Chum salmon return to Hoy Creek

Video freeze frame to see a chum salmon making the jump. Often it takes several attempts.

The first chum salmon of the season were spotted in Hoy Creek over the long weekend on Oct. 10 as former hatchery manager, Rodney Lee led a spawner salmon survey in the afternoon and saw five within the hour. On Sunday, Oct 11 another member of the society spotted two salmon jumping the lip below the bridge beside Hoy Creek Hatchery.

After the rains off and on throughout the week, Saturday, Oct. 17 there was a steady show of chum salmon to the delight of volunteers, and those out walking their dogs or enjoying the colourful dry fall day.

Chum salmon are usually seen from early October to mid-November. They are easiest to spot. Coho usually return in late October into December and are harder to spot as they are better at hiding.

Rodney holds up a chum salmon at a previous Salmon Come Home event. No festival will be held this year due to the pandemic, however residents are encouraged to come out and witness the return.

Society volunteers will next work on getting chum broodstock and they’ll be raised from the egg to fry stage before being released back into Hoy Creek. The Society’s chum salmon program was reintroduced at the hatchery in 2016, thanks to a grant from the Pacific Salmon Foundation in 2015.

Learn more about the salmon we raise HERE.

Check out other photos and video on our Facebook page.

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Salmon spotting on Oct. 17

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Two chum salmon in Hoy Creek on Oct. 17

New signage for Hoy Creek Linear Park

New interpretational signage by Hoy Creek Hatchery providing information about the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.

Thanks to the City of Coquitlam for prioritizing the Hoy Creek Linear Park as an area that not only supports the Hoy Creek Hatchery but also gets a lot of foot traffic from those that use the trail to shortcut to Walton Elementary, Douglas College, Pinetree Secondary, or the SkyTrain to name just a few.

The trail supports these connections but is also a beautiful green space for people to get exercise, walk their dogs, or simply unwind and melt into nature.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society had been working with the City discussing updating of the signage but were very surprised as to the end result.

“Not only do we have beautiful trailhead markers so people can now identify entrances to the Hoy Creek Linear Park,” said Society president, Robbin Whachell, “but we love the interpretational signage around the trail closest to the hatchery area and into the deep part of the woods which educate the trail users as to local fauna, fish that live in the stream, forest life, the history of the hatchery, the work of the Society and more.”

New trailhead markers thanks to the City of Coquitlam

Kaleidoscope Arts Festival Visits Hoy Creek Hatchery

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Puppeteers exposed and not exposed at the Hoy Creek Hatchery Optimist Rearing Pond on Oct. 3.

City of Coquitlam moved their Kaleidoscope Arts Festival out into the community this year, and Hoy Creek Hatchery was one of the locations for their four community programs on Oct. 3.

Residents experienced arts and culture all taking place at the same time on the same day.

The deck outside the hatchery’s rearing pond was the setting for Stories by the Stream, a story-telling and puppet show with an ecological-theme hosted by J Peachy and friends.

“We really appreciate this opportunity to have our hatchery as a venue,” said the president of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, Robbin Whachell. “Many people are unaware of our location or of the jewel behind Douglas College, the Hoy Creek Linear Park.”

Stories by the Stream was enjoyed in three pre-registered time-slots, in safe physically-distanced small groups.

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Maya Uno, the Society’s youth leader stands near the info booth for participants to learn about the local stream keepers in Coquitlam.

Thank you City of Coquitlam for showcasing our location.

Hoy Creek Hatchery Volunteer Activity Returns

Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard explains procedures to new and returning volunteers in front of the rearing pond at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

After the pandemic shut down most of our volunteer work in the spring of 2020, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society has sorted out ways to safely get volunteers back to work in small groups in preparation for the 2020 broodstock season.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, Tyler Storgaard began reviewing operational procedures and got new volunteers repairing nets, and cleaning the rearing pond floor, as well as feeding fish.

Rodney Lee has started a spawner survey group which will count salmon in stream once they return. That group is familiarizing themselves with a chosen section of the creek and reviewing their process once the salmon return.

The first Saturday of every month the Society hosts an open house, which provides time for the public to come by, have a tour, and learn about the work of the Society. Robbin Whachell led this area, and several families stopped by, as well as curious walkers who were out enjoying Hoy Trail.

The society is always looking for support from the community, whether you wish to make a donation, or become a volunteer and work hands-on. Learn more HERE.

Youth volunteers repair nets for upcoming broodstock collection.

