Vancouver's Adopt a Catch Basin program marks 10 years with a birthday party at City Hall
The City of Vancouver says 8,600 catch basins are now adopted by residents, out of 32,000 available, as the program turns 10 on October 31.
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Vancouver residents have adopted 8,600 of the city's catch basins over 10 years, the City of Vancouver said on October 30, marking the anniversary of the Adopt a Catch Basin program with a birthday event at City Hall.
The program, which the City launched in 2016, lets anyone volunteer to look after one of the drain openings set into Vancouver's streets and sidewalks. A volunteer clears leaves and debris from their basin when they accumulate, so that rainwater can flow in and streets do not flood.
The City says more than 32,000 catch basins are spread across Vancouver, and that most are still available for adoption. Volunteers who sign up through the City's online tool can name their basin, track their cleanups on a map, and receive information from the City about keeping it clear.
Why autumn matters for drains
The City says catch basins are most at risk from October through winter. Heavier rain arrives, fallen leaves pile against the metal covers, and blocked drains can cause streets to flood. Leaves that wash past a blocked basin also carry debris into local waterways.
Taryn Scollard, Deputy General Manager of Engineering, said in the City's announcement that crews responding to storms sometimes have to search for basins buried under snow before they can clear them. "Clearing a basin is a small action that has instant results," Scollard said. "You clear the plug and it's so satisfying to see the water running again."
Tom Knight, an Engineering office clerk who has volunteered since 2020, said he now clears about eight basins regularly, though he has officially adopted five. "It makes me feel good knowing I'm doing a good deed for my neighbours," Knight said in the City's announcement.
A birthday party at City Hall
The City is celebrating the anniversary with a birthday party on Saturday, October 31, at 10:30 am in the Joe Wai Room at City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue. The event includes trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, cake and prizes. Halloween costumes are welcome.
The City asked residents who plan to attend to register in advance through the Adopt a Catch Basin program page.
Residents who want to adopt a basin can visit vancouver.ca/CatchBasin, choose an available one near their home, workplace or community space, give it a name, and start clearing it. The City's map shows which of the more than 32,000 basins are still available.
Questions this story answers
What is the Adopt a Catch Basin program in Vancouver?
The Adopt a Catch Basin program lets Vancouver residents volunteer to look after one or more of the city's drain openings on streets and sidewalks. A volunteer clears leaves and debris from their adopted basin so that rainwater can flow in and not flood the street. The City of Vancouver launched the program 10 years ago. Anyone can sign up for free at vancouver.ca/CatchBasin and give their basin a name.
How many catch basins has the program reached in 10 years?
The City of Vancouver says that as of October 2026, residents have adopted 8,600 catch basins across the city. The city has more than 32,000 catch basins in total, so most are still available for anyone who wants to adopt one. Volunteers who adopt a basin receive information from the City and can track their cleanups through the program's online map.
Why does clearing a catch basin matter in autumn and winter?
The City of Vancouver says catch basins become more important in autumn and winter because heavier rain and fallen leaves can block them. When a drain is blocked, stormwater cannot enter and streets can flood. Leaves that wash into the basins also carry debris into local waterways. City staff say volunteers help them reach basins that crews cannot always get to before a storm arrives.
Is there an event to celebrate the program's 10th anniversary?
Yes. The City of Vancouver is holding a birthday party for the Adopt a Catch Basin program on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 10:30 am at City Hall in the Joe Wai Room, at 453 West 12th Avenue. The event includes trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, birthday cake and prizes. Halloween costumes are welcome. The City asked residents to register ahead of time through the program's page.
How do I sign up to adopt a catch basin in Vancouver?
Visit vancouver.ca/CatchBasin to find a catch basin near your home, workplace or community space. The City's online map shows which basins are available for adoption. After signing up, you give the basin a name and start clearing leaves and debris as needed. The City provides information and resources to help, and you can track your cleanups through the map.
How do volunteers know if their adopted catch basin needs clearing?
The City of Vancouver asks volunteers to check their adopted basin regularly, especially during the fall when leaves are falling and during heavy rain. If a basin is blocked, volunteers remove the leaves and debris. Volunteers can also alert City crews when a basin needs service beyond what they can clear themselves. The City says clearing a blocked basin has immediate results: water starts flowing again right away.
Does the catch basin program relate to what the new Vancouver Council is doing?
The Adopt a Catch Basin program has run since 2016 and is a City staff program, not a council decision. The newly elected Vancouver City Council took office after the October 17, 2026 election. Their plans for flooding, stormwater and drainage can be found on individual councillors' pages at voche.me.
Can businesses or schools in Vancouver also adopt a catch basin?
The City of Vancouver says residents can adopt a catch basin near their home, workplace or community space, which means businesses and schools can take part. The program is open to anyone. With more than 32,000 catch basins across the city and 8,600 currently adopted, there are many available in commercial and school areas.
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