Adopt a catch basin to protect local streams

The City of Coquitlam is inviting residents, families, schools and businesses to adopt one or more of the city’s more than 16,000 catch basins near their homes or workplaces. When leaves, litter or snow block a basin, water and debris can back up onto streets, causing inconvenience and potentially damage. Keeping basins clear helps protect fish and wildlife habitat in local streams, care for neighbourhoods and keep streets clear during heavy rain or snowfall, helping to prevent flooding. Participants can also give their adopted basin a creative, family-friendly name.

Adopters are expected to check their basin regularly, especially during the fall leaf drop and before and after winter snowfalls, and sweep away leaves, litter or snow blocking the grate. They can log their work online so the City can track and recognize their contributions. Participants should make sure they have the time, resources and ability to keep up with these responsibilities; organizations and companies can share the work. The City will provide simple care instructions after adoption. A limited number of small rakes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at coquitlam.ca/AdoptACatchBasin.

Report illegal dumping, a damaged or clogged catch basin, or signs of localized flooding on a street to the City of Coquitlam Engineering Department at 604-927-3500.

Residents can also help protect Coquitlam’s waterways through the Storm Drain Marking Program. Yellow fish symbols near storm drains remind the public that anything entering the drains flows into local creeks, affecting sensitive fish habitat and wildlife. Individuals, groups and businesses can participate, and marking kits are available from the City. Details and a map of nearby storm drains are at coquitlam.ca/StormDrain.

Coquitlam finalized its Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022. The plan guides decisions and is intended to ensure the community’s long-term environmental resilience and sustainability. Its five themes are Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management and Natural Areas, and Wildlife and Habitat. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.

The City acknowledges with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam comes from the h ə n ̓ q ̓ə min ̓ə m ̓ word k ʷ ik ʷəƛ̓ə m, meaning “Red Fish Up the River.” The City says it is honoured to be located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the k ʷ ik ʷəƛ̓ə m, including areas historically shared with the q ̓ ic ̓ə y ̓ and other Coast Salish Peoples. Media contact: Caresse Selk, Senior Manager, Environment, 604-927-3500, epw@coquitlam.ca.