Volunteer of the Month: Ruiyi Xiong

Ruiyi helping at a hatchery open house.

A passion for animals leads a Secondary student to the Hoy Creek Hatchery

For our October Volunteer of the Month, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is pleased to recognize Ruiyi Xiong, a student at Port Moody Secondary School who has been volunteering with us since February 2026.

Ruiyi was drawn to the hatchery by her love of animals and the opportunity to help care for and raise salmon. What began as an interest in helping salmon has become a meaningful volunteer experience—and one she has encouraged her friends to join as well.

“I love animals. When I heard that there was an opportunity to take care of and raise salmon here, I was immediately interested.”

Since joining our volunteer team, Ruiyi has taken on a variety of important tasks around the hatchery. Her regular roles include feeding the salmon and helping remove invasive species from the area.

For Ruiyi, one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is seeing the young salmon and knowing that her efforts are helping them survive.

“Being able to see the little salmon brings me joy because I know I am helping so many little lives survive.”

Bringing friends to the hatchery

One of the things Ruiyi is most proud of is introducing her friends to the hatchery and encouraging them to volunteer.

She says it makes her happy to have helped her friends discover a place where they enjoy giving back, while also providing the hatchery with additional helping hands.

It is exactly the kind of ripple effect that makes a volunteer community so valuable. One person gets involved, shares their experience with others, and suddenly more people are contributing to the care of our local watershed.

Learning about salmon and watershed stewardship

Ruiyi’s time at the hatchery has also given her a much better understanding of the salmon life cycle and the work involved in conservation.

Through volunteering, she has learned about how salmon are caught in October, where and how their eggs are incubated, and how much care and feeding young salmon require to remain healthy.

These hands-on experiences provide an important connection between people and the natural environment right here in our community.

Ruiyi helping shovel out sediment from the rearing pond.

Her advice to future volunteers

For anyone thinking about volunteering at the Hoy Creek Hatchery, Ruiyi has some simple advice:

“If you are passionate about taking care of the environment, this experience should be low-stress and fun.”

We couldn’t agree more.

The hatchery relies on volunteers of all ages to help with the many tasks involved in raising salmon and caring for the surrounding environment. Ruiyi is a wonderful example of how young people can make a meaningful contribution—and how volunteering can be both rewarding and enjoyable.

Thank you, Ruiyi, for your enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to bring others along with you. We are grateful for everything you do to support the hatchery, the salmon and the Hoy Creek watershed.

Chlorine Caused Fish Kill at Hoy Creek Hatchery

Chlorine exposure results in the loss of 2000 Coho fry

Shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, a resident alerted the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society that dead fish had been spotted in Hoy Creek. The resident had also reported the incident to the City of Coquitlam.

Hatchery volunteers responded quickly, along with the City’s environmental team, who began testing the water both in the creek and at the hatchery, where over 4,000 Coho fry were being housed.

A faint smell of chlorine was noticeable in the area, and a source of the pollutant was identified nearby. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. Dead fish could be seen along a one kilometre stretch of the creek.

A devastating loss

Initially, only one or two dead fish were observed in the hatchery. Within an hour, however, it became clear that chlorine had entered the holding tank and that the fish had been seriously affected. Hatchery volunteers acted quickly to mitigate further loss by shutting off pumps which intake water from the stream. The City assisted with testing the creek and water in the holding tank until results improved and then water was reintroduced to the holding tank.

The next morning volunteers were pleased to see survivors in the hatchery tub! Official counts are not in yet, but approximately half of the fish survived.

The loss is heartbreaking for the Society and our volunteers. Raising young salmon requires considerable time, care and commitment, and these fish represented an important part of the hatchery's salmon enhancement work.

We are grateful to the resident who noticed the dead fish and reported the incident. That quick action allowed City staff and hatchery volunteers to respond as quickly as possible.

Only rain down the drain

This incident is also an important reminder about the connection between storm drains and our local waterways.

Only rain should go down a storm drain on residential or commercial property.

