Zoom screen capture via MP Ron McKinnon’s Facebook page

Invited and organized by Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society participated in a Zoom meeting on August 20 for a conversation on how our government can better support those who keep our waterways - and their inhabitants - thriving and healthy.

Attending the meeting was Hon. Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Mossom Creek Hatchery, Hoy /Scott Watershed Society, Hyde Creek Watershed Society, Maple Creek Streamkeepers, and Watershed Watch Salmon Society.

Attending for HSWS were directors, Anne Woosman and Kim Mayes. The meeting provided the opportunity for local hatcheries or societies to voice their concerns and share information.

Financial assistance for operations and programs at all hatcheries was inferred by the attendees.

Advice/guidelines were asked for infrastructure projects i.e. flood controls, enforcement of regulations, shorelines, and a Code of Practice for managing them.

The government’s, “Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) plays a key role in DFO's work to conserve and manage Pacific salmon stocks. The program's activities aim to rebuild vulnerable salmon stocks, provide harvest opportunities, work with First Nations and coastal communities in economic development, and improve fish habitat to sustain salmon populations.”

Vancity manager Omar (left) presents a $500 cheque to HSWS secretary Emily (center with daughter Joan) and HSWS president Robbin (right) for Salmon Come Home.

A huge thank you to Vancity Credit Union, Pinetree branch in Coquitlam, for their continued support of the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, as earlier this month they donated $500.00 toward Salmon Come Home, one of the City of Coquitlam's signature events held this year on Sunday, October 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the community event which is a collaboration between the Municipality and the Society.

"As a non-profit group, we really appreciate and encourage local business support with any or all of our initiatives," said Robbin Whachell, President, Hoy-Scott Watershed Society. "Thank you Vancity for helping us highlight the importance of our environment and the wonder of the salmon."

The salmon is a unique creature in that it returns to the exact stream that is was born to spawn and die. Peak viewing of salmon spawning in Hoy Creek is between mid-October and December.

Salmon Come Home attracts thousands of people who come out to celebrate the salmon return and learn about the work of the Society, as well as other local environmental groups. Participating thisyear is the following:

Articipation,
BC Hydro Power Smart Outreach,
Burke Mountain Naturalists,
City of Coquitlam - Bad Seed/Urban Forestry,
City of Coquitlam - Solid Waste and Recycling,
City of Coquitlam - Urban Wildlife,
City of Coquitlam - Water Conservation,
Coquitlam Riverwatch,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC,
Friends of DeBoville Slough,
Hoy/Scott Watershed Society,
Hyde Creek Watershed Society,
Kintec,
Maple Creek Watershed Streamkeepers ,
MetroVancouver Regional Parks,
Port Moody Ecological Society,
Vancity Pinetree Branch,
Watershed Watch Salmon Society, and
Wild Salmon Creative Café.

The Hoy Creek Hatchery is in Hoy Creek Linear Park, west of the City Centre Aquatic Complex (Pinetree and Guildford Way), and is a seven-minute walk from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station.

Visitors can walk in from a variety of locations: from Princess Crescent, from behind Douglas College; from Guildford Way (between Johnson and Pinetree), from Walton Avenue or behind Walton Elementary, or from the foot of Lasalle Place.

Free parking is available at Coquitlam City Hall, Pinetree Community Centre and Douglas College.

HSWS Participates in Meeting with Fisheries Minister

Vancity supports the 25th Salmon Come Home event in Coquitlam