Coquitlam opens cleaner-air spaces during air-quality warning

The City of Coquitlam has opened cleaner-air spaces in response to Metro Vancouver’s yellow-level air-quality warning, offering short-term indoor relief to people at elevated health risk and others affected by poor air quality.

The sites are Glen Pine Pavilion, Maillardville Community Centre, Coquitlam Public Library’s City Centre branch and Poirier branch. They are open during their regular hours. City Hall and City recreation centres are also available during normal business hours as air-conditioned indoor spaces.

The designated spaces have upgraded air handling, including charcoal filters, recirculation options and air curtains at entrances. The city says they are not intended for overnight or extended stays.

Residents are advised to close windows and doors, set vehicle ventilation to recirculate, reduce time and exertion outdoors, stay hydrated and keep respiratory medications on hand. Current readings are available at airmap.ca and the provincial air-quality station map; more information is at coquitlam.ca/CleanAirSpaces.