A decade of community action: Celebrate 10 years of Adopt a Catch Basin by volunteering in your neighbourhood

The City of Vancouver is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Adopt a Catch Basin program, recognizing thousands of residents who have helped prevent neighbourhood flooding, protected local waterways and kept streets safe by caring for catch basins in their communities.

“For 10 years, the Adopt a Catch Basin program has shown the incredible impact of small, but thoughtful actions by Vancouverites,” said Mayor Pete Fry. “Every volunteer who has adopted a catch basin has reduced the risk of flooding and built our capacity to manage more frequent and intense rainfall. Thank you to everyone who has made this program such a success.”

Since launching a decade ago, Adopt a Catch Basin has grown into a city-wide volunteer effort. Today, nearly 8,600 catch basins have been adopted by community members who regularly clear leaves and debris to help stormwater drain properly and alert City crews when service is needed.

With more than 32,000 catch basins available to adopt across Vancouver, with a higher need in Downtown, Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano, the City is calling on residents to celebrate 10 years of Adopt a Catch Basin by adopting one in their neighbourhood.

Get started

Signing up to adopt a catch basin is easy, fun and the whole family can get involved. Adopters receive information and resources to help care for their catch basin and can track their actions through the program’s online map.

1. Visit vancouver.ca/CatchBasin
2. Choose an available catch basin near your home, workplace or community space.
3. Give it a fun and creative name to join these classics in the Drain of Fame: Alexander the Grate, Trevor Lin-drain and Leafer Sutherland.
4. Get started by keeping it clear of leaves and debris.

How to clear a catch basin

Residents are encouraged to check their catch basin year-round before and after heavy rainfall and during peak leaf-fall season. Clearing an adopted catch basin typically takes only a few minutes and can have a significant impact on keeping stormwater flowing and reducing flooding risks.
 
Follow these safety guidelines when clearing a catch basin:

• Do not use your hands to move leaves or debris blocking the catch basin. Instead, use a long-handled rake, broom or shovel to clear away materials. 
• Wear bright clothing or a safety vest so you are visible to traffic.
• Be aware of cars, bikes and pedestrians, and stay out of the street whenever possible.
• Cross streets at signals or marked crosswalks, not mid-block.

Learn more and adopt a catch basin: vancouver.ca/CatchBasin.