MOOSE JAW - To safeguard Moose Jaw’s watershed system, the South Hill Community Association, in partnership with the Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards, the Wakamow Valley Authority, and the City of Moose Jaw is reviving the Yellow Fish Road program to denote affiliated storm drains across the city.
The Yellow Fish project began on June 29 and will continue throughout the summer.
“Bringing this program back will raise awareness about the importance of keeping our rivers free from household chemicals and litter,” said Crystal Froese, chairperson of the South Hill Community Association.
“Seeing the yellow fish will serve as a reminder that only rainwater should go down local corner storm drains, as this water flows directly into our river system,” she added.
Moose Jaw’s network of storm drains feed directly into the city’s freshwater river systems, including Thunder Creek and the Moose Jaw River which flow through the Wakamow Valley.
These storm drains are exclusively designed to transport stormwater from city streets to adjacent river systems during heavy rains, and potential pollutants aren’t treated by the existing infrastructure. As a result, these contaminants adversely affect Moose Jaw’s waterways and the diverse lifeforms they support.
Stormwater pollution includes any non-rainwater substances such as car soap, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, oil and other car fluids, pet feces, garbage, and construction materials.
“This initiative not only raises awareness about stormwater pollution, but also encourages community participation in preserving our waterways for future generations,” explained Mandie Kostiuk, the watershed manager for the Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards.
The Yellow Fish Road program was first introduced in 1991 by Trout Unlimited Canada. Ever since, the program has been implemented across Canada to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation. The program also reminds each community of their role in maintaining nearby water systems.
The Moose Jaw River Watershed Stewards, in collaboration with its partners, continue Trout Unlimited Canada’s project with a free-to-enter program aimed at students in grades four to eight.
Participating students are supervised by trained adults as they paint storm drains while learning more about the program’s significance.
“Our objective is to engage a diverse audience in understanding the importance of the yellow fish symbol,” Kostiuk explained.
Residents with hazardous waste materials such as used motor oil or other chemicals should contact the Sanitary Landfill by calling 306-692-9383 to inquire about the best means of disposal. Alternatively, you can contact the city’s Public Works & Utilities Department at 306-694-4448.
The City of Moose Jaw holds a twice-yearly Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day where hazardous materials can be safely disposed of at no cost. The first collection took place on April 20, and the second collection date is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24.
Materials disposed of during the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days can range from canned aerosol products to batteries to liquid household cleaners, and the program typically runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the City Complex. The complex is located at 1010 High Street West.
The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council offers more useful recycling information at SaskWasteReduction.ca/Recycle.
For more information on how you can participate in protecting Moose Jaw’s valuable waterways, visit MJRiver.ca/Projects/Yellow-Fish-Road.
If you wish to participate as a volunteer, it’s important to note that children must be accompanied by an adult and all painting materials will be supplied by project organizers.
To learn more about the South Hill Community Association, visit ‘South Hill Community Association’ on Facebook or email SouthHillMJ@gmail.com.
