Sediment pond project is nearing completion in BX Ranch Park. (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Pete McIntyre

sediment pond

Pond project nears completion; dog park close to reopening

Oct 26, 2022 | 5:00 AM

A Vernon project to reduce the risk of spring flooding on BX Creek is nearing completion, much to the delight of dog owners.

Construction of a sediment pond in BX Ranch Dog Park on BX Road began in August, and has resulted in the partial or complete closure of the popular dog walking site.

Concept design of the BX sediment pond (image courtesy of the City of Vernon)

The project will decrease the amount of sediment downstream in the creek which has a long history of flooding.

“The establishment of the pond is part of the city’s ongoing flood mitigation efforts and it has been identified as a key flood mitigation tool to help protect the community during future spring freshet events,” Christy Poirier, manager of communications and grants with the City of Vernon, told Vernon Matters.

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“The pond is intended to collect sediment that is moving downstream, thus reducing sediment deposition along the lower portions of BX Creek and significantly reducing pressure on key crossings,” she added.

Poirier said crews are expected to demobilize the site soon and the park is expected to re-open to the public in early November.

“Users of the park will see temporary fencing around the sediment pond which will be used to protect the sensitive riparian plantings and to give them time to establish.”

Park users are asked to be careful near the pond area and to keep themselves and their pets out of the fenced section so the plants can become properly established.

The restricted access to the BX dog park the last few months has led to pet owners shifting to other parks like Marshall Fields, Mutrie Road and Mission Hill Park.

The city used a $747,000 grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to support the project.