-468-6000
• YWCA Housing - Provides housing for single women and their dependent children
   https://ywcavan.org/programs/housing
  604-282-3113

Food Resources

• Food for Families (Port Coquitlam) – Provided by CityReach Care Society, serves vulnerable families, individuals, and seniors through pre-packaged food hampers; pre-registration required
  https://www.cityreach.org/FoodForFamilies
   604-254-2489
• Free and Low-Cost Food Directory – Coordinated by Fraser Health, provides a list of free and low-cost food programs available to people in need.
  www.fraserhealth.ca 
• Pet Pantry – Operated by the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, offers pet food free of charge to those in need. Contact the Animal Shelter to arrange a time for pick up.
  www.coquitlam.ca/AnimalShelter
   604-927-787
• SHARE Food Bank - Part of the Share Family & Community Services, this food bank provides food support to those in need.
  https://sharesociety.ca/share-food-bank

Mental Health and Substance Use

• Fraser Health Crisis Line – Immediate, free and confidential crisis intervention and community resource information to people of all ages.
  www.options.bc.ca
   604-951-8855
• Tri-Cities Mental Health and Substance Use Centre – Provided by Fraser Health, services include assessment, treatment, individual and group therapy, referrals to supportive housing, residential programs and community support services, transition of care between services, older adult programs, crisis intervention and peer support.
  https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Port-Coquitlam/tri-cities-mental-health-centre
   604-777-8400

Donations

• Coquitlam Foundation "Gatensbury Street Fire Assistance Fund" – coordinating financial donations through Canada Helps; donations can be made online, via cheque or through an e-transfer (see the Offers of Assistance section of this FAQ for more details).
• Share Food Bank – Accepts financial donations directly at https://sharesociety.ca/donate-to-share, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables and non-perishable foods; learn more at https://sharesociety.ca/share-food-bank.
• Coquitlam’s Animal Shelter Pet Pantry – welcomes donations, including canned pet food, treats and durable toys; details available at https://www.coquitlam.ca/473/Donations or by calling 604-927-3787

See also Coquitlam’s Guide to Donating Locally.

4. General

What is the current status of the building?

Coquitlam Fire/Rescue responded to a structure fire at 523 Gatensbury Street overnight on Thursday, March 7. Thanks to proper firewalls and an aggressive interior fire attack, the fire was mostly contained to one area of the building and most of the residents have now returned to their homes. In one section of the building, the units sustained significant damage and cannot be safely re-occupied.

What is known about the cause of the fire?

The incident is still under active investigation. The City of Coquitlam’s priority is to ensure the investigation's integrity, while respecting the sensitive nature and privacy of the residents affected by this fire. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we continue with this process.

What role does the City of Coquitlam play to support displaced residents during incidents like the Gatensbury Fire?

Emergency Social Services (ESS) are an integral part of British Columbia's response to emergencies, aimed at providing immediate and temporary assistance during the first 72 hours to individuals and families evacuated from their homes due to fires, floods, earthquakes, or similar crises. In scenarios such as the Gatensbury Fire, Emergency Social Services is responsible for offering essential support services, including food, lodging, clothing, family reunification, and emotional support, to address the urgent needs of those affected.

The coordination and delivery of Emergency Social Services in Coquitlam are managed by staff and volunteers, following the provincial guidelines established for emergency response. This structure ensures a consistent approach to the provision of Emergency Social Services across British Columbia, with adaptations as needed to meet the specific circumstances of each incident. Community partners play a supportive role in this effort, contributing to the overall response capability.

5. Media Inquiries

Coquitlam’s Communications and Civic Engagement team will work with members of the media to answer questions and set up interviews with the appropriate subject matter experts. To submit a media inquiry, use our online form at coquitlam.ca/MediaRequest or email media@coquitlam.ca. Where possible include your specific questions and your deadline to assist us in providing a timely response to your request.

After hours, we will reply to emerging incidents that impact public safety, or matters related to essential services only. All other inquiries will be addressed the next business day.