You don’t have to be a Streamkeeper to help us take care of North Vancouver waterways! Below are some ways you can make a difference in the community and contribute to our work.
Even if you don’t live right by a stream, following these tips from Fisheries and Oceans Canada can help protect our streams.
Please dispose of used motor oil and antifreeze properly and remember that our storm drains lead to our streams.
The BC Used Oil Management Association (BCUOMA) has a mobile pick up option for used oil, filters, and anti-freeze. The pilot program is available to North Vancouver and West Vancouver residents, and there is no limit as long as its from a household. Residents can call the number listed on the bcusedoil.com website to schedule a pick up, and they will collect it for free.
Check the BCUOMA website (bcusedoil.com) and input your location (North Vancouver or West Vancouver) for information about pickup or local dropoff centres and for the mobile pick up service number.
This is a welcome option for residents given used oil is no longer accepted at the North Shore Transfer Station or at local businesses such as Canadian Tire. Check with your local government for updates.
A raingarden is a landscaped area that filters rainwater draining from impervious surfaces in order to provide opportunity for it to be absorbed into the soil. The raingarden helps prevent large flow events in the creek during rainy periods, spreading the flow out over time.
Raingardens can be built near driveways, roadways, parking lots, walkways, rooftops – any impervious surface that prevents rain from soaking into the soil naturally.
They can consist of a simple collection of rocks for drainage, or more complex ecosystems consisting of plants, insects and other animals.
Check out this great brochure from Seattle Public Utilities for great tips for salmon-friendly gardening including lists of beneficial plants
All storm drains lead to streams so it is very important to make sure water leaving construction sites is clean.
If you would like to help in creek restoration, count smolt, survey invertebrates, feed coho fry, educate the public on practices to protect our streams, spot spawners or help with grant applications, please check out our volunteer opportunities!
Join us! Annual membership fees are $10 – to join. You can pay by cash or cheque, or using PayPal via this link: https://www.paypal.me/streamkeepers
If you don’t already know what watershed you’re in, this map, using data from the District of North Vancouver, should be able to help you pinpoint your watersheds of interest.
Contact the BC Government:
Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)
24 hr hotline: 1‐877‐952‐7277
Contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada if
salmon are involved:
Observe, Record, Report
1‐800‐465‐4336
DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
