COQUITLAM, B.C., October 13, 2026 – Help keep rainwater flowing safely into the City’s drainage system and out to local streams through the Adopt-a-Catch Basin program.

When they’re blocked by leaves, litter or snow, catch basins cause water and debris to back up into streets, causing inconveniences at best and potential damage at worst. Residents, families, schools and businesses can do their part by adopting one of the City’s 16,000+ catch basins near their home or workplace. 

Why Adopt a Catch Basin?

By taking on the responsibility of adopting one, you will help: 

• Protect fish and wildlife habitats in local streams
• Take pride in caring for your neighbourhood
• Keep streets safe clear, helping to prevent flooding during heavy rain or snow
• Stretch your creative muscles and have fun naming your adopted basin 

What’s Involved? 

Adopting a catch basin doesn’t take a lot of time and energy, especially if you share the load by adopting one through your organization or company. They do carry regular responsibilities though so make sure you have time, resources and the ability to: 

• Check on it regularly. Especially before and after storms during fall when leaves are dropping, and before and after winter snowfalls.
• Keep it clear of debris. Sweep away leaves, litter or snow blocking the grate. 
• Give your grate a great name. Get creative! Just keep it respectful and family-friendly.
• Log your work with us. Report your efforts online so we can track and celebrate your contributions. Report issues to the City of Coquitlam Engineering Department at 604-927-3500.

You can adopt one or more catch basins in your neighbourhood. It’s a great activity for individuals, families, students, community groups and businesses. Once you adopt, you’ll receive simple instructions on how to care for your catch basin. We do have a limited number of small rakes available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sign up today at coquitlam.ca/AdoptACatchBasin.

Report a Problem 

Contact the City of Coquitlam Engineering Department at 604-927-3500 if you notice illegal dumping, damaged or clogged catch basins, or evidence of localizes flooding on your street.

Protect Local Streams with the Storm Drain Marking Program

Residents can also help Coquitlam’s waterways 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/StormDrain. 

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:
Caresse Selk
Senior Manager Environment
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.