A youth volunteer clears debris from the bottom of the rearing pond which houses approximately 5000 coho salmon fry.

Volunteers repair nets which are used to catch salmon in stream for broodstock.

Rodney Lee is leading a group who will be involved in an upcoming spawner survey in Hoy Creek.

New Manager Announced for Hoy Creek Hatchery

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New hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard standing outside the Hoy Creek Hatchery

In August 2019 the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) put out a notice to solicit for a candidate to train for one year to take on the role of hatchery manager. Candidates would train under Rodney Lee, who has been hatchery manager since 2012

While a handful of people applied, only a few started training and within a month there was only one, Tyler Storgaard, who has now completed a year working under the guidance of Rodney Lee. In September 2020, Rodney officially announced the transfer of the role to Tyler.

Tyler, who was also voted in as the Society’s vice president earlier this year reflects on the reason he applied for the volunteer role, “Having returned to the lower mainland following years of out of town work, this posting was in front of me. Wanting to give back to the community and a resource that is a true passion, the fit seemed right.”

“Shadowing Rodney Lee, the mentorship and knowledge he and the group have provided has been nothing short of remarkable.  Step-by-step and each stage throughout the season, Rodney has been, and still is, an invaluable resource for myself, the Society and the community alike.” 

“This past year has leveraged both profession and passion and further complemented by the diverse team at HSWS.  Looking ahead with society, exciting and new challenges are ahead as we work towards upgrades and ultimately, a new facility,” said Storgaard.

Rodney Lee, who has been an active member since 2008 said, “I have been truly honoured to serve as hatchery manager for the Society. Working with the team has been a lot of fun and has provided me a lot of personal fulfillment. In particular, the sharing of the magic of Pacific salmon with students from nearby schools or visitors from other parts of the Lower Mainland or beyond.”

“Tyler Storgaard has been a wonderful addition to the Society and I have the utmost trust and confidence in his ability to operate the hatchery going forward. He has brought a passion for salmon and a strong desire to give back to the community.”

Society president, Robbin Whachell had this to add, “Tyler hit the ground running, and immediately provided invaluable support and enthusiasm to our group. He’s been instrumental in communicating with the City as a way of ensuring our goals and resources can be met in the years to come. I want to take this occasion to thank Rodney Lee on behalf of the Society for his years of service in this role and his leadership overall. The best news is, is that Rodney is staying on in a director role on our team!”

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Hoy Creek Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard can be reached at tstorgaard@hotmail.com

Paint Spill in Hoy Creek Sourced to Storm Drain Dumping

Photo taken at approximately 2:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Sept. 24 at approximately 1:50 p.m. the Society was contacted by a resident who saw a couple dumping paint into a street storm drain northwest of the hatchery. The City of Coquitlam was alerted by that resident.

A Society volunteer went to the creek to check for spillage and white paint was found by the footbridge on Hoy Trail off LaSalle Place south. Paint was coming in through an inflow side channel and pooling in an area before the main stream where coho salmon fry like to find refuge.

A City representative was on the scene shortly after and placed an absorbent boom down just in time to catch most of the paint before it seeped into the main stream.

The Society reported the incident to the provincial government.

The Society was advised by the person reporting that the storm drain was on Michigan Drive which is northwest of the affected creek area. This area was canvassed by Society volunteers in the summer of 2019 after a large fish kill in the creek and hatchery earlier that year.

The City of Coquitlam has reported that they have investigated the issue and have been in contact with the Ministry of Environment. Enforcement measures are pending at the moment.

The public is urged to be mindful of storm drains, which are meant for rainwater only, and are not for refuse disposal.  Individuals observing a dumping or a fish kill in our streams, or the presence of any other possible pollutants are encouraged to immediately report the event to the authorities. Contact numbers are provided on our website’s contact page.

• A related Tri-City News article

• Paint spill in Hoy Creek in June, 2020

CLICK HERE TO READ HOME TIPS FOR HEALTHY STREAMS

The BLACK frame is the area of storm drains that flow into Hoy Creek to the area where the paint instream was discovered on Sept. 24. The GREEN is the storm drain system.

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Photo taken at approximately 2:40 p.m.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society Featured in Virtual Watershed Tour

Thanks to the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable (CRWR) and their Virtual Watershed Tour held in honour Rivers Day on Sept 27, Hoy Creek Hatchery, and the work of volunteers of the Hoy/Scott Watershed were highlighted. Featured in the video is Society president, Robbin Whachell, and Society VP and hatchery manager, Tyler Storogaard.

