City of Coquitlam

2024 AGM and Elections Held

Kyle Uno, President delivers a Year in Review at our AGM on Sept. 25 at the Poirier Branch of the Coquitlam Library.

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on Sept. 25, 2024, at the Coquitlam library and voted in the following vice president, secretary and new directors:

  • Vice President – Tyler Storgaard (second term, hatchery manager)

  • Secretary – Robbin Whachell (past director, past president)

  • Director (past secretary, assistant hatchery manager)

  • Director - Kim Mayes (reappointment)

  • Director - Matthew Watts (reappointment)

  • Director - Annie Kim

The above mentioned join the existing executive:

President - Kyle Uno

Treasurer - Sandra Uno

Through stewardship, community outreach, education and advocacy, we are dedicated to protecting the Hoy/Scott Watershed.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

President Kyle Uno (right) speaks at AGM on Sept. 25. The meeting was hybrid for society members.


Tackling Invasive Touch-Me-Nots in Our Watershed

Near the Hoy Trail head by Douglas College.

On July 13 and 24 a few volunteers from the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society gathered to take on an important task: managing the spread of an invasive plant species known as the Smallflower Touch-me-not (Impatiens parviflora). Originally from Asia, this plant has made its way into our local ecosystem, where it poses a threat to native flora and the overall health of our watershed.

Armed with gloves and a commitment to stewardship, our team focused on removing the invasive Touch-me-nots from the area. Fortunately, the roots of this species grow close to the surface, making it relatively easy to pull out and remove. Our efforts were met with success, thanks to the hard work of Anne, Adela, and Robbin, who put in valuable volunteer hours to help protect our local environment.

The Smallflower Touch-me-not is a fast-growing plant that can outcompete native vegetation, especially in moist, shaded areas like the understory of our forests. Its rapid spread disrupts the balance of our local ecosystems, impacting the plants and animals that depend on them. To learn more about this invasive species and the challenges it poses, visit the BC Invasive Species Council’s page on the Smallflower Touch-me-not here.

Efforts like this invasive plant removal are crucial in maintaining the health of our watersheds. By preventing the spread of invasive species, we help protect the native plants that are vital to our local ecosystem.

Thank you to our volunteers for your time and effort! Every plant pulled is a step toward a healthier, more balanced environment.

Hoy Trail north of the rearing pond on July 24.

Working with Park Spark (City of Coquitlam) along with Broombusters and the Talitha Koum Society on June 28, we learned about Touch-Me-Nots for the first time. We also pulled English Ivy at this location north of the hatchery off Pinewood.

Rearing Pond Salvage Saves Crayfish, Lamprey and Coho

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society conducted our annual rearing pond salvage on May 29.

Coho smolts were released on May 18. The floor boards were removed. The water drained from the pond leaves lots of discoveries for invertebrates and crustaceans like crayfish, stoneflies and lamprey. We found crayfish, coho fry and smolts and caddis fly. All were released into the stream.

Thanks to our volunteers who helped out.

After the salvage, the City of Coquitlam arranges for the pond mud and sediment to be removed via McCrae's Environmental Services (a vacuum truck), and then the pond will be pressure washed and floorboards returned. The creek water will then be reintroduced to make way for the transfer of Coho fry from the hatchery.

This year our back pond area will also be cleaned.

A final look in the rearing pond before dark.

Another Paint Spill Reported in Hoy Creek

No photo was available of the spill on Feb. 15. This photo is from a PREVIOUS spill at the same location.

Unfortunately, yet another paint spill has been reported in Hoy Creek. This time, the incident was observed at the inflow area off Walton Ave. The City of Coquitlam responded to the call, dispatching staff from the Sewer & Drainage and Environment departments to investigate the situation.

According to the City's report, the call came in around 12:30 pm on Feb. 15, with the caller describing a cloudy, white substance in the creek. Upon arrival, staff took turbidity and pH samples at the outfall, which indicated that the creek was within normal water quality ranges. Flowlink data also showed normal turbidity and pH values, and fish were sighted swimming near the outfall. Furthermore, the cloudy substance had dissipated within 30 minutes.

Upon visual inspection, staff suspected the discharge to be a diluted latex-paint substance. Despite efforts to locate the source, including a patrol through the catchment area and inspection of catch basins, no paint source could be identified. Additionally, no newly painted homes were observed in the vicinity.

Call for Public Reporting
The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society urges the public to report any spills or unusual odors near waterways. If you witness a spill or detect something unusual, please report it promptly to the proper authorities. For contact information, please visit the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society's website's contact page.

 

 

 

Society Participates in CRWS Event

Matt and Tyler representing Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (CRWR Photo)

Thanks to Matthew Watts and Tyler Storgaard for repping us at the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable hosted, "Vital Signs: Checking our Watershed’s Health," at Douglas College in Coquitlam on Nov. 2.

The event had presentations from Community Partners, including City of Coquitlam, Kwikwetlem
First Nation and Living Resources Environmental Consultants. HSWS hosted an information booth and attended the presentations.

While our Society did not present we were able to talk about our work and field questions one on one during the event.

We’d like to thank the Coquitlam River Watershed Society for the invite and engaging atmosphere.

Participants of the Watershed Health symposium in Coquitlam

Chum Arrive for Salmon Come Home

Left to right: Kyle Uno, President, HSWS; Councilor John Peters, KFN; and Rodney Lee, DFO. (Photo: HSWS)

Held in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, the Salmon Come Home festival returned to its traditional layout and format around the Hoy Creek Hatchery on Oct. 22. The weather was mild and enjoyable as the rains held off.

