HSWS Membership Renewal Starts Sept. 1

Memberships are valid from September 1 – August 31 each year. New members who applied and paid their membership fee after May 1, 2026 will have valid membership through August 31 of 2027.

Why Renew?

Your membership:

  • Covers your insurance while volunteering with us

  • Allows you to vote at our meetings

  • Lets you work alongside us at the hatchery, in the watershed, and at public events

  • Helps fund the important work we do in salmon stewardship and education

Membership Renewal Details

  • If you joined after May 1, 2026, your membership is already valid until August 31, 2026. No payment is required at this time.

  • If you joined or renewed before May 1, 2025, renewal is required.

    • Students: $5 | Individuals: $15 | Families: $25

  • Payments received will cover you until August 31, 2026.

How to Renew

Please remit payment via our website using PayPal:
 Click here to renew your membership (yellow Donate button).

Remit by e-transfer: Learn more here. *please note “membership payment’ on your transaction.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Are you a NEW Member? Or, returning after some time?

If you would like to join us for the first time, it’s important that you complete our registration form and then submit your payment.

Have you let your membership lapse and wish to return? Great! Please complete the registration form and then submit your payment.

Questions about membership? Email us at hoyscottwatershed@gmail.com

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

Society Receives Coquitlam Environmental Achievement Award

Receiving the award fromma

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is honoured to have received an Environmental Achievement Award from the City of Coquitlam on June 13, recognizing the contributions of our volunteers and the ongoing work to protect and enhance the Hoy and Scott Creek watersheds.

Representing the Society at the awards ceremony were President Kyle Uno, Secretary and Past President Robbin Whachell, and long-time volunteer Adela Chen. The event brought together community groups, organizations, and individuals who are making a positive environmental impact throughout Coquitlam.

We are grateful for this recognition, but the true credit belongs to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to our mission throughout the year.

Unlike many seasonal programs, our work continues 12 months of the year. From operating the Hoy Creek Hatchery and raising salmon, to monitoring the watershed, providing educational tours, and participating in community outreach, there is always work to be done.

Much of this effort takes place behind the scenes. Our dedicated daily fish feeders ensure that thousands of young salmon receive consistent care every day. Volunteers maintain equipment, support hatchery operations led by Tyler Storgaard and Anne Woosnam, assist with special events, and help educate the public about the importance of healthy watersheds and salmon habitat.

We are also proud of the many students who volunteer with us. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to environmental stewardship help ensure that our organization remains strong and that the values of conservation continue to be passed on to future generations.

This award serves as a reminder that meaningful environmental stewardship is a community effort. Every volunteer hour, every educational tour, every fish fed, and every stream enhancement project contributes to the health of our local waterways.

Thank you to the City of Coquitlam for this acknowledgement and to every volunteer, supporter, and community partner who helps make our work possible.

Together, we will continue protecting and enhancing the Hoy and Scott Creek watersheds for future generations.

Society Receives Coquitlam Foundation Grant

HSWS president, Kyle Uno received the cheque from Coquitlam Foundation executive director, Carol Brodie.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is honoured and deeply grateful to announce that we have been awarded a $3,500 Community Grant from the Coquitlam Foundation.

This generous investment will help us refresh and enhance many of the resources we use to engage with our community and support our incredible volunteers. The funding will be directed toward new marketing and outreach materials, including an updated trade show display, signage, high-visibility volunteer vests, and volunteer recognition initiatives.

As a volunteer-driven charitable organization, we rely on strong community partnerships to continue protecting and restoring the Hoy and Scott Creek watershed. Whether we're welcoming visitors to the Hoy Creek Hatchery, attending community events, delivering educational programs, or working alongside volunteers in the watershed, these new resources will help us present a more professional and engaging presence while recognizing the dedicated individuals who make our work possible.

Kyle Uno, HSWS President, stands second left with other awardee representatives. Photo courtesy of the Coquitlam Foundaion

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Coquitlam Foundation for its continued commitment to strengthening our community. Through its guiding vision—Invest. Enrich. Inspire.—the Foundation enhances the quality of life in our community by encouraging residents and organizations to create lasting legacies through endowment funds that support a broad range of local charitable organizations.

Grants like this have a meaningful impact, allowing organizations like ours to expand our reach, build stronger connections with the community, and continue our mission of environmental stewardship, education, and salmon conservation.

