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.

Society Provides 2025 Update to Coquitlam Council

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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:

• HSWS Presentation
  

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

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society Announces 2025 Board of Directors

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President Kyle Uno (right) delivers a Year in Review at AGM on Sept. 24. The meeting was hybrid for society members.

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on Sept. 24, 2025, at the Coquitlam library and voted in the following president, treasurer and directors:

• President – Kyle Uno (second term)

• Treasurer – Sandra Uno (second term)

• Director - Anne Woosnam (past secretary, assistant hatchery manager)

• Director - Kim Mayes (reappointment)

• Director - Matthew Watts (reappointment)

The above mentioned join the existing board members:

• Vice President – Tyler Storgaard (final year of second term, and hatchery manager)

• Secretary – Robbin Whachell (final year of first term, past director, past president)

The AGM highlighted a Year in Review for the society which highlighted:

• 20K chum fry/smolts; 17K coho fry

• Salmon in the Classroom releases

• Habitat restoration project on Hoy Creek 

• Public education and awareness: Festivals and Tours

• Instream water quality monitoring

• Invasive species removal: Touch-me-knot, Policeman’s Helmet 

• Spawner survey data

• Challenges: Break-ins, poaching 

• New charity status

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A Year in Review at our AGM on Sept. 24 at the Poirier Branch of the Coquitlam Library.

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

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

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Treasurer, Sandra Uno delivers the Financial Overview. In 2025 the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society became a Canadian Registered Charity: 863285847RR0001

Restoring Hoy Creek’s Riparian Zone: A Community Effort

We’re excited to share that restoration of the riparian area around Hoy Creek—disturbed last summer during the removal of old concrete structures—is now complete!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers, the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) team, and supportive friends and family, the area has now been replanted and is ready to thrive.

It wasn’t easy work—digging, hauling, planting—but the spirit of teamwork made the effort lighter and the days brighter. As always, we are grateful for our incredible community and those who stepped up to help.

💚 Special thanks to Tyler, Thomas, Anne, Amy, Jiameng, Eric, Glenda, Dillon, Kathy, Madeleine, and Sam for giving your time and energy to make this restoration possible.

We also extend a BIG thanks to the Pacific Salmon Foundation for their ongoing support of salmon and habitat recovery in our region!

🌱 If you’re walking the Hoy Creek Trail, you may notice green fencing in the restoration area. Please respect the barrier and help us protect this young growth by reminding others to do the same. With a little time and care, this area will return to a lush, vibrant habitat that supports both wildlife and the health of our watershed.