The event celebrates the return of the salmon and the chum had only just been spotted in the stream a few days prior.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) would like to thank Kwikwetlem First Nation councilor, John Peters who provided a welcome to open the festivities, along with the president of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, Kyle Uno.

Entertainer, Angela Brown in hat and rainbow cape is an annual favourite with her stories and costume parade. (Photo: HSWS)

The event was very well attended by other environmental groups and residents enjoyed educational displays, stories and a dress-up parade with Angela Brown and her nylon zoo, musical entertainment by Ruel Morales and Elaina Buenaventura, carvings by Indigenous storyteller, Simon Winadzi Jamesler and Creative Art Cart programs by J Peachy Gallery and crew from Red Fox Society.

A big highlight was seeing live salmon for brief seconds during a talk provided by DFO community advisor, Isaac Nelson, assisted by hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard.

Thanks to Jay Peachy and Friends who put on a pancake breakfast with proceeds supporting the Society.

Thanks also to Radio-Canada / CBC French who came out and featured the event in their newscast that evening.

A great time was had by all!

Children of all ages marvel at the live Coho salmon held by hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard during a talk by DFO. (Photo: HSWS)

2023 AGM and Elections Held

Meet our executive team for the next year! Left to right: Kim Mayes, Director; Robbin Whachell, Director; Tyler Storgaard, Vice President; Matthew Watts, Director; Sandra Uno, Treasurer; and Kyle Uno, President. (Missing: Anne Woosnam, Secretary)

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on Sept. 27, 2023, at the Coquitlam library and voted in the following new directors who were re-appointed to the executive:

Director - Kim Mayes

Director - Matthew Watts

Director - Robbin Whachell

The three join the existing executive:

President - Kyle Uno

Vice President - Tyler Storgaard

Treasurer - Sandra Uno

Secretary - Anne Woosnam

The Society would like to thank Rodney Lee who stepped down after years of supporting the executive in a variety of positions. He will remain an active member.

Through stewardship, community outreach, education and advocacy, we are dedicated to protecting the Hoy/Scott Watershed.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

President Kyle Uno (left) gives an annual report, as treasurer Sandra Uno (center) takes minutes in the absence of Anne Woosnam. Director Kim Mayes looks on.


Trash Removed from Scott and Hoy Creeks

HSWS president, Kyle and the haul from only two-hours work off Runnel Drive by Scott Creek.

In-stream work during the year is avoided except for the months of July and August.

Each year in late summer we walk along the creeks to collect garbage in-stream. We are often amazed at how much has accumulated over a year, and more recently, how much trash accumulates in heavy-traffic areas within a month or two!

In 2023, we were out in July and then August. We returned to the busy streets: Runnel Drive and Aberdeen Ave.

Trash included a lighting panel with bulbs, a car seat, umbrellas, plants, a purse, clothes and shoes, books, paint cans and other aerosols, a computer monitor, a fire extinguisher, tires, furniture, shopping cart and basket, and the usual fast food and cigarette litter.

Trash collection is coordinated with the City of Coquitlam. Thank you.

Trash in Scott Creek. During a July visit at this same location (at Runnel) furniture was pulled from the stream.

Trash collection on the bank of Scott Creek, south of Guildford and west of Lansdowne.

Trash removal at Aberdeen Ave in July, above Scott Creek.

Robbin and Matt with bags of trash and clothing by Scott Creek south of Guildford and west of Lansdowne.

Anne with a haul in July on Runnel Drive. The furniture seen here was in the stream.

Matt gives a thumbs up at the end of another two-hour session. All the trash was moved to one central location for the City of Coquitlam to pickup.

Society Acknowledged at Coquitlam Environmental Volunteer Celebration

Environmental Volunteer Celebration

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was acknowledged by the City of Coquitlam at their Environmental Volunteer Celebration held on June 4 at Blue Mountain Park. Thanks to Robbin Whachell and Adela Chen for attending and representing the Society.

Words were provided by the mayor of Coquitlam, Richard Stewart as well as Caresse Selk, Environment Manager.

Along with lunch, attendees enjoyed a tree walk through Blue Mountain Park as well as live music and displays and activities. It was a perfect time to connect with other community environmental leaders.

Our highlights from 2022 were on display!

Paint Spill Reported in Hoy Creek off Walton Ave.

Photo courtesy of the City of Coquitlam

Thanks to the local resident who reported a spill in Hoy Creek on March 13 before 5 p.m. A white substance was spotted in the inflow culvert off Walton Avenue.

The City’s environmental and public works team conducted an investigation but were not able to find the source of the spill. They placed two additional booms at the outfall.

The City advised it is keeping an eye out for painting works in the area.

Anyone with information can contact the City of Coquitlam at 604-927-3500.


The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society would like to remind Coquitlam residents that storm drains lead directly to our waterways, and everyone should exercise caution when disposing of pollutants, which include chemicals used for cleaning hot tubs and pools, etc. Nothing but rainwater should go down storm drains.

See something – say something. If you have information related to this spill, or to report a spill in the creek click here.

CLICK HERE TO READ HOME TIPS FOR HEALTHY STREAMS

Photo courtesy of the City of Coquitlam

Photo courtesy of the City of Coquitlam