Members of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society were treated to a truly educational and inspiring experience on December 14, touring Kwikwetlem First Nation’s new sockeye salmon hatchery located high above the Coquitlam River watershed.

A huge thank you goes to HSWS volunteer Rodney Lee, who led the tour and generously shared his knowledge throughout the morning. The state-of-the-art facility is currently incubating sockeye salmon eggs, and Rodney provided a fascinating overview of both the technical aspects of the hatchery and the long, determined journey taken by Kwikwetlem First Nation to bring this important project to life.

Participants learned about the unique life cycle of sockeye salmon and the special care required to successfully rear this species—knowledge that deepened everyone’s appreciation for the complexity and importance of hatchery work in supporting healthy salmon populations.

The tour started with an informative talk from Rodney Lee.

Following the hatchery visit, the group toured the surrounding area, taking in views of the Coquitlam River running at high flow, as well as the spawning grounds, dam, and lake reservoir. The broader landscape offered valuable context for understanding how habitat, water management, and salmon stewardship are closely connected.

HSWS members were pleased to be joined by friends from the Hyde Creek Hatchery, making the tour an excellent opportunity for shared learning and collaboration among watershed stewards.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society extends its sincere thanks to Kwikwetlem First Nation for welcoming us and allowing us to learn about this vital work. The hatchery represents a significant achievement in salmon restoration and Indigenous-led stewardship in the region.

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For more information about the hatchery and its opening, you can read Kwikwetlem First Nation’s 2022 announcement here:
👉 Sockeye Hatchery Announcement (Kwikwetlem First Nation)

Wrapping up the tour at the Coquitlam mountain reservoir. (Coquitlam Lake) Watershed

Hyde Creek's Mitch and Helen (far left and far right) hosted Hoy/Scott Watershed Society team (L–R) Robbin, Matt, Anne and Tyler.

On February 17, several members of the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society had the opportunity to visit the Hyde Creek Watershed Society's salmon hatchery in Port Coquitlam. The visit not only provided an up-close look at the facilities and operations of our neighbouring hatchery but also fostered an exchange of knowledge and ideas about salmon rearing practices and water usage.

As advocates for environmental stewardship, both organizations recognize the critical role of salmon in our local ecosystem and the need to actively contribute to their conservation and population management. This shared commitment made the visit even more meaningful as it allowed for a fruitful exchange of insights and experiences.

During the tour, members from both societies discussed the meticulous care and attention required to ensure the health and vitality of the fish. From egg incubation to the nurturing of smolt, each step in the hatchery’s operation highlighted the dedication and expertise of the staff and volunteers in preserving the salmon population.

Hyde Creek Hatchery’s use of well water shed light on innovative approaches to water conservation and efficiency, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management of the watershed.

The visit underscored the interconnectedness of our efforts in preserving the salmon and their habitat. By coming together, sharing knowledge, and learning from each other's experiences, we strengthen our collective impact on environmental conservation.

The visit served as a reminder that, through collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can make a significant difference in the health and sustainability of our watersheds.

We extend our gratitude to the Hyde Creek Watershed Society for their warm hospitality. Our visit reaffirmed our commitment to the preservation of our natural environment and the crucial role that partnerships and collaboration play in achieving this goal.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work closely with our neighbouring watershed societies and local communities to promote the well-being of our precious salmon and their habitats.

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Society Members Tour Kwikwetlem Sockeye Hatchery

Exploring Environmental Stewardship: A Visit to the Hyde Creek Salmon Hatchery

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