News Flash

Coquitlam’s Junior Firefighter Program is now accepting applications from grade 11 and 12 students for its 2027 program.

COQUITLAM, B.C., November 10, 2026 – Coquitlam’s Junior Firefighter Program is now accepting applications for 2027, offering students in grades 11 and 12 the chance to explore a career in firefighting. 

Presented in partnership with School District No. 43, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s Junior Firefighter Program has seen 94 youth successfully graduate from the respected program since its launch in 2019.

Applying to the 2027 Program

The program will take place the first week of spring break, March 12 – 19, 2027. Details on the application process, timeline and the online application form are available at coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter.

In addition to the in-depth application form, prospective students will also need to participate in a personal interview and a fitness test to ensure they meet academic and physical requirements.

Deadline: The application period closes at 5 p.m. on December 4, 2026.

Program Highlights and Goals

Coquitlam’s Junior Firefighter Program is a condensed version of the eight-week firefighter basic training program, with both hands-on activities and classroom instruction. Highlights include aerial ladder experience, basic first aid and CPR/AED (defibrillator), hose and nozzle drills, high angle equipment and rappelling, auto extrication exercises, fire ground drills, fire extinguisher training, and a public service component. 

Check out a video from the 2026 program to see and hear from the students in action. 

Coquitlam Fire/Rescue hopes to attract students from diverse backgrounds, with a wide range of interests and experiences. The goal is to provide them with unique and rewarding hands-on training experiences that have potential to lead to a career as a firefighter.

Visit coquitlam.ca/JuniorFirefighter for all the program information and a link to the School District’s application form.

Media contact:

Chris FoxDeputy Fire ChiefCity of Coquitlamfirerescue@coquitlam.ca 604-927-6400 

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.

This winter you can lend your neighbours a hand, and spread a little kindness, by becoming a Coquitlam Snow Angel.

COQUITLAM, B.C., November 9, 2026 – This winter you can lend your neighbours a hand, and spread a little kindness, by becoming a Coquitlam Snow Angel. 

Get Involved — Become a Snow Angel 

Winter isn’t easy for everyone. For many seniors and people with disabilities, a snow-covered sidewalk can mean being stuck inside until the path becomes safe and clear, and that’s where Snow Angels come in. 

We’re looking for volunteers across the city to help shovel and clear City sidewalks within 10 hours after a snowfall.

As a Snow Angel, you’ll be matched with nearby neighbours who need a little extra help. Volunteers must be 16 or older or have adult supervision. Everyone who signs up gets a cozy winter kit to get started, complete with a shovel, toque, scarf, ice cleats, safety vest, and mitts. You can sign up on your own or volunteer as a family or group.

Why Volunteer?

• Keep your neighbourhood safe and accessible
• Make new connections and build family memories
• Earn volunteer hours for school or community service

Join Coquitlam’s team of Snow Angels and make winter a bit brighter at coquitlam.ca/SnowAngels.

Need Help with Snow Clearing? Get Matched with a Snow Angel

Residents 65 or older, or people with disabilities, can be matched with a neighbourhood volunteer who can clear snow from their adjacent City sidewalks. Please note that volunteers are not able to shovel private driveways or walkways.

Information about the Snow Angels program and requirements for volunteers and recipients can be found at coquitlam.ca/SnowAngels. The program staff can also be reached by phone at 604-927-6076 or CommunityAccess@coquitlam.ca.

Get Winter Wise

Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures. While the City works to keep roads safe and reduce service disruptions, residents are encouraged to do their part by clearing sidewalks and catch basins, parking off-street to allow for plowing, and getting prepared for extended power failures or impassable roads. 

More information about City services and resident responsibilities during the winter months can be found at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise. 

Media contact:Karen BasiManager Community Recreation604-927-6962CommunityAccess@coquitlam.ca

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

Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor light display, Lights at Lafarge, makes it debut on November 27 with new light exhibits, delicious food and lively entertainment.

COQUITLAM, B.C., November 5, 2026 – Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor light display, Lights at Lafarge, makes it debut on November 27 with new light exhibits, delicious food and lively entertainment.

Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park will once again be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland for the next few months. Come explore dazzling displays all around Lafarge Lake, including a few new ones showcasing BC’s local wildlife, large and small. 

Start the Season with a Sparkle

The seasonal magic kicks off at Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way) on Friday, November 27 from 5 – 8 p.m. with an evening of sparkling lights, live music and family fun. Enjoy performances by:

• Coastal Sound Children’s Choir
• A cappella vocal band, Quayside Voices
• Dynamic 6-piece band, The Unified
• 10th Year Edition: The Lafarge Fire & Light Show by N.Z.R. Productions

Explore delicious eats from food vendors serving 5 – 9 p.m., with options for a range of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher and more. See the full list of food vendors at coquitlam.ca/lights.

