The annual Salmon Come Home celebration brought the community together on October 26 at Hoy Creek Hatchery to witness the wonder of the salmon returning home. Despite the forecast, the rain held off, and the trails were alive with visitors, families, and friends who came to learn, connect, and celebrate the salmon’s incredible life cycle.
This year’s event was a partnership between the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, the City of Coquitlam, and numerous community environmental organizations and sponsors who share a passion for local conservation. From salmon education to hands-on activities, the day was filled with opportunities to learn about watershed health and the vital role salmon play in our ecosystem.
A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers, who made the day possible. They spoke with visitors about the hatchery’s work, shared insights on the Coho salmon fry currently rearing on-site, and assisted Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) with egg and incubation demonstrations during the salmon talks. Approximately 11,000 eggs were put down for incubation, and it was wonderful to share this process with the community.
Hoy Creek Hatchery manager and HSWS Vice President, Tyler Storgaard (left) and DFO Community Advisor, Eric Kukulowicz during Salmon Talks where the community witnessed egg take, fertilization and preparation for incubation.
The hatchery is now busy with egg incubation, marking the start of a new generation of salmon that will one day return to Hoy Creek to continue the cycle. The next two months will be key for Chum and Salmon egg incubation.
The festival also served as a special occasion to honour a past member of the Society, Niall Williams, a former hatchery manager and long-time advocate for the watershed. Rodney Lee made the presentation, sharing stories of Niall’s tireless work and dedication in the Society’s early days. His leadership helped shape the foundation of what Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is today — a thriving community of volunteers committed to education, stewardship, and salmon conservation.
Dennis Marsden, City Councillor; Rodney Lee, former HSWS hatchery manager; Niall Williams, tributee and former HSWS member and hatchery manager; and Kyle Uno, HSWS President.
As another spawning season unfolds, the Society extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate and support this meaningful event. Your enthusiasm and participation keep the spirit of stewardship alive at Hoy Creek.
👉 View our Facebook photo gallery and relive the highlights from Salmon Come Home!
Thank you Volunteers! Just some of the volunteers who helped prepare the hatchery for broodstock and incubation as well as prep for Salmon Come Home!
