2025-03: Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization - Phase 2

The City has completed a two-phase project to naturalize Vernon Creek through Polson Park. Construction of Phase 1 was finalized in 2024, beginning at Highway 97 and extending upstream to the outlet of the duck ponds. Phase 2 is now complete, continuing from the end of Phase 1 further upstream to the existing maintenance vehicle crossing.

Naturalizing Vernon Creek through Polson Park was a necessary step ahead of the City’s future reinvestment in new park facilities, helping to restore ecological function while supporting long-term park improvements.

Project details:

The Vernon Creek naturalization project restores the creek through Polson Park to a more natural and resilient state. This work replaces the existing concrete channel with a gently meandering watercourse that generally follows the current alignment. By increasing the channel length from approximately 700 metres to 735 metres, water velocities are reduced, helping to limit erosion while supporting healthier ecological processes. These improvements are essential for preserving fish spawning materials and enhancing public safety.

The project also introduces a vegetated floodplain, allowing the creek to overflow naturally during higher flows rather than being confined within concrete walls. This approach reduces the risk of uncontrolled flooding in the park and helps manage larger storm events more effectively, while supporting surrounding vegetation and habitat.

Removing barriers such as the concrete channel and former duck ponds helps restore the natural movement of groundwater toward Vernon Creek. This is expected to alleviate longstanding issues with high groundwater levels and surface ponding in Polson Park, which previously contributed to the closure of the Polson splash park in 2019 and its removal in 2021. The return of cooler groundwater to the creek will also improve water quality and create more suitable conditions for aquatic species.

Additional natural features—including riffles, pools, and strategically placed boulders—have been incorporated to enhance fish habitat and spawning opportunities, which were previously limited. Overall, the project improves water quality, expands aquatic habitat, increases riparian diversity, and reduces groundwater-related impacts on park operations. The creek channel has been designed with shallow, stable slopes, reinforced by native vegetation and natural bank armouring to minimize erosion.

The project also includes new public infrastructure, such as three creek crossings constructed over two phases, a widened gravel pathway along the south side of the creek near Hospital Hill, and additional gravel pathways on the north side to improve accessibility and connectivity throughout the park.

Funding support has been a key component of the project. The City successfully secured approximately $2.5 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund’s Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream for Phase 1. Funding for Phase 2 has also been pursued through the same program.

*$2.53M Grant + $1.27 Casino Fund = $3.8M Phase 1 funding source.
**$2.58M CWF Gas Tax + $2.58M Casino Fund = $5.16M.

View the interactive project storymap

Project Schedule:

Phase 1: Completed 2024
Phase 2: June to November 2025

To minimize disruption to park users and for safety reasons, construction fencing will be installed around the entire perimeter of Phase 2 as shown in the figure below. The construction fencing will remain in place for the duration of the project (June to November 2025). The internal road to the south side of the oval track, including the parking lot next to the oval track along the south side, will be closed off to the public for the duration of construction.

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Riparian Plantings

As part of the City's permitting requirements, the riparian plants must meet a minimum of 80% survivability rate for a period not less than 5 years. Until the plants become self-sustaining, supplemental irrigation and maintenance is required. Similar to the BX Sediment Pond project, the construction fencing will be replaced with temporary fencing around the entire perimeter of the phase 1 site. The fencing will remain in place for the first two years following completion of phase 1 (November 2026) to allow the riparian plants to become established. The fencing is there to protect the sensitive riparian plants from animal damage, vandalism or other. Following the first two years, the City will evaluate if the fencing is necessary to remain in place to allow the plants more time to mature or if the fencing can be removed.

LATEST UPDATE APRIL, 2026:

Construction of Phase 2 of the Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization Project is now complete. Temporary fencing has been installed around newly seeded areas, and the public is asked to respect these closures and avoid entering them while vegetation becomes established.

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Previous updates:

DECEMBER 15, 2025:

Construction on Phase 2 of the naturalization project is nearing completion, with final work underway on the irrigation system, gravel multi-use pathway, and plantings. The City has also received confirmation from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans that a habitat bank has been successfully established to support future flood mitigation projects. Phase 2 will form the City’s first deposit to the habitat bank, contributing approximately 4,000 m² of restored riparian habitat that can be applied as environmental offsets on future capital works.

