THE City of Surrey invites residents of all ages to join the Storm Drain Marking Challenge, a fun, family-friendly initiative running now until August 15.

By painting yellow fish (salmon tracks) near storm drains across the city, this program raises awareness about the important connection between storm drains and the Surrey’s fish-bearing streams. With untreated water flowing directly through storm drains into local creeks and waterways, it is critical to keep pollutants such as oil, paint or soap out of these drains to protect aquatic life.

“The Storm Drain Marking Challenge is a simple, but powerful way that Surrey residents can take part in protecting our fish and environment,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke on Friday. “The yellow fish markings serve as an important reminder that only rain goes down the drain. With just a brushstroke, everyone can help keep our fish-bearing streams healthy for generations to come.”

Residents can visit any of the participating recreation centres – Clayton, Fleetwood, Fraser Heights, Newton, or South Surrey – to pick up marking kits. These kits will include everything needed to paint the yellow fish symbols and help spread the message about the impact storm drains have on local streams.

The Storm Drain Challenge is part of the City of Surrey’s Salmon Tracks storm drain marking program developed in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

For more information or to get involved, visit surrey.ca/stormdrainchallenge.