On June 3rd, we were also honoured to be invited to attend the Coquitlam Foundation's Annual Awards Night Celebration at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, where local organizations and community leaders came together to celebrate the positive impact of philanthropy throughout the Tri-Cities. It was an inspiring evening that showcased the incredible work being done by so many organizations dedicated to making our community a better place.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, volunteers, members, and the thousands of visitors who enjoy and learn from the Hoy Creek Hatchery each year, thank you, Coquitlam Foundation, for believing in our work and investing in the future of our watershed and our community.

Together, we are investing in a healthier watershed, enriching our community, and inspiring future generations of environmental stewards.

Volunteer of the Month: Kevin Elliott

Kevin representing at our Open House in 2023.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is proud to recognize Kevin Elliott as our Volunteer of the Month.

Kevin has been volunteering with the Society for the past three years, serving as one of our dedicated daily fish feeders. Since retiring, he has been looking for meaningful ways to give back to the community, and volunteering at the hatchery has provided that opportunity.

As a daily feeder, Kevin plays an important role in raising the next generation of salmon. His commitment helps ensure that thousands of young fish receive the care they need before being released into Hoy Creek and beginning their journey to the ocean.

For Kevin, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering has been watching several generations of salmon grow and develop throughout their lifecycle. He has also gained a deep appreciation for Hoy Creek Linear Park, which he describes as "a jewel in our city."

One experience that left a lasting impression on Kevin occurred during his first year as a volunteer. He witnessed the impact of pollution after someone cleaned paint equipment into a neighborhood storm drain, affecting the watershed. The incident highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and gave him firsthand insight into the collaborative efforts between the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, the City of Coquitlam, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada when responding to threats to the creek.

Through his volunteer work, Kevin has developed a greater understanding of how fragile urban watersheds can be. He has seen how climate change, including summer droughts and heat waves, can affect salmon habitat, as well as the challenges posed by invasive species and the dumping of harmful substances into the environment.

When asked what advice he would offer to prospective volunteers, Kevin encourages people to consider daily feeding.

Kevin in the Capilano trough room feeding the fish.

"Daily feeding provides an incredible opportunity to develop a relationship with each brood, seeing their growth from egg to returning adult fish. Seeing the wonder and happiness in children and adults as they observe the annual cycles of the hatchery and fish is very rewarding."

Thank you, Kevin, for your dedication, stewardship, and commitment to protecting and enhancing the Hoy Creek watershed. Volunteers like you help make our work possible and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this remarkable urban salmon stream.

Kevin speaks to a group passing by.

Kevin receives his 3-year service pin on June 26, 2026, presented by Anne Woosnam, Assistant Hatchery Manager.

Volunteers Complete Streamkeepers Level 1 Training

Streamkeepers pose with their certificates

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is proud to congratulate five of our dedicated volunteers who successfully completed Streamkeepers Level 1 Training on May 16 in Port Moody.

Hosted by the Port Moody Ecological Society in partnership with the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, the full-day training provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical skills to help protect and restore local waterways.

A special thank you goes to ZoAnne of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation for leading the training and sharing her expertise. Participants explored topics including water quality monitoring, riparian vegetation, aquatic invertebrate sampling, juvenile fish identification, and stream stewardship principles—all essential tools for anyone passionate about protecting salmon habitat and healthy watersheds.

We are incredibly proud of our volunteers:

  • Amy Skulj

  • Katelyn Crothers

  • Katherine Wang

  • Mya Cohen

  • Richard Chen

By completing this certification, they have strengthened not only their own knowledge but also the capacity of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society to continue our conservation, education, and habitat restoration efforts throughout the Hoy and Scott Creek watershed.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Port Moody Ecological Society for hosting this valuable learning opportunity and to the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation for providing such high-quality training. Opportunities like these help build a stronger network of environmental stewards working together to protect our local streams and salmon for generations to come.

Congratulations once again to Amy, Katelyn, Katherine, Mya, and Richard on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing the knowledge and skills you've gained put into action throughout our watershed!

Volunteer of the Month: Ian Hu

At the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, our work simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Each month, we take the opportunity to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting our mission to protect and restore local watershed ecosystems.

