Vancouver's Adopt a Catch Basin program marks 10 years and needs more volunteers
The City of Vancouver says 8,600 of its 32,000 catch basins have been adopted by community volunteers who clear leaves to prevent flooding. More are needed in Downtown, Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on vancouver.ca.
The City of Vancouver says nearly 8,600 of its 32,000 catch basins have been adopted by community volunteers since the Adopt a Catch Basin program launched 10 years ago, and it is calling on more residents to sign up ahead of the city's wet season.
Mayor Pete Fry was quoted in the City's announcement on November 5. "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," Fry said.
What volunteers do
Residents who adopt a catch basin check it regularly, particularly before and after heavy rain and during leaf-fall season. They clear leaves and debris using a long-handled rake, broom or shovel so stormwater can drain properly. When a drain needs service from City crews, volunteers alert the City.
The City says signing up takes only a few minutes and the work itself can usually be done in a few minutes per visit. Volunteers can track their work through the program's online map and name their drain. Among the existing names: Alexander the Grate, Trevor Lin-drain and Leafer Sutherland.
Where volunteers are most needed
The City says Downtown Vancouver, Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano have the highest need for new volunteers, with more catch basins still available to adopt in those areas than in other parts of the city.
Why it matters now
Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heavy rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver on November 5 and 6, 2026, with a week of storms in the forecast. Blocked catch basins send water onto streets rather than into the storm system. Keeping them clear before and after heavy rain reduces flooding on residential streets.
How to sign up
Residents can adopt a catch basin at vancouver.ca/CatchBasin, choose one near their home, workplace or community space, and get started. The City says the program is open to the whole family.
Questions this story answers
What is the Adopt a Catch Basin program in Vancouver?
Adopt a Catch Basin is a City of Vancouver volunteer program where residents regularly clear leaves and debris from a street drain near their home or workplace to help rainwater flow properly and reduce street flooding. The City announced on November 5, 2026 that the program is now in its 10th year. Volunteers can track their work through an online map at vancouver.ca/CatchBasin.
How many catch basins have been adopted in Vancouver?
According to the City of Vancouver's November 5, 2026 announcement, nearly 8,600 of the more than 32,000 catch basins in Vancouver have been adopted by community volunteers. The City says there is a higher need for volunteers in Downtown Vancouver, Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano.
What does Mayor Pete Fry say about the program?
Mayor Pete Fry is quoted in the City's announcement saying: 'For 10 years, the Adopt a Catch Basin program has shown the incredible impact of small, but thoughtful actions by Vancouverites. 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.'
How do I sign up to adopt a catch basin in Vancouver?
To sign up, go to vancouver.ca/CatchBasin, choose an available catch basin near your home, workplace or community space, give it a name, and start keeping it clear of leaves and debris. The City says the whole family can get involved and each cleanup usually takes only a few minutes. Volunteers receive information and resources from the City to help care for their drain.
What safety steps should I follow when clearing a catch basin?
The City of Vancouver says not to use your hands to move leaves or debris. Use a long-handled rake, broom or shovel instead. Wear bright clothing or a safety vest to stay visible to traffic. Be aware of cars, bikes and pedestrians, and stay out of the street when possible. Cross streets at signals or marked crosswalks only.
Why is this important in November?
November is peak leaf-fall season in Vancouver and the city regularly receives heavy rainfall. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heavy rainfall warning for Metro Vancouver on November 5 and 6, 2026. Blocked catch basins can cause water to back up onto streets. Clearing leaves before and after heavy rain helps prevent flooding in residential neighbourhoods.
What neighborhoods most need catch basin volunteers?
The City of Vancouver says Downtown Vancouver, Mount Pleasant and Kitsilano have the highest need for volunteers. These areas have more catch basins available to adopt than other parts of the city, according to the November 5, 2026 announcement at vancouver.ca.
Does volunteering cost anything, and how long does it take?
The City of Vancouver says adopting a catch basin is free. Signing up is done online at vancouver.ca/CatchBasin. The City says each cleanup typically takes only a few minutes and can be done year-round, with particular value before and after heavy rainfall events and during peak leaf-fall season in autumn.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- City of Vancouver: Celebrate 10 years of Adopt a Catch Basinvancouver.ca
- Adopt a Catch Basin program pagevancouver.ca
Found an error? Tell the editors with the corrections form. A correction is noted on the story it changes. Read our standards.
