Weather
Where to look for information during an emergency or inclement weather:
The SD43 HOME PAGE is the official primary source of SD43 information:
- Look for a STATUS BANNER at www.sd43.bc.ca (example shown below).
- Click on the 'Learn More' Button for more information.
- The status banner also shows on the SD43 Coquitlam App--download the app to your phone and allow the app to send notifications (Apple App Store / Google Play)
Information may also be announced on secondary sources like @SD43 social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) or local radio and TV news outlets. It is recommended this information be confirmed by visiting the SD43 website homepage.
Use your mobile phone to access the SD43 website if you have no power at home. Call or text a friend who has access to the SD43 website homepage if you have no internet service.
We strongly caution against trusting unofficial information that you read on non-SD43 websites or social media sources, whether they are organizations or individuals. Information found on these sites and sources can be old, inaccurate, and unofficial. Always visit the SD43 website HOME PAGE for official information and status updates.
School Closure due to Inclement Weather
Schools are not routinely closed due to snow or other inclement weather conditions. All schools in School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) will remain OPEN, if at all possible, during winter weather, including snowfall.
However, on occasion, a district-wide or partial-district closure is required due to extreme weather. Partial-district closures affecting individual schools may occur due to the very different geography within our school district. If there is a partial-district closure affected schools will be identified.
Any district-wide or partial-district closures will be decided and communicated by 6:30 a.m. via the SD43 website at www.sd43.bc.ca so that families can plan and make alternate arrangements. In most instances, announcements will NOT be made that schools are open; only cancellations, closures or delayed school openings will be announced.
While the District makes the best decision possible with the information available, weather conditions can change quickly. Therefore, even when schools remain open, decisions to keep your child at home during challenging weather conditions should be made by each family.
Tips During Inclement Weather
- Wear appropriate clothing, including proper footwear.
- Walk and drive slowly and with extreme caution of possible icy areas.
- Ice can be hidden under new snow, so be cautious on walkways.
- Plan for a longer than normal walk or commute with possible major delays.
- If driving, be extra cautious in student pick-up / drop-off zones.
- Consider carpooling or transit where possible.
- If driving, ensure your vehicle is ready for extreme weather conditions.
- Ensure your cellphone, or other wireless device, is fully charged at all times.
- Pack extra clothes, safety equipment, and other applicable emergency supplies.
- Visit the TransLink or DriveBC Road Report websites for applicable updates.
- If unsure of driving conditions, use alternative transportation.
FAQs
The SD43 website HOME PAGE is the official primary source of SD43 information during an emergency, inclement weather, power outage, or similar incident. Secondary sources include SD43 social media channels and often local radio stations.
School sites and social media may put out information also, but the SD43 website HOME PAGE is the official source of information. Schools often duplication district information but if there are inconsistencies, the SD43 HOME PAGE information should be considered official.
In most instances, no announcement will be made that schools are open; only cancellations, closures, or delayed school openings will be announced. Unless it is announced otherwise, SD43 schools are OPEN.
If you have a mobile phone, check the website using your phone. If you do not have a mobile phone but your landline is still working, call a relative or friend in an area that has not been affected and ask them to check the district website for you: www.sd43.bc.ca
Official closure information will be posted to the SD43 website home page by 6:30am on the morning of a possible closure. Attempts will be made to post warnings and status updates before snow closures, if possible, based on weather reports and information that may be available.
Transit schedules may face significant changes or cancellations due to weather conditions. Families seeking information on transit schedules or route cancellations must consult the Translink website.