This month, we’re proud to recognize Ian Hu as our Volunteer of the Month.

Getting Started

Ian has been volunteering with us for nearly nine months, bringing energy, consistency, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

When asked what inspired him to get involved, Ian shared:

“I'm interested in helping protect the local environment, especially salmon habitat. Since Hoy Creek and Scott Creek are important to salmon, I wanted to be part of a campaign to help protect them.”

Hands-On Impact

In his time with us, Ian has taken on a wide range of roles, including:

  • Propagation and planting

  • Fixing pipes and filters

  • Salmon health checks

  • Event support and promotion

  • Cleaning up creek and pond areas

Through this hands-on work, Ian has contributed directly to improving habitat conditions and supporting the health of local salmon populations.

Why It Matters

For Ian, the most rewarding part of volunteering is simple but powerful:

“The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do helps support salmon and their habitat. It feels rewarding to contribute to something that has a real impact on the ecosystem.”

That sense of purpose is something many of our volunteers share—and it’s what drives meaningful, lasting impact.

A Lasting Impression

One of Ian’s most memorable experiences has been seeing the results of that work over time:

“The most memorable part was seeing the creek improve over time after our work was done. I'm most proud of being consistent and contributing regularly, even when the work is tiring.”

Consistency is at the heart of watershed stewardship, and Ian’s commitment truly stands out.

Learning Through Action

Volunteering has also deepened Ian’s understanding of how delicate and interconnected watershed systems are:

“It helped me understand how sensitive salmon habitat is and how small actions like cleaning ponds and caring for salmon can make a difference. I also learned how everything in the watershed is interconnected.”

Words for Future Volunteers

For anyone thinking about getting involved, Ian offers this advice:

“Give it a try. This is a great way to help protect salmon, learn about the environment, and make a positive impact in your community.”

Thank You, Ian!

Ian’s dedication, consistency, and passion for protecting salmon habitat make him a valued member of our volunteer community. We’re grateful for the time and effort he contributes—and proud to recognize him this month.

If you’re inspired by Ian’s story, we invite you to join us and be part of the work to protect our local waterways.

Volunteer Report Leads to Swift Investigation of Spill in Scott Creek

On April 29, a concerning discharge into Scott Creek was identified and quickly reported thanks to the vigilance of a Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteer.

At approximately 12:00 p.m., a milky white substance was observed entering the creek from a stormwater outfall along Runnel Drive, just west of Lansdowne Drive. The spill was promptly reported to the City of Coquitlam, whose Environment Division responded quickly to investigate.

City Investigation Summary

City staff conducted on-site testing of the discharge, which showed a neutral pH of approximately 7.5 and low turbidity. While the appearance of the discharge was unusual, these initial results suggested that the substance was not immediately harmful to aquatic life.

An extensive investigation followed, with staff from both Environment and Public Works divisions surveying the surrounding catchment area. This included Burnside Place, Creekside Drive, Eagleridge Drive, and neighbourhoods north of Guildford Way along Lansdowne Drive. Crews looked for potential sources such as power washing runoff, paint discharge, or other contaminants, but no clear origin was identified.

During the investigation, the affected section of the creek began to return to normal clarity.

location of spills shown on city map

Additional Observation

Later in the afternoon, staff also observed a brief release of darker, turbid water entering Scott Creek from a second outfall further west along Runnel Drive, across from a local business. This discharge was short-lived, and the creek downstream remained clear.

Nearby contractors were observed completing roof debris clearing work. While no direct link was confirmed, City staff took the opportunity to provide education on proper practices—specifically, ensuring that wash water, sediment, and debris are kept out of storm drains, which flow directly into fish-bearing waterways like Scott Creek.

The City concluded its investigation at approximately 1:45 p.m.

The Importance of Community Reporting

This incident highlights the critical role that community members and volunteers play in protecting our local environment. Quick reporting allows for rapid response, assessment, and mitigation—helping to safeguard sensitive ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society encourages anyone who observes unusual discharges, pollution, or environmental concerns in local waterways to report them immediately to the City. Learn more.

Together, through awareness and action, we can continue to protect and preserve the health of our creeks and watershed.

Thank You to RBC for Supporting Salmon and Stewardship

RBC Coquitlam team present a cheque to HSWS secretary, Robbin Whachell for $2500.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to RBC for their generous donation and for taking the time to visit the Hoy Creek Hatchery to learn more about our work.

