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.

Watershed Education in Coquitlam’s City Centre

Team-building and getting FISHY with Douglas College staff as they stopped in to learn about our work during a nature walk in Hoy Creek Linear Park. Robbin from HSWS led two group stop ins.

This year, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was thrilled to welcome local schools, Douglas College staff, and members of the City of Coquitlam Youth Council for watershed-focused tours at our hatchery. Guided with passion and insight by our volunteers Robbin Whachell and Anne Woosnam, these visits offered a firsthand look at the life cycle of salmon and the vital role of healthy watersheds in the heart of Coquitlam City Centre.

Learning In Action

Participants learned how hatchery operations support salmon enhancement, and discovered how streams like Hoy and Scott Creeks — nestled in the urban core — are critical salmon-bearing waterways. The experience helped bridge classroom learning with environmental stewardship, deepening participants' connection to their urban natural environment.

Riverside Secondary Fishing 11 class stopped by to learn about the two main species seen in Hoy Creek – Chum and Coho! We also hosted Gleneagle’s fly-fishing club.

Engaging the Next Generation

Tours with Douglas College staff and students offered future environmental leaders a behind-the-scenes perspective on salmon habitat restoration. Meanwhile, the Coquitlam Youth Council members, accompanied by their City staff discussed key topics that affect the city and hopefully will help spread watershed education in our community.

Salmon in the Classroom

This was the first year that we can recall, that eggs were provided for the Salmon in the Classroom program from our streams. We were so excited to have students and teachers return to release the hum salmon fry into Hoy Creek after carefully taking care of the salmon for months through the egg to fry stages! Read more

Coquitlam City Youth Council brought great questions from the civic view point.

Why It Matters

Getting students and youth leaders out into the watershed — especially in a landscape shaped by urban development — brings awareness to the delicate balance between city life and salmon-bearing streams. These tours foster a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural systems that sustain salmon and, by extension, our local ecosystems.

Thank You, Robbin & Anne

A heartfelt thank-you to Robbin and Anne for leading these educational tours with expertise and warmth. Your passion inspires both young learners and community leaders.