Environment
Situated on Burrard Inlet and surrounded by forested mountains, Port Moody has a beautiful natural environment. Living in a city surrounded by wilderness means that we need to take extra precautions to develop with care around Environmentally Sensitive Areas, manage wildlife interactions, remove invasive plants, and help protect streams and the marine environment.
| Monthly Environment Tips | ||
| In this section you will find valuable resources and information on how to make a positive impact on the environment in your everyday life. From tips on how to coexist with bears to managing invasive plant species, we are committed to providing you with practical and informative content. Check back at the beginning of each month with new updates and expert insights. Together, we can protect our environment and create a sustainable future.
Port Moody welcomes the return of salmon spawning season. This natural event typically occurs in our region from September to December. During this time, chum salmon make their appearance in the creeks in September and October, followed by coho salmon in October and November. In odd years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.) we also welcome pink salmon in the early fall. It’s an event that highlights the importance of these salmon returning to their birthplace in our region. While you explore the creeks and streams in Port Moody, we kindly request that you be mindful of the fish at work. These fish have travelled long distances to return to our creeks and lay their eggs, an essential step in their lifecycle. To ensure their success, please keep dogs and boots away from the creeks to prevent any disruption or damage to these fragile eggs. In addition to salmon, juvenile fish, insect larvae, and amphibians also depend on freshwater habitats to survive the winter. Bear activity also increases around creeks during spawning season, as they rely on salmon as a key food source. Keep a safe distance, be bear-aware, and practice ethical photography when bears are near. Let's show our respect for their environment as our salmon and other wildlife prepare for the colder months ahead. Visit Port Moody’s Hatcheries To see this amazing natural event for yourself, we welcome you to come to our nearby hatcheries: Noons Creek Hatchery: Located just off the scenic Shoreline Trail, behind the Recreation Centre Ice Rink, the Noons Creek Hatchery is open to the public every Saturday from 9am to 11am. It's a chance for you to explore the world of salmon spawning and learn more about how our local ecosystems work together. Mossom Creek Hatchery: If Sundays work better for you, head to the Mossom Creek Hatchery, which is just 1-kilometer up Mossom Creek Drive. This hatchery welcomes visitors from 11am to 1pm on Sundays. It's also fully accessible and holds the prestigious gold certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation. Bring your family and friends along for an enriching day of exploration and learning. |
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| Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities | ||
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Working Together
To get involved with environmental initiatives in Port Moody, check out upcoming Environment Events & Volunteer Opportunities. You can register for activities through our Recreation department.
To learn more about best practices and key environmental topics, visit our Monthly Tips for a Sustainable Future page.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are natural areas where City works and development must proceed with care. We have Development Permit Guidelines to guide development in and adjacent to ESAs. Tree and vegetation removal is restricted in ESAs. Riparian management setbacks are specifically identified in the Zoning Bylaw to keep development activities away from sensitive riparian environments around streams and watercourses. In Port Moody, we promote the Naturescape B.C. program to support healthy streams and wildlife habitat on private and public property through Naturescaping.
Protect our Streams
To protect the environment prohibited substances must not be discharged into City storm sewers, which drain into streams or oceans. Responsible lawn, garden and property care practices help prevent discharges to streams. Substances that are prohibited under our Stream and Drainage Bylaw from entering City storm sewers or streams include:: chlorinated water, dirt, oil and grease, paint, fuel, solvent, and soaps.
To increase public awareness of stormdrains and their direct link to fish habitat, you can sign out a stormdrain-marking kit from the municipal Works Yard. This simple kit includes all the equipment you need to install yellow fish decals on pavement to highlight where stormdrains are located. Note that these special decals are being offered in place of yellow paint and stencils. To sign out a stormdrain-marking kit for yourself or your volunteer group, email environment@portmoody.ca.
You can dispose of leftover paints, solvents, flammable liquids, pesticides, and gasoline at the Port Coquitlam Return-It Depot, located at 2577 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam.
Reporting Pollution
To report an environmental emergency such as a spill, chemicals being washed into a storm drain, or a contaminated stream, contact Environment and Parks at 604-469-4574 or environment@portmoody.ca.
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