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Snow clearing, sidewalk duties and plow reports in Coquitlam
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Coquitlam owners must clear the sidewalks bordering their property within 10 hours after snowfall. Roads are plowed by priority, and many lanes are not plowed.
Key information
Coquitlam owners must clear the sidewalks bordering their property within 10 hours after snowfall. Roads are plowed by priority, and many lanes are not plowed. Use the Snow Response Request Tool for an uncleared sidewalk or road concern.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Who must clear the sidewalk and by when? | The property owner is responsible for all bordering sidewalks. |
| Who clears city and school walkways? | The city clears sidewalks next to its own properties, including the Mariner overpass and recreation facilities. |
| Will the city plow every lane? | No. |
Sources: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ · FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Owner duties and safe sidewalk width
Who must clear the sidewalk and by when?
The property owner is responsible for all bordering sidewalks. The city’s FAQ gives a 10-hour deadline after snowfall. This applies to the sidewalk beside a property as well as the front. The city does not clear ordinary private driveways or private-property sidewalk frontages.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
How wide should I clear the path?
Leave a walkable route wide enough for a stroller or wheelchair. Move cleared snow towards your property rather than onto the road side. If a plow fills the path again, the FAQ says the owner must clear it again.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Where should I put driveway snow?
Do not shovel it into the roadway. The city recommends placing it on your yard to the right of the driveway when facing the street. This can reduce the amount a passing plow pushes back across the entrance, although it does not guarantee a clear driveway.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Sources: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Where to pile snow and who can help
Who clears city and school walkways?
The city clears sidewalks next to its own properties, including the Mariner overpass and recreation facilities. School District 43 handles its school frontages and the Pinetree Way overpass. The ownership of the adjoining site determines the clearing responsibility.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
How can someone unable to shovel ask for help?
Coquitlam’s Snow Angels program connects eligible people needing help with nearby volunteers. Contact the program at 604-927-6076 and arrange assistance ahead of snowfall. This is volunteer support, not a promise that city staff will clear every requested driveway.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Which roads are plowed first?
Priority 1 covers emergency and transit access on major routes. Priority 2 covers routes serving schools, care facilities and steep local-road areas. Remaining roads are Priority 3. Timing can change with a storm’s intensity, duration and conditions; the city does not promise every street an immediate pass.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Sources: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ · FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Road priorities, lanes and response reports
Will the city plow every lane?
No. The FAQ says only priority lanes or lanes providing the only access to a home are plowed. Ordinary lanes may remain uncleared during a snow event. Report a concern through the city tool, but do not assume a report changes the lane’s classification.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
How do I report an uncleared road or sidewalk?
Use the Snow Response Request Tool, which sends location information directly to staff. While snow is still falling or primary roads remain uncleared, the city says it will not address local roads or lanes. Give a precise location instead of only a neighbourhood name.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Why has snow been pushed across my driveway?
Plows move road snow to the right. Snow piled on the road or the wrong side of a driveway can return across the entrance. Plow work serves the roadway and does not include clearing each private driveway opening. Keep snow on the property when shovelling.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
What should I move before plowing, and how does salting work?
Basketball hoops should be on private property rather than the street. Salting follows the same road priorities as plowing; rain or wet snow can wash away brine. Report dangerous icy locations through the response tool rather than assuming a treated road will remain ice-free.
Source: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ
Sources: FAQs - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