Storm drains can lead directly to local creeks and streams. Pollutants entering the drainage system can harm or kill fish and other aquatic life. Chlorine and pool chemicals, in particular, can be lethal to fish.

What goes down a storm drain can ultimately make its way into the very waterways we are working to protect.

What Happened?

City of Coquitlam advised that an industrial strength chlorine from a pressure washing job nearby went down a storm drain that fed directly into the creek. Further investigation will determine fines and mitigation measures. 

Continuing our work

Despite this difficult incident, our regular volunteer work will continue as planned. Our volunteers remain committed to protecting Hoy Creek, supporting the hatchery and doing what we can to improve the health of the watershed.

Thank you to the City of Coquitlam's environmental team, DFO and our dedicated hatchery volunteers for their quick response and ongoing efforts.

Together, we can help protect Hoy Creek and the fish and wildlife that depend on it.

• CityNews coverage

Society Holds 2026 Annual General Meeting

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Coquitlam City Centre Library. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with members able to participate both in person and online. A total of 12 members attended.

2026–2027 Board of Directors

Elections were held as part of the AGM, with nominations put forward for the positions of Vice President, Secretary and Directors.

The results were:

• Vice President: Tyler Storgaard — returning for another term by acclamation

• Secretary: Robbin Whachell — returning for another term by acclamation

• Directors: Anne Woosnam, Matthew Watts, Katelyn Crothers and AJ Chapman.

The returning and newly elected directors join Kyle Uno, President, who has one year remaining in his term, and Sandra Uno, Treasurer, who also has one year remaining in her term.

Thank You, Kim

The Society would also like to extend its sincere thanks to Kim Mayes for her many years of service and support as a member of the Board of Directors, including her leadership of the Society's water quality monitoring program.

Kim will continue to be an active member of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, and we look forward to continuing to work with her in support of the watershed.

We thank all of our members and volunteers for their continued commitment to the health and stewardship of the Hoy/Scott watershed and look forward to another year of conservation, salmon enhancement, habitat stewardship and community involvement.

Annual Rearing Pond Salvage

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Hoy/Scott Watershed Society conducted our annual rearing pond salvage on September 17.

The Coho smolts were released into Hoy Creek in the spring, and once the pond is drained, there are always discoveries waiting in the sediment and shallow water. The pond provides habitat for a variety of invertebrates and aquatic life, including crayfish, stoneflies and lamprey.

During this year’s salvage, we found crayfish, juvenile lamprey and a few stray Coho fry. All were carefully returned to the stream.

A big thank you to the City of Coquitlam for coordinating this extensive effort and for removing the boards to allow the pond to be drained. And, of course, thank you to our dedicated volunteers who helped with the salvage.

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Following the salvage, the City removed the accumulated mud and sediment. The pond was then pressure washed by the Society and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the floorboards were returned, and creek water was reintroduced.

Later this month, the rearing pond will once again become home to our next Coho brood, which will be transferred from the hatchery to the pond where they will grow until their release in May 2027.

Another important piece of the salmon life cycle at Hoy Creek — and another great example of the work that happens behind the scenes to support our local salmon population.

A Little Yellow Sticker Can Make a Big Difference

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Sometimes, protecting our local streams starts with something as simple as a little yellow fish sticker.

On September 5, Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers were out marking storm drains in the Runnel Drive and Burnside Place areas of Coquitlam. The goal was simple: remind residents that water flowing into a storm drain can make its way directly into our local waterways and salmon-bearing streams.

A reminder where it matters

Earlier this year, Scott Creek experienced a spill, highlighting how quickly pollutants can become a concern for our local waterways. At the same time, new pavement along portions of Runnel Drive had covered some of the older fish decals that had served as reminders to residents.

It was a good opportunity to replace those faded or covered markers with bright, new reminders.

We also added several markers on Burnside Place, where street drainage flows toward the same creek.

These markers carry an important message: storm drains are connected to our waterways. Unlike wastewater that goes through treatment systems, stormwater can flow directly into streams, creeks and rivers. Anything that enters a storm drain — including oil, chemicals, litter and other pollutants — has the potential to affect aquatic ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them.

