Adopt a catch basin and help reduce flooding by keeping it free of leaves, debris and litter! With your help we can keep our neighbourhoods vibrant places to live, work and play. Learn More
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Adopting a Catch Basin 101
Adopting a Catch Basin 101
- Thinking about adopting a catch basin? Here’s what’s involved: Check on your catch basin now and then— the best time is before and after a heavy rainfall and when trees lose their leaves in the fall — and make sure it is clear of leaves, debris and litter so rainwater can drain safely.
- If you see that your catch basin is blocked, use a rake, broom or shovel to push leaves and debris away from the curb and catch basin grate. This will allow water to drain into the catch basin and prevent flooding.
For more information visit: vancouver.ca/catchbasin
Catch Basin Care
Adopt a catch basin and help reduce flooding by keeping it free of leaves, debris and litter! An often overlooked piece of street infrastructure, catch basins play a crucial role in removing excess rainwater from our streets and keeping our communities safe from flooding. With your help we can keep our catch basin clear and our neighbourhoods vibrant places to live, work and play.
Training
When you adopt a catch basin, you will receive periodic emails with care tips and updates about the program — we will also remind you to check in on your catch basin in the event of a heavy rainfall or upcoming seasonal changes.
Once you adopt a catch basin, you are eligible to receive a free rake and safety vest to help you clear your catch basin. One rake and vest per household, while supplies last.
Your safety is important to us! To protect your personal safety, follow our guidelines:
- Do not use your hands to move leaves or debris blocking the catch basins, instead use a long-handled rake, broom or shovel to clear away materials.
- Stay visible with bright clothing or a safety vest when clearing your catch basin.
Report hazardous materials
- Do not attempt to move or pick up hazardous materials like needles, broken glass, or deceased wildlife. Report hazardous materials to 3-1-1 or use the VanConnect App. To report discarded needles, call The Mobile Needle Exchange at 604-657-6561.
Be mindful of traffic
- Be aware of traffic and keep out of the street whenever possible.
- Make sure that you only cross the street at designated crossing areas. Avoid crossing mid-block.
When is the best time to check in on your catch basin?
Check in on your catch basin periodically. The best time to visit your catch basin is before and after a heavy rainfall and in the autumn when trees start to lose their leaves.
What should I do if my catch basin is blocked?
If you see that your catch basin is blocked, use a long-handled rake, broom or shovel to push leaves and debris away from the curb and catch basin grate. This will allow water to drain into the catch basin and prevent flooding.
- Avoid pushing leaves and debris into the catch basin, nearby bike lanes, or on to the road. These actions increase risk of injury.
- Do not attempt to lift or remove the grate from the catch basin — this will not unblock the system and can put public safety at risk.
- If the area does not drain after clearing the catch basin, please report the issue using the VanConnect app or call 3-1-1 and City staff will see to the problem.
Can I name my catch basin?
Yes! You can call your catch basin whatever your heart desires — be catchy, but stay classy.
Please keep your names free of profanity and obscenity. We want everyone to feel comfortable participating. Inappropriate names will be removed.
Who can adopt a catch basin?
Individuals, organizations, and businesses are free to adopt one or many catch basins!
How many can I adopt? Can I adopt more than one?
You can adopt as many as you wish, just make sure you are able to care for all of them. Remember, they all need love!
What’s in it for me?
A lot of fun! Adopting and naming a catch basin is a “grate” opportunity to give back to your community and take pride in knowing you are contributing to the vibrancy and health of your neighbourhood by:
- Helping protect public and private property from street flooding.
- Helping protect water quality by keeping leaves and debris out of catch basins that flow directly to our rivers and streams.
- Connecting with your neighbours.
- Providing a fun way to involve kids in giving back to the community.
What if I find hazardous materials, like needles, broken glass or deceased wildlife?
Do not attempt to move or pick up hazardous materials! Report hazardous materials to 3-1-1 or use the VanConnect App. To report discarded needles, call The Mobile Needle Exchange at 604-657-6561.
I have more questions, where can I find additional information?
Visit www.vancouver.ca/catchbasin for more information about the program. Still have questions? Email the team at AdoptaCatchBasin@vancouver.ca
Spread the Word!
