Coquitlam River Watershed Society draws attention to our most valuable natural resource.

On November 2, 2023 Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable held a public event called “Vital Signs: Checking Our Watershed’s Health". The event was facilitated by Georgia Ohm, the Coquitlam River Watershed Society’s Roundtable Coordinator. Coquitlam City Councillor Steve Kim welcomed participants from local environmental groups and the community. Spokespeople from a number of organizations, groups and the city reported on water quality. Generally, it was good news.

Angela Yeung (Environmental Services Projects Specialist – City of Coquitlam) reported on the Coquitlam River water quality monitoring program. She said over 300 km of streams in the City’s watersheds are monitored and that 96% of samples met or exceeded water quality guidelines. She also highlighted other programs including – adopt a catch basin, storm-drain marking, educational door hangers, and fats, oil, and grease spill response procedures.

Trends in Adult Salmon Returns to the Kwikwetlem River were reported on by Jason McNair, Principal, Living Resources Environmental Consultants. Jason said all four returning salmon species are coming back in good numbers due to increased water in the river.

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Coquitlam) Sockeye Restoration Project Coordinator Rodney Lee, leads the restoration project on behalf of the Kwikwetlem First Nation. His presentation included a history of the Coquitlam watershed. He spoke about the loss of access by salmon to Coquitlam Lake following dam construction, recent sockeye research and plans to construct a sockeye hatchery.

Erin Gorby, Urban Forestry and Parks Services Manager, City of Coquitlam presented “Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Our Urban Forest”. Her presentation defined the Urban Forest, the critical services and benefits it provides, the challenges and opportunities in managing an Urban Forest. Erin said the City is developing an Urban Forest Management Strategy.

A presentation on the City of Coquitlam’s Climate Action Plan was given by Laura Sampliner, Environmental Sustainability Manager, City of Coquitlam. The presentation included an overview of why we need a Climate Action Plan for the City, priority areas and feedback, and next steps in the initiative.

Theo Mahdi, Engineering Technologist, City of Port Coquitlam Maple Creek gave a presentation entitled “Drainage Pump Station Upgrade - Making Maple Creek Fish Friendly”. The presentation provided an overview of the Maple Creek Drainage Pump Station upgrade project including goals to improve safety and support salmon, construction details and outcomes, and timeline and project funding progress.