A concept image for the naturalization of Vernon Creek in Polson Park. (submitted photo/City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Sockeye, Kokanee and Trout

Flood prevention and fish habitat are keys to creek project in Polson Park

May 31, 2023 | 2:00 PM

A naturalization plan for Vernon Creek in Polson Park is designed to prevent flooding issues in the popular greenspace, but also includes establishing habitat for fish.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, Mark Dowhaniuk, infrastructure manager for the City of Vernon, stated the Polson Park Naturalization project, in part, involves creating habitats to accommodate fish.

“Right now the creek is kind of at a straight grade, a pretty consistent grade through Polson Park, and what we’re [planning] is actually building sockeye, kokanee and trout habitats, so basically pools with spawning gravel in them,” Dowhaniuk explained.

“So there will actually be little pools within the creek re-establishing what was naturally there before we channelized and straightened out the creek.”

The fish habitat portion of the project would be involved in the first phase of the project, which also involves removing old concrete and structures like bridges that are past their life-expectancy, establishing the fish habitats, and re-establishing the flood plain.

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“It’s an interesting [project] because it’s a balance of flood protection, resiliency for the community. We really want to invest in bringing some certainty to the flood limits within the park before we re-invest in new facilities throughout the park,” Dowhaniuk stated.

“We have the Polson Park planning process that should start up this year. The community has expressed a desire in renewing what’s there with new parks facilities, so really investing in making sure we understand what the water is going to do in the area is a big one, but also providing fish habitat and supporting the work that the [Okanagan Nation Alliance] has done is equally as important as well.”

He added the flood plain work would also involve removing some old trees and planting new ones.

A concept drawing for the naturalization of Vernon Creek in Polson Park. (submitted photo/City of Vernon)

A concept drawing for the naturalization of Vernon Creek in Polson Park. (submitted photo/City of Vernon)

It’s estimated the first phase of the project would cost $2 million.

The city is accepting proposals for the first stage of the work, and is currently in the process of undertaking archeological studies in the area. Dowhaniuk said the city will need to complete those processes before moving forward, but told Vernon Matters naturalization work could begin as early as July 2023.

During the work, the area around the creek up to the pond may be closed to the public, but the construction area will be later determined by the construction contractor.

The second phase of the project would continue the same work further down the creek south of where the first phase ended. Timelines and costs for that portion of the project had not been established.