Program aims to protect water habitats and prevent flooding
Coquitlam residents and businesses are encouraged to adopt a catch basin to help protect local streams, water habitats, and prevent flooding in their community.
The City’s Adopt-a-Catch Basin program invites the public to actively engage in clearing catch basins, which direct rainwater into the City’s drainage system and connect directly to local watercourses.
Over 16,000 catch basins across Coquitlam help remove excess water from streets with every rainfall. When these basins become clogged, they can lead to flooding and public safety risks. Adopting a catch basin ensures proper drainage and maintains waterway health.
Volunteers, including individuals, groups, and businesses, can adopt one or more basins in their neighborhood. Responsibilities include regular inspections, clearing debris, and logging maintenance efforts on the City’s website.
Volunteers can name their adopted basins and receive instructions and limited supplies like small rakes. Information is available at coquitlam.ca/AdoptACatchBasin.
In addition to the basin program, the Storm Drain Marking Program allows residents to participate by marking drains with yellow fish symbols, reminding the public that drains flow into local creeks.
The program is open to individuals, groups, and businesses, and marking kits are available. Details can be found at coquitlam.ca/StormDrain.
Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan, finalized in January 2022, guides environmental decisions and sustainability efforts across five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management, and Natural Areas, Wildlife, and Habitat.
For more information about the Environmental Sustainability Plan, visit coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.