---
title: "Vancouver's Adopt a Catch Basin program marks 10 years and needs more volunteers"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/news/vancouver-catch-basin-volunteer-program-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-06T17:15:11.019Z"
---

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](/candidates/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.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.