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

The City is working to naturalize Vernon Creek through Polson Park over 2 phases. Construction of Phase 1 was completed in 2024, starting from Highway 97 and going upstream to the outlet of the duck ponds. Phase 2 is underway and will start where Phase 1 left off, continuing upstream towards the existing maintenance vehicle crossing. Naturalizing Vernon Creek through Polson Park is a necessary step to be taken before the City reinvests in new facilities within Polson Park.

Project details:

The naturalization project aims to restore Vernon Creek through Polson Park to a more natural state. This involves replacing the existing concrete banks with a meandering channel that follows its current alignment. By increasing the channel’s length from approximately 700m to 735m, the water will slow, reducing erosion and supporting healthier ecological processes. These changes are essential for preserving spawning materials and improving public safety.

The project will also create space for the creek to naturally overflow into a vegetated floodplain, instead of confining it within concrete walls, where, when the creek spills its banks, it floods the park. This floodplain will help manage larger flood events while supporting the surrounding environment. 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. 

Additional natural features, such as riffle pools and boulders, will be added to enhance fish habitat and spawning areas, which are currently minimal. The project aims to improve water quality, expand fish habitats, increase riparian complexity, and reduce groundwater impacts on park operations. The channel will have shallow slopes, reinforced with natural riparian vegetation and bank armoring to prevent erosion.

The project also includes new infrastructure, such as three new crossings planned over the two phases, a wider gravel pathway on the south side of the creek (along hospital hill), and gravel pathways on the north side.

The City's grant application to the Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation Funding Stream by the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) was successful, securing approximately $2.5M for Phase 1 of the project. The City’s grant application for Phase 2 is currently under review by the grant review board. 

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

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Phase 1 - drawing package

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Phase 2 - drawing package

To help share the vision of this project with the community, an interactive story map has been created to show more details about the project and the reasons why the City is moving forward with this work.

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 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.

Previous updates:

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.