November 10, 2025:
Phase 2 is on track for completion by the end of November. Current work includes floodplain grading, irrigation installation, and riparian plantings. A split rail fence, similar to the fence installed at Becker Park, will be added along the gravel multi-use path at the base of Hospital Hill beside Vernon Creek. Key user groups have been engaged throughout the project, including the Lawn Bowling Association, Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society, Japanese Cultural Society, and other event organizers. Administration will continue to collaborate with community groups following the completion of the project relating to creek clean up initiatives or similar events. Following the completion of Phase 1, The City partnered with BCLS and Gateway Casinos to host an event to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the project. Coverage of the event was featured in the BCLS article “Vernon Creek’s Revitalization: A Commitment to Community, Conservation and Connection” (see link: Vernon Creek’s Revitalization: A Commitment to Community, Conservation and Connection). Council will be kept informed of any future events planned to acknowledge or celebrate this project.

October 27, 2025: Administration provided Council the following Update at the August 11, 2025 Regular Meeting: “A question was raised during the Regular Open Council Meeting on July 14, 2025, regarding the material used for the pedestrian bridge in Phase 1. According to the bridge fabrication drawings, the structure is constructed using weathered steel. This material forms a protective rust layer on its surface, which helps shield the underlying steel from further corrosion. Weathered steel performs well in Vernon’s climate; however, regular inspections will still be necessary to ensure the material continues to function as intended.” As of this update, Administration has not received any service requests or complaints concerning the finish of the Phase I bridge. For reference, a photo of the bridge has been provided below, highlighting the stainless steel rub rail designed to prevent direct contact between users and the oxidized surface.

Weathered steel provides a number of benefits over traditional painting and powder coated surfaces including the following: 

• Durability: Weathered steel forms a stable rust-like patina that shields the underlying metal from further corrosion. 
• Lower lifecycle costs: Reduced maintenance and no painting requirements lead to significant savings over time. 
• Natural appearance: The rusted finish blends well with natural and urban landscapes, offering a natural organic look. 
• Sustainability: Reduced need for coatings and maintenance means fewer resources consumed over the bridge’s lifetime and easier disposal at end of life. 

The second pedestrian bridge, part of Phase II, will feature the same material and design as the Phase I bridge. Installation is scheduled for the final two weeks of October. Work also continues on floodplain enhancements and riparian plantings.

October 14, 2025: In-stream work was completed within the regulated fish window. Bridge abutments are installed, and both the vehicle and pedestrian bridges are scheduled for installation this week. Floodplain construction, environmental planting, and irrigation installation are ongoing.

September 15, 2025: The project remains on schedule for November 2025 completion. Recent work includes stream bed construction, woody debris placement, and a successful fish salvage ahead of the upstream tie-in, which is now underway. Water is flowing through portions of the new channel and the bridge abutment construction has started. Public access is maintained via a temporary pedestrian bypass and bridge, while the internal park road remains closed to vehicles.

September 2, 2025: The project is on schedule, with construction expected to be completed by November 2025. Recent work includes stream bed construction, installation of woody debris to enhance aquatic habitat, and the installation of a bat relocation habitat, which provides critical shelter and nesting space for displaced bat populations. The downstream tiein has been completed, with a successful fish salvage, and water is now flowing through portions of the newly constructed stream channel. Work continues on the upstream tiein and bridge installation. Public access is maintained via a temporary pedestrian bypass and bridge, while the internal park road remains closed to vehicles.

August 11, 2025: Phase 2 of the Polson Park Naturalization Project remains on schedule, with construction expected to be completed by November 2025. Since mobilization in early June, recent work includes stream bed construction, installation of woody debris to enhance aquatic habitat, creation of bat relocation habitat, concrete demolition and continued implementation of environmental protection measures. Public access through the park is maintained via a temporary pedestrian bypass and bridge, while the internal park road remains closed to vehicles. City staff continue to coordinate with user groups to minimize disruptions during construction.

July 14, 2025: Phase 2 of the Polson Park Naturalization Project is on schedule, with construction expected to be completed by November 2025. Since mobilization in early June, completed work includes the installation of a heavy-equipment bridge, removal of sluice gates, trees, and concrete demolition. Environmental protection measures, including sediment control fencing and root protection, are in place with oversight from Stantec and Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) representatives. Public access through the park is maintained via a temporary pedestrian bypass and bridge, while the internal park road remains closed to vehicles. Administration continues to coordinate with user groups to minimize disruptions during construction. Administration continues to work with OKIB and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to establish a habitat bank, the first of its kind in the Okanagan and with Phase 2 being the first deposit into the habitat bank. Once established, habitat credits can be withdrawn from the bank to aid in future flood mitigation projects.

