The city of Coquitlam is making changes to its disaster response routes, which are used by first responders in the aftermath of a major emergency.
The network is comprised of roads, waterways, rail lines and air corridors that can move people and resources in and out of the area should an earthquake or other disaster hit the region.
Disaster response route signs will be removed along Johnson Street and added to Pinetree Way between the Barnet/Lougheed interchange north to David Avenue.
According to a staff report, this will give first responders greater access to the Town Centre area, where most of the city's emergency operations, fire department and heliport are located.
Signs will also be added along David Avenue between Coast Meridian Road and the Port Moody border, which would provide an alternate connection between Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Increased access to transfer points along the Fraser River, including the Maquabeak boat launch, will be facilitated by extending road signs south long Mariner Way.
Other city news:
MATTS OK'D
Preliminary measures that would allow the cold/wet weather mat program to operate in Coquitlam this winter were approved by the city's land use committee on Monday.
The mat program has operated in the Tri-Cities since 2007, giving homeless people a warm place to sleep during the cold months.
Many residents spoke against the initiative when it was first introduced but opposition to the program has disappeared in recent years. Extending the temporary use permits for the church's involved has quietly become an annual occurrence at city hall while the Tri-Cities continues to pursue funding for a permanent shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave.
The temporary shelters will be operated by the Hope For Freedom Society. The temporary use permit will come before the full council for a decision at an upcoming meeting.