Small action, big impact

A big thank you to our volunteer Robbin, who spent the morning installing the new markers.

It may seem like a small project, but these simple reminders can make a real difference by encouraging residents to think twice about what goes onto our streets and into storm drains.

Keeping pollutants out of our stormwater system helps protect the Hoy/Scott watershed, salmon habitat and the many species that rely on healthy streams.

See a spill? Report it.

If you see a spill or pollution entering a local waterway, please report it as soon as possible. Quick action can help reduce the potential impact on our streams and wildlife.

Not sure who to contact? Visit the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society's Contact page for information on reporting spills and other watershed concerns.

Every one of us has a role to play in protecting our local waterways — and sometimes, it starts with noticing that little yellow sticker beside the storm drain.

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Left: Burnside Place; and right: Runnel Drive in Coquitlam.

Annual Trail & Stream Clean Brings Volunteers Together

Web of Life collaboration expands cleanup

A team effort!

A little drizzle didn’t stop Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers from getting to work on August 23 for our annual Trail & Stream Clean.

This year, we were especially pleased to collaborate with Carl from the Web of Life Society, who helped us pinpoint an abandoned camp area in Hoy Creek Linear Park. We had been hoping to collaborate for some time, and it was great to finally make it happen.

With so many helping hands, volunteers were able to spread out across three or four areas along the Hoy Trail, as well as along Scott Creek at Runnel Drive.

Many Hands Make Light Work

The cleanup uncovered quite a collection of items, including clothing, shoes, blankets, tents, a pallet, a chair, a candle holder and a skateboard — along with plenty of the usual food and beverage garbage.

While some of the items were unexpected, removing them from the trail and stream environment helps keep the watershed cleaner and safer for people and wildlife.

We were also especially happy to welcome Lani, a former HSWS director and longtime volunteer, back to help with this year's cleanup.

Thanks to Web of Life for helping us clean an abandoned camp in Hoy Creek Linear Park!

Caring for Our Watershed

Our annual Trail & Stream Clean is one of the many ways volunteers contribute to the health of the Hoy/Scott watershed. By removing garbage and abandoned materials from trails, stream corridors and surrounding areas, volunteers help protect the natural environment and the wildlife that depend on it.

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the drizzle and gave their time to care for our trails, streams and watershed.

Your efforts make a difference!

More Coho in Hoy & Scott Creeks!

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Matt releases a net full of coho into the transfer tank.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers were busy on August 15, working alongside our Community Advisor, Eric from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), to relocate surplus Coho salmon to suitable habitat in other areas of Hoy and Scott Creeks.

It was also great to have Matt back in town to lend a hand with the fish transfer!

Why Do We Have Surplus Coho?

Each year, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society operates under its federal aquaculture licence, which permits us to incubate up to 25,000 Coho eggs.

However, our release limit is 5,000 one-year-old Coho smolts.

That means we can have more young Coho than we are permitted to release as smolts from the hatchery. Rather than letting those surplus fish go to waste, we can give them an opportunity to contribute to the watershed by relocating them to suitable habitat throughout Hoy and Scott Creeks.

This work helps distribute young salmon throughout the watershed and gives them access to additional areas where they can continue their development.

Eric and Anne scoop up fish for transfer.

Every Fish Matters

Projects like this are made possible through the combined efforts of volunteers, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society and our partners at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

A big thank you to everyone who helped with the relocation — and to Eric and DFO for their ongoing support and guidance.

Every fish matters. Every creek matters. And every helping hand makes a difference.

Growing salmon. Restoring habitat. Supporting a healthy Hoy/Scott watershed.

Coho introduced to another area of Hoy Creek via a hose from the transfer tank.

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.

• Complete this membership form.

• Submit your payment via our Support page.
  Make payment via our website PayPal system, HERE.

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

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Photo provided courtesy of the City of Coquitlam

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.

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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.