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 seasonal e-newsletters with care tips and updates about the program — we will also email at times to 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 vest and rake to help you clear your catch basin. Please email us with a request. 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.
Keep Covid measures in mind
- Maintain physical distance from other sidewalk and road users.
- Consider wearing a mask while cleaning your catch basin
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.
Report You Cleared Your Catch Basin
To report that you have cleared your catch basin:
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
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, INDEMNITY & CONSENT
Read Carefully
By clicking “Agree” below and in consideration for being permitted to participate in the Adopt a Catch Basin Program (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, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Police Board, Vancouver Public Library Board and any of their respective officials, officers, employees or agents (all, collectively, the “City Group”), any complaints, claims, actions or suits of any kind arising from or in connection with my participation in the Program;
(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 my participation in the Program;
(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 arising from or in connection with my participation in the Program; 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.
I Agree to these Terms & Conditions:
You have successfully abandoned your catch basin
If you have a moment, please let us know why you abandoned it:
| I no longer have the time to care for it |
| I am moving to another neighbourhood where I may adopt another catch basin |
| I am moving out of the City, otherwise I would have continued caring for my catch basin |
Other
Please let us know how we can serve you better |