Streams | City of Port Moody

Creek with rocks emerging and trees on both sides

Port Moody has almost 80 kilometres of streams extending throughout the City. These streams vary in type – some with fish, and some without them. Those streams without fish may serve to support other fish habitats, or may provide drainage and other functions.

Examples of fish-bearing streams include Noons Creek, Mossom Creek, Suter Brook Creek, and North and South Schoolhouse Creek. All streams, including ditches, provide important ecosystem services including supporting biodiversity, stormwater management, flood protection, water quality, and reducing urban heat island effect.

Healthy streams

In urban environments, direct discharges and stormwater runoff can pollute streams. Our Stream and Drainage Bylaw prohibits direct discharges into storm sewers. As water moves across streets it collects oil, pesticides, and other chemicals. Integrated Stormwater Management Plans help provide recommendations for addressing non-point source pollution from stormwater.

To help keep our streams healthy, use the following tips around your home and garden:

do not dump anything directly in a stream or storm sewer; the Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw prohibits discharge into streams and storm sewers
avoid the use of weed killers and other pesticides – many pesticides that are legally allowed for sale cannot be used on residential and City lands in Port Moody under our Pesticide Use Control Bylaw
don't use landscaping plastic because this increases runoff
slowly drain your hot tub or pool into the ground or sewer system – never drain into streets or storm drains
fix oil and transmission leaks on your vehicle
wash your car at a car wash – otherwise use minimal soap and park on grassy or gravel surfaces
sweep your driveways and walkways instead of using a hose
consider using gravel instead of pavement to reduce runoff
keep streams shaded with trees and brush; the City protects streamside setbacks from land altering and development activities
don't let litter or trash enter streams
keep your pets away from streams
dispose of leftover paints, solvents, flammable liquids, pesticides, and gasoline to: Biggar Bottle Depot, 2577 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam

Dye testing and natural byproducts

Dye testing: You may occasionally see bright green water in the streams. This indicates that the drainage system upstream is undergoing dye testing to determine flow path and connections. The dye used in this type of test is nontoxic and does not harm wildlife.

Natural byproducts: Certain bacteria in the water break down iron which creates a fuzzy, orange slime as a byproduct. This process can often result in a foul and swampy odour. The byproduct from this process can be easily mistaken for oil or water pollution. Sometimes a blue-silver sheen is also associated with this process. However, the sheen can be easily identified as different from pollution as it forms jagged edges when broken up and does not easily reform. These deposits are non-toxic and do not pose a risk to the environment or human health.

Stormdrain marking kits

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.

Report an issue

There are yellow signs throughout Port Moody that identify salmon-bearing streams. If you see something that may harm the health of those streams, please report it to the Environmental Emergency Branch of the provincial government at 1.800.663.3456. You can also contact the City’s Environment Division at 604.469.4574 or environment@portmoody.ca.