history

City Archives Features Hoy/Scott Watershed Society History

The previous Brewer family property at Hoy Creek, the location of today’s Hoy Creek Hatchery.

In a June 15, 2022 information bulletin put out by the City of Coquitlam titled, “Exhibit Explores Coquitlam’s Historic Connection to Salmon” the City Archives promotes the records provided by Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) in 2020 as their ‘newest’ online exhibit.

“A gift of records to Coquitlam Archives from the HSWS in 2020 provides insights into the rich role the community has played in restoring the Hoy-Scott watersheds. Meticulous records also highlight the thought, care and training involved in reintroducing salmonids to the Coquitlam watershed.“

Coquitlam watershed society to be featured in "Beyond Fishing" exhibit

Shanna Cheng of the Coquitlam Heritage Society holds a stuffed coho salmon by Hoy Creek which will be seen in the upcoming exhibit at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. (Photo: HSWS)

The Coquitlam Heritage Society has reached out to Hoy/Scott Watershed Society to collaborate on their upcoming “Beyond Fishing Exhibit” to be held from Nov. 15, 2021 to April 24, 2022 at Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex in Coquitlam.

Shanna Cheng visited the Hoy Creek Hatchery to review materials with the Society that would work in the display.

“We’re pleased that the Heritage Society reached out,” said Society president, Robbin Whachell. “This is another great way to bring awareness to the work of the Society and a reminder that our urban streams are teaming with life, and require protection.”

The Coquitlam Heritage Society operates Mackin House Museum in lovely Maillardville, Coquitlam that aims to recreate a home in the Edwardian era. They offer a range of services to the general public, including events, workshops, tourism information, and exhibits across the community.

Click this image to learn more.

City Archivist Visits Hoy Creek Hatchery

Emily Lonie, Archivist in the office at Hoy Creek Hatchery (Photo: HSWS)

Emily Lonie, Archivist in the office at Hoy Creek Hatchery (Photo: HSWS)

On Jan. 31, City of Coquitlam archivist, Emily Lonie visited Hoy Creek Hatchery to give guidance on how the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society can protect the documents they have crammed into their little office within the Hoy Creek Hatchery.

“We’re really busting at the seams,” said society president, Robbin Whachell.  “Every inch of space is of value in our small building and we want to ensure our documents are protected now that we’ve long since moved to a digital way of record-keeping.” 

Information deemed historic about the society, the hatchery building and rearing pond, which sits on the former Frederick Brewer property, will be boxed up and transferred to the city archives for preservation and future reference. 

Lonie advised that documents such as society reports, agendas, photographs and drawings are all important to preserve the history of the land and the environmental stewardship group. 

“We’re excited to make space, but even more excited that the public will have access to information that may have only been collecting dust in the hatchery,” said Whachell. 

The hatchery construction started in 1995 and was completed in 1997, and is located in Hoy Creek Linear Park, west of the City Centre Aquatic Complex and north of  Guildford Way in Coquitlam, B.C.

Read more about our HISTORY here.

UPDATE: Our hardcopy records transfer was completed on April 2, 2020.