Festive Fun Around Every Corner

Take a stroll around the shimmering lake loop and check out:

• Giveaways with Evergreen Arts 
• Hands-on art activity with Place des Arts
• A world of stories with Coquitlam Public Library’s mobile library
• Join a Light Brigade activity with Coquitlam’s Park Spark

Plan your evening with the full schedule of events at coquitlam.ca/lights. 

Share your experience with us by tagging #LightsAtLafarge and #ExploreCoquitlam. 

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Visit

Bundle up and consider taking transit, biking, or carpooling — the Lafarge Lake–Douglas SkyTrain Station is just steps away. There will be no parking for the event at Town Centre Park Community Centre or Evergreen Cultural Centre.

To see a full map of parking options, visit coquitlam.ca/lights . 

Corporate Partners Support Community Events 

Thank you to our Lights at Lafarge partners for their support of the event this year. 

Our Season Community Partner this year is BCLC. Through its Community Impact Program and the BCLC Human Connection Project, BCLC supports experiences that give people more opportunities to come together and connect.

Our kick off event partners include: 

• Food Truck Feature Partner: Amrize
• Warming Tent Feature Partner: Century Group
• Fire Show Major Partner: Port of Vancouver
• Supporting Partners: BTM Lawyers, RBC, Nando’s, BC Hydro, and Fortis BC

Coquitlam's Corporate Partners program builds relationships with the business community and provides revenue to enhance City events, programs and services. For information, visit coquitlam.ca/CorporatePartners or email CorporatePartners@coquitlam.ca. 

 Media contacts:

For inquiries about the Lights at Lafarge kick-off event, email FestivalsAndEvents@coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-3699. 

For general inquiries about the Lights at Lafarge season, email ParksCustomerService@coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-6300.

Heidi HughesTourism & Visitor Economy Manager604-927-3699FestivalsAndEvents@coquitlam.ca

 Kathleen ReinheimerManager Parks604-927-6300ParksCustomerService@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. 

The City’s contractor will be working at the intersection of Clarke Road and Glenayre Drive starting Monday, November 9 and will be ongoing for approximately two weeks. Traffic will be impacted. Please plan for extra time when using this route.

What: Intersection Safety Improvements

Where: Clarke Road and Glenayre Drive (Location Map)

When:  Monday, November 9  for approximately two weeks. Work will take place Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: There will be traffic delays. Please plan an alternate route or plan for extra time when travelling through this area. 

Driver Safety Reminder:

When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.
• Thank you for your patience as the City’s contractor completes this necessary work. 

Follow the City on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram where we update regularly with info on traffic hot spots.

For more information, contact: Public Works Liaison 604-927-3550 pwl@coquitlam.ca

Road repaving work on David Avenue between Genest Way and Shaughnessy Street is ongoing. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

What: Road Repaving 

Where: David Avenue between Genest Way and Shaughnessy Street (Location Map)

When: 

• Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
• Overnight Work - Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Traffic Impacts: Traffic will be reduced to a single lane within active work zones. Occasional turn restrictions may also be in place at intersections. Cyclists will be required to use the travel lane through active work zones. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or allow extra travel time when travelling through the area.

Driver Safety Reminder:When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.

Thank you for your patience as the City completes these necessary upgrades.

For more information, contact:Engineering and Public Works604-927-3000epw@coquitlam.ca

Starting Thursday, October 22, the City's contractor will begin road repaving work on David Avenue between Genest Way and Shaughnessy Street. Traffic delays are expected. Please plan an alternate route or plan for extra time.

What: Road Repaving 

Where: David Avenue between Genest Way and Shaughnessy Street (Location Map)

When: Work is scheduled to begin Thursday, October 22, and will be ongoing for approximately one week. Work will take place weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Traffic Impacts: Traffic will be reduced to a single lane within active work zones. Occasional turn restrictions may also be in place at intersections. Cyclists will be required to use the travel lane through active work zones. Please plan an alternate route to avoid delays or allow extra travel time when travelling through the area.

Driver Safety Reminder:When traveling through the construction zone, please:

• Drive with extreme caution and follow construction speed limits.
• Keep a close watch for work crews and heavy machinery.
• Obey all construction signage and instructions from traffic personnel.

Thank you for your patience as the City completes these necessary upgrades.

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