The film premiere promotion states, ”One of the best ways of emoting concerns for the watershed is by getting out and forming a connection with it. In the past, the Roundtable has been proud to host tours of the Lower Coquitlam River Watershed in an effort to strengthen community bonds to the land. In the face of COVID, we have had to change the way we deliver our public programming to maintain a safe physical distance. So, this year our Coordinator, Sharee Dobowits visited eight great spots in the watershed and had the tour filmed so that viewers can check out the sites on their own. Each stop features a local expert who touches on the work s/he does, conservation concerns for the area and how you can get involved! A huge thank you to the production partners, ArtsConnect, Tri-City Community Television and Babylon Film Studios and sponsors, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Lehigh Hanson Materials Ltd. for making this project possible!“

Watch the other seven videos on the CRWR Youtube page.

Society President Named Community Champion

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society president Robbin Whachell was recognized by a local member of parliament as a ‘Community Champion’ in September 2020.

"My annual award program, Community Champions recognizes the dedicated leaders and community volunteers in Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam who work hard to build and better our community,” said Ron McKinnon Member of Parliament for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam. “There are so many unsung heroes in Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam that make a difference in our lives every day."

McKinnon’s presentation stated, “Robbin Whachell is the president of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society and a passionate environmental steward I was fortunate to tour Hoy Creek at the beginning of the year and hear firsthand about the amazing work being down by Robbin and the team under her leadership.”

A Zoom party was held on Sept. 2 for McKinnon to congratulate his selection of 2020 Community Champions.

Robbin responded with, “I’d like to thank Ron McKinnon for this honour. I’m humbled and know that I stand with many other volunteers in my own organization, as well as other community groups or individuals who help make a difference where they live.”

Others named as McKiinnons community champions were Ann Pratt, Polly Krier, Barry Brizza, Deon Feng, Luca Hung, Ravinder Safaya, Jamie Haakons and Keisha Go, as well as Robert Buringi and Carli Travers.

Instead of gathering for a barbecue, dinner was provided to everyone via door delivery by Pantina Brewing & BBQ in Port Coquitlam.

Volunteers clear trash from Hoy and Scott Creeks at Aberdeen Avenue

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Fast food containers were the most common trash items collected.

Our annual summer stream clean was held on Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 and was focussed on Aberdeen Avenue, an area not necessarily noted for close proximity to nature due to it being an industrial area.

in fact, this busy street in Coquitlam has two streams running below it. Both Scott and Hoy Creeks flow under this avenue and converge where the SkyTrain crosses over just south of Aberdeen. Once the two streams converge, they eventually meet the Coquitlam River before joining the Fraser River. The Fraser River flows into the Straight of Georgia (Pacific Ocean), a total distance of 78 km.

In preparation for the work, the Society provided notice to the surrounding businesses. The notice also served to remind on the delicate ecosystem along the street which is often seen dotted with semi-trucks making pickups or deliveries.

View our photo album on Facebook.

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Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers gearing up at the start of the day on Aberdeen Ave.

“Each year we focus on one area of Scott or Hoy Creek as a summer activity,” said Society president, Robbin Whachell. “It’s important that we do this work in the late summer as not to disturb salmon in the creeks. This year, our vice-president, Tyler Storgaard scouted several areas and we agreed this industrial business location would be optimal as we’d not focused work in this area before, and the streets were not marked with storm drain fish decals.”

In less than three hours on each day, the work of HSWS volunteers was evident by the piles of trash removed from the banks of both Scott and Hoy Creeks and along the street between the two streams.

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Kim clearing an area that appeared to be frequented as a lunch and/or smoke-break spot by local workers.

“We also cut back the invasive blackberry, which often grows over and hides the stream,” said Whachell. “We hope that less littering will take place if people see that the creek is just right there, a few meters from where they walk past.”

Some of the most common items picked up during the clean were face masks, cigarette packages, fast food and drink containers, bottles and cans, and small plastic bag packaging for earplugs.

Most unusual finds were toys still in good shape, clothing, bedding, footwear, car parts, a dining tabletop and railing.

View our photo album on Facebook.

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Items removed from Hoy Creek on Aberdeen Ave.

Lani holds up some of her finds from Scott Creek along Aberdeen Ave.

Ririka pounds down a fish marker near a storm drain while Robbin clears rubbish above Scott Creek on Alberdeen ave.

HSWS Participates in Meeting with Fisheries Minister

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.”