COQUITLAM, B.C., October 7, 2025 – Every superhero needs a sidekick – and in Coquitlam, our 16,000 catch basins can use your help. These street-side grates help rainwater flow safely into the City’s drainage system and out to local streams. When they’re blocked by leaves, litter or snow, they can’t do their job – and that’s where you come in.

The City’s Adopt-a-Catch Basin program invites residents, families, schools and businesses to “adopt” a catch basin near their home or workplace. Your mission: keep it clear, name it, and help protect local waterways and prevent street flooding.

Why Adopt a Catch Basin?

• Keep your street safe and dry during heavy rain or snow.
• Protect fish and wildlife habitats in local streams.
• Take pride in caring for your neighbourhood.
• Have fun naming your adopted basin (we’ve seen everything from The Escape Hatch to Drainy McDrain Face).

What’s Involved?

• Check regularly – especially before and after storms, during autumn leaf fall and after snowfall.
• Clear debris – sweep away leaves, litter or snow blocking the grate (organic waste in the green bin, trash in the garbage).
• Give your grate a great name – get creative and keep it family-friendly.
• Log your work – report your efforts online so we can track and celebrate your contributions.

Adopt one or more catch basins in your neighbourhood – it’s a great activity for families, students, community groups and businesses. We’ll provide simple instructions and a limited number of small rakes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Find your future basin buddy and sign up at coquitlam.ca/AdoptACatchBasin.

Protect Local Streams with the Storm Drain Marking Program

Another way residents can help Coquitlam’s waterways is through the Storm Drain Marking Program. Yellow fish symbols are marked near storm drains to remind the public that anything entering these drains flows into local creeks, impacting sensitive fish habitat and wildlife.

This program is open to individuals, groups, and businesses. Marking kits are available from the City. For more details, and to see a map of nearby storm drains, visit coquitlam.ca/watercourse or contact the Environment Division at WaterConservation@coquitlam.ca.

Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan

Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022 that guides decisions and ensures the long-term environmental resiliency and sustainability of the community. The Environmental Sustainability Plan is organized into five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management and Natural Areas, and Wildlife and Habitat. Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Plan at coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.

Media contact:
Julie Kanya
Manager Environmental Education & Enforcement
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.