If you love your catch basin, let the world know! Share a photo and the name of your catch basin all gussied up (free of leaves and debris) with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #mycatchbasin.
Contact Us
I have more questions, where can I find additional information?
Visit www.vancouver.ca/catchbasin for more information about the program. Still have questions? Email the team at AdoptaCatchBasin@vancouver.ca
Spread The Word
If you love your catch basin, let the world know! Share a photo and the name of your catch basin all gussied up (free of leaves and debris) with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #mycatchbasin.
Contact Information
AdoptaCatchBasin@vancouver.ca
Terms of Service
Terms of Service
CITY OF VANCOUVER
VOLUNTEER (Volunteers under the age of 19 need the permission of guardian or parent to sign up) RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNITY & CONSENT
Read Carefully
VOLUNTEER ROLE
By clicking on “Agree” below, I hereby:
(a) Confirm that I wish to act as a volunteer for and under the direction of the City of Vancouver (the “City”) in the organization and/or carrying out of the program for which I am volunteering (the “Program”); and
(b) Accept that, in respect of my participation as a volunteer in the Program, I am not and will not become an employee or agent of the City and I am not and will not be entitled to any compensation or benefits of any kind.
VOLUNTEER DUTIES
By clicking “Agree” below, I hereby confirm my understanding that my duties are to:
(a) Actively participate in assigned volunteer engagements with the City under the oversight of City staff,
(b) Comply with all applicable City policies and procedures, and
(c) Carry out assigned functions as directed by my placement supervisor.
LIABILITY PROTECTION
The City’s Indemnification Bylaw ensures that volunteers providing service to the City are reimbursed for any claims against them arising out of the performance of their duties, provided the damages are not a result of dishonesty, gross negligence or wilful or malicious misconduct, or where the cause of action is libel or slander.
WAIVER AND CONSENT FOR USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
By clicking “Agree” below and in consideration for being permitted to participate as a volunteer in the Program, I hereby:
(a) waive any and all rights I may have now or in future to make or in any way advance directly or indirectly as against the City and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, volunteers or boards, including, without limitation, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, the Vancouver Police Board and the Vancouver Public Library Board and/or any of their directors, officials, officers, employees, agents any/or volunteers and/or any societies, associations and/or any other organizations associated or affiliated with the City or any of those Boards in any way in connection with the Program and any of their directors, officers, employees, agents and/or volunteers (all, collectively, the “City Group”), any complaints, claims, actions or suits of any kind arising from or in connection with: (i) my dishonesty, gross negligence or malicious or wilful misconduct; (ii) libel or slander of another person; or (iii) any act or omission of mine that is contrary to the orders of my Program supervisor;
(b) release and forever discharge the City Group from any and all liability for any and all losses, damages, injuries, harm or expenses of any kind I may suffer, incur or experience in any way arising from or in connection with: (i) my dishonesty, gross negligence or malicious or wilful misconduct; (ii) libel or slander of another person; or (iii) any act or omission of mine that is contrary to the orders of my Program supervisor;
(c) will indemnify the City Group for and hold it harmless from any and all losses, injuries, damages or harm that it may suffer, incur or experience and will indemnify the City Group for and hold them harmless from any and all claims against them or any of them for any losses, injuries, damages, harm or expense suffered, incurred or experienced by anyone else arising from or in connection with: (i) my dishonesty, gross negligence or malicious or wilful misconduct; (ii) libel or slander; or (iii) any act or omission of mine that is contrary to the orders of my Program supervisor; and
(d) grant to the City, without any further consideration of any kind to me, the unrestricted right to make photographs, film, video and/or digital or other recordings containing images of and/or sounds made by me in connection with my participation in the Program and the unrestricted right in perpetuity to keep, copy, use, publish, display and/or broadcast the resulting images of and/or sounds from me, in any way, at any time and by any means the City might choose, for the purpose of in any way publicizing and/or promoting the Program and/or the City.
(e) The City of Vancouver does not represent or warrant that the information set out in this application will be fit for any particular purpose, accurate, complete or free from defect or errors.
I Agree to these Terms & Conditions: