Adopt a Catch Basin
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Vancouver, Canada
About the city. The winter months are much rainier than the summer months in Vancouver. The city receives 1,189 mm (46.8 in) of rain per year.
Goal
The main goal is to protect public and private property from flooding. Also, it’s important to protect water quality by keeping leaves and debris from flowing into our rivers and streams. The indirect goal is to provide a fun way to involve kids in giving back to the community.
Implementation period. The implementation of the project started in 2017.
Fact
Vancouver has over 45,000 catch basins removing excess water from our streets at every rainfall.
Solutions
Adoption is an easy process, which contains three easy steps:
1. Go to adoptacatchbasin.ca to select and name a catch basin
2. Check the email inbox for a welcome package
3. Let the catch basin care begin.
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.
Challenges
The main problem was the discontent of some citizens. According to an analysis of the comments, some residents considered this initiative wrong. Some took the opportunity positively, many really care about drains with their children to set the right example and take care of the area as well.
Team
The City of Vancouver
Timeline
According to CBC News, over 1,700 Vancouverites have ‘adopted’ storm drains in 2018. The program was modelled on similar adoption campaigns in Oakland and San Francisco.
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