Community Safety

The Community Safety department is focused on ensuring a safe, secure, and resilient community through effective and integrated safety services. Our department is comprised of dedicated professionals from Fire/Rescue, RCMP, Bylaw Enforcement, and Risk and Emergency Management. Each division plays a vital role in maintaining the well-being of our residents and visitors.  

Fire/Rescue Division

Key Responsibilities:

  • Responding to fire emergencies and providing fire-suppression services.
  • Conducting fire prevention inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.
  • Providing vital emergency medical response and support during accidents and natural disasters.
  • Engaging in community outreach and public education through fire-safety awareness programs.
  • Responding to hazardous materials incidents.

RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

Key Responsibilities:

  • Upholding public safety and law enforcement within their jurisdiction. 
  • Investigating criminal activities and ensuring community policing.
  • Partnering with community groups for crime prevention and awareness.
  • Providing traffic control and road safety measures.

Bylaw Enforcement, Animal Services and Business Licensing

Key Responsibilities:

  • Managing bylaw education, compliance, and enforcement actions.
  • Supporting bylaw enforcement activities in other departments.
  • Operating Coquitlam’s animal shelter and animal-care services.
  • Issuing business licences to businesses operating in Coquitlam.
  • Coordinating bylaw infraction adjudication hearings.
  • Offering information services to current and prospective businesses through the Business LinQ.

Risk and Emergency Management

Key Responsibilities:

  • Developing strategies for risk governance and disaster mitigation.
  • Managing the City’s insurance portfolio and handling property and liability claims.
  • Coordinating emergency preparedness plans and public education seminars.
  • Leading responses to emergencies and facilitating recovery from natural disasters.

Supporting the Community Safety Advisory Committee

The Community Safety Department actively supports the COSAC in its mandate to advise Council on strategic and policy-related community safety measures. This collaboration includes:

  • Multi-Lensed Approach: Addressing public safety topics from various perspectives to enhance quality of life and safety feelings among residents.
  • Monitoring Social Trends: Assisting in identifying trends and issues impacting community safety.
  • Collaborative Efforts: Supporting public safety programs and initiatives with various City services.
  • CPTED Strategies: Considering the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design approach for the City's physical spaces.
  • Community Capacity Building: Ensuring neighborhoods are prepared for emergencies.
  • Council Recommendations: Making informed suggestions based on the Committee's work plan.
  • Societal Challenges: Addressing persistent challenges that could impact public safety.
  • Program Advocacy and Support: Enhancing community safety and well-being through City programs.