The City of New Westminster is calling on community members to help reduce the risk of localized flooding.
With the return of wet weather, the city is reminding residents of its Adopt-A-Catch Basin program.
“Your job is easy; throughout the year, you’ll clear the catch basin and surrounding area of any leaves, debris, litter, and snow that might prevent it from properly draining rainwater,” said a notice about the program. “As a catch basin caretaker, you’ll also get to name the basin, which will show up on the catch basin map.”
The city notes that leaves, debris, litter and snow can block catch basins, preventing rainwater from draining.
“The city's catch basins serve an important role in removing excess water from our streets each time it rains,” said the city’s website. “Keeping these drains clear and running at optimal capacity throughout the year is important and helps to prevent localized flooding.”
Anyone who signs up for the volunteer program would be responsible for regularly clearing debris and litter from “their” catch basin and the surrounding area using a broom, shovel or rake.
Catch basins should be cleaned after a heavy rainfall, in the fall when trees lose their leaves, in the winter after significant snowfall, and in the spring when debris from the streets may build up.
After adopting a catch basin, the city will provide folks with a link where they can report the last cleaning date. To get more information about the program and to complete the registration form, go to www.newwestcity.ca/adopt-a-catch-basin.
