Site preparation is underway for Phase 2 of the Vernon Creek Naturalization Project in Polson Park. This marks the final phase of work to enhance the ecological health of Vernon Creek and improve flood resilience in the community.
To ensure public safety and minimize disruption to park users, there will be temporary changes to parking and access in Polson Park. The internal road south of the oval track and the adjacent parking lot will be closed to the public for the duration of construction. Work is scheduled to take place daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a planned pause on Canada Day to accommodate park festivities.
Early work includes installing a temporary bridge and pathway on the southeast side of the park to maintain Polson Park Trail’s connection to Polson Drive. While the multi-use path will be temporarily diverted, efforts are being made to minimize impacts for pedestrians through this connection point.
Construction is anticipated to be complete in November 2025. Daily work hours and project timelines are subject to contractor schedules, weather conditions, and other factors.
Project benefits
- New creek crossings:Â Undersized creek crossings will be replaced with larger, more resilient structures.
- Improved pathways:Â A new multi-use pathway will be added along the south side of the channel (hospital hill side), along with new gravel pathways to improve park connectivity and accessibility.
- Ecological restoration:Â The project will create essential habitat for Kokanee, Trout, and Sockeye salmon, allowing these species to return to Vernon Creek to spawn.
- Flood mitigation:Â A naturalized floodplain will help manage seasonal water flows and reduce long-standing issues with high groundwater and water ponding, resulting in lower maintenance costs and a more sustainable park environment.
About the project
The Vernon Creek Naturalization Project is a two-phase initiative aimed at transforming the existing concrete-lined creek into a natural, meandering watercourse with improved fish habitats, enhanced water quality, and increased floodplain capacity. Phase 1, completed in late 2024, covered the section from Highway 97 to the outlet of the duck ponds. Phase 2 will continue upstream, extending south towards the existing maintenance vehicle crossing.
Save the Date – Community Celebration
To celebrate this major milestone, the City will be hosting a community event on Friday, June 20, 2025. Party for the Park celebrates the naturalization project and invites the community for an evening of family fun and entertainment. Join us for live music and entertainment, food samples, bouncy castles, face painting, caricatures and more, all at the Polson Artisan Night Market!
Time: 3:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m
Location: Polson Park – Bandshell and Night Market area
The City thanks the community for its patience and cooperation as crews work to enhance Polson Park to create a more resilient park for current and future generations.