June 23, 2025: Phase 2 of the Polson Park Naturalization Project is now underway, with construction expected to be completed by the end of November 2025. To ensure public safety, construction fencing has been installed and the internal park road has been closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the project. This closure restricts vehicle access to the south side of the park. Public parking remains available near the fountain and tennis courts with additional temporary gravel parking provided near the lawn bowling area. A temporary pedestrian bypass and bridge have been constructed to maintain pedestrian access through the park during construction. City staff have been working closely with user groups to identify alternative venues for events most affected by the project and to minimize disruptions wherever possible.

May 26, 2025: The contractor will begin mobilizing to site on May 26, with construction fencing scheduled to be set up that week. Efforts are being made to minimize construction impacts on the park, but extensive fencing is required for public safety. The internal road will be closed from June to November, restricting vehicle access to the south side of the park, and through traffic will be closed to the public during this period. Public parking will be available by the fountain and tennis court areas.

March 10, 2025: Administration is finalizing the Phase 2 construction contract that was originally included as optional work as part of the Phase 1 contract (2024). The project is scheduled to start in June with an end of November completion date. Vegetation and tree removal may start as early as March. Efforts are being made to minimize construction impacts on the park as follows:  Temporary fencing will be installed to ensure public safety and protect the work site.  Internal roads will be closed from June to November, restricting vehicle access to the south side of the park and vehicle through traffic.  Administration is coordinating with impacted user groups and may need to arrange alternative venues, particularly for events scheduled during the critical fisheries window (July 24–September 24, 2025).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the supporting studies available for public review?
Yes. This project is based on recommendations from a hydrogeology study completed in 2020, available here. The City also completed Flood Mapping, Risk Assessment and Mitigation work. This work supports and complements the Okanagan Nation Alliance work to reintroduce sc’win (sockeye) and ntytyix (chinook) salmon to the region.

What are the expected benefits of this project? 
By removing barriers such as the concrete channel and duck ponds, this project will restore the natural movement of groundwater toward Vernon Creek. This is expected to help alleviate longstanding issues with high groundwater levels and water ponding in Polson Park, such as those that caused the closure of the Polson splash park in 2019 and removal in 2021. The return of cooler groundwater to the creek will also improve water quality and benefit aquatic species that rely on these conditions. The project also enhances the creek’s resilience by restoring a natural floodplain. This will allow Vernon Creek to better manage seasonal flows and flooding events, reducing the risk of localized flooding and lowering maintenance costs.

Additionally, the project will reintroduce spawning gravels for native fish species, which have been lost due to previous channelization of the creek. This habitat enhancement will support healthier fish populations and help restore natural ecosystem functions.

Will public walkways be affected? 
This project will remove the existing undersized crossings and replace them with 3 new crossings (1 in phase 1, 2 in phase 2). A new gravel multi-use pathway along the southside of the channel (hospital hill side) where there is currently none. New gravel pathways will also be incorporated into the project.  A new plan for Polson Park will guide the City’s investment in Polson Park following the completion of Phase 2.

Why are trees being removed as part of this project?
Grading the land and removing trees in and around Vernon Creek is a necessary part of the project to re-establish the flood plain in Polson Park and protect future investment in new amenities within the park.  The City understands that removing trees impacts wildlife habitat and how the community experiences the park. Every effort will be made to retain as many trees as possible. Various tree species will replace those being removed, as well as additional natural riparian vegetation. The City is confident that once completed, the project will make Polson Park an even better place to visit in every season.

Is reforestation of the creek area part of the project plan?
Once the meandered creek channel has been restored, replanting the floodplain will commence. The City has an extensive restoration planting plan using native plants to the area which will be implemented after grading is completed.  The riparian plants are required to meet a specific survivability rate over a 5 year period to meet permitting requirements. To allow the plants time to become established, fencing will be installed around the perimeter of the project site for the first two years. After which, the City will determine if the fencing can be removed or if the plants need more time to become established.