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.

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.

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.