Polson Park flooding in 2020 (file photo / Vernon Matters)

By Kevin Rothwell

Budget increased

Polson Park stream naturalization review expanded

Apr 30, 2021 | 6:00 AM

The scope of a study to return Vernon Creek to its natural state where it flows through Polson Park has been expanded dramatically.

The study, initially funded at $75,000 to address the hydrogeology issues and storm water catchment within the park, has now been increased to $125,000.

Vernon Creek has been channelized over several decades, and it is believed that has resulted in high water tables within the park, creating boggy conditions.

Upon review by the Infrastructure Department, it has been determined the Polson Park Detention Pond project should be incorporated into the study as well as some of the current drainage work that interfaces with Polson Park.

The following drainage and infrastructure projects all converge on Vernon Creek at Polson Park:

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• Vernon Creek flood mapping.
• Kalamalka Lake Road Drainage (as part of the planned 2022 Kalamalka Lake Road improvements)
• Polson Park detention pond (storm pond to detain increased surface runoff before entering Vernon Creek)
• Habitat restoration connected to the airport runway restoration and the BX sediment pond to meet permitting obligations to Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

“The increased project scope of the stream naturalization feasibility study will create a naturalized design for Vernon Creek that incorporates the projects above, and that will define the available space in Polson Park for future park recreational amenities. This project will be central to realizing some of the goals related to parks, in council’s strategic plan,” Mark Dowhaniuk, Manager of Infrastructure, reported to Vernon council.

The study will be funded by $25,000 from an Okanagan Basin Water Board water conservation and quality improvement grant, and $100,000 of storm water development cost charge.