Their visit provided an opportunity to share the vital role salmon play in British Columbia’s ecosystem—from supporting biodiversity to enriching the health of our forests and streams. The tour, led by Robbin Whachell and Anne Woosnam, highlighted the importance of community-based stewardship and the impact of local conservation efforts.

We are especially grateful for RBC’s hands-on commitment to the environment through their trail clean-up efforts in Hoy Creek Linear Park, in partnership with the City of Coquitlam Park Spark team. Initiatives like these play a meaningful role in protecting and maintaining the health of our local watershed.

Support like this—both through financial contributions and volunteer action—directly strengthens our ability to carry out essential programs, including habitat restoration, hatchery operations, and environmental education. These efforts not only support salmon populations but also help connect our community to the natural environment around them.

We are truly grateful for RBC’s generosity and their shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we are making a difference right here in our community.

Society Provides 2025 Update to Coquitlam Council

Kyle Uno and Tyler Storgaard in the council chambers at Coquitlam City Hall.

On April 13, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was pleased to return to Coquitlam City Hall to provide an update on our work and progress over the past year.

Representing the Society were Kyle Uno and Tyler Storgaard, who delivered a concise and informative presentation highlighting key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Acting Mayor and Council for the invitation and the opportunity to share this update. The discussion was both productive and encouraging, and we greatly appreciated the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided.

A Milestone Year for HSWS

One of the most significant highlights shared during the presentation was that in 2025, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society officially became a registered charity. This milestone strengthens our ability to expand our impact, enhance fundraising efforts, and continue protecting and restoring the local watershed for future generations.

Progress in Restoration and Planning

Over the past year, our team and volunteers have completed meaningful riparian restoration work along Hoy Creek, helping to improve habitat conditions for salmon and other species that rely on a healthy watershed.

We also introduced early plans for a future hatchery building. Our current facility has served the community well but is nearing the end of its lifespan. Looking ahead, a new hatchery will help ensure the long-term sustainability of our salmon enhancement and education programs.

Strong Partnership with the City

Our ongoing partnership with the City of Coquitlam continues to be a cornerstone of our work. Support and collaboration with the City enable us to advance key initiatives, engage the community, and care for important natural spaces like Hoy Creek.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share our progress and vision, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.

For those interested in more details, additional information shared with Council can be viewed here:

Kyle Uno, HSWS President and Tyler Storgaard, VP and Hatchery Manager

Chum Salmon Send-Off a Community Success

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society's April 4 Open House at the Hoy Creek Hatchery became an unforgettable celebration of conservation, community, and salmon stewardship.

What began as our annual Open House quickly turned into something even more exciting. With our chum salmon ready ahead of schedule, it was time to give them an early send-off into Hoy Creek.

Before the public arrived, our dedicated volunteers were hard at work. They spent the morning completing weight sampling and fish counts, providing the salmon with their final meal, and preparing everything for a safe and successful release. Their commitment behind the scenes ensures that every release is carried out with the utmost care.

Before the release, HSWS volunteers conducted a final weight sample to report to DFO.

Once the community gathered, it was all hands on deck. Families, children, and visitors eagerly rolled up their sleeves to help release more than 35,000 juvenile chum salmon into Hoy Creek, sending them on the first stage of their incredible journey to the ocean. Watching thousands of young salmon begin their migration is always a memorable experience, and sharing it with so many enthusiastic community members made the day even more meaningful.

Adding to the excitement, we were blessed with beautiful spring weather and welcomed the CBC News crew, who visited the hatchery to capture the story and help share the importance of salmon conservation with a wider audience.

Events like this are a wonderful reminder that protecting our local waterways is truly a community effort. Every volunteer, every family, and every visitor who participated played a role in giving these young salmon the best possible start on their journey.

On behalf of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, thank you to our incredible volunteers, our supportive community, and everyone who joined us for this special day. Together, we're helping ensure a brighter future for salmon in Hoy Creek and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the hatchery for future events and continuing our shared commitment to protecting the Hoy and Scott Creek watershed.

After a post or two on social media, the community showed up to support and help release the chum!

Note: Our coho smolts were released on May 16 by our volunteers.

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Canadian Registered Charity: 863285847RR0001