Photo courtesy of the RDNO

By Liam Verster

Creek Restoration, Food Forest

Grants going to support sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park projects

Apr 16, 2025 | 4:14 PM

The Regional District of North Okanagan’s new Agricultural Park is getting some financial aid.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) approved a grant of $30,000 from its Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program to restore a 160 metre creek and wetland within the sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park, commonly known as Hog’s Gulch.

The Regional District said this project would improve water quality and watershed resilience, and also aligned with previous studies that recommended the creek be restored.

The sncəcmałqtn Agricultural Park was also benefiting from a $7,760 B.C. Hydro Community ReGreening Program grant, to be used to plant trees and other vegetation in an effort to create an agricultural food forest in the park.

“We are thrilled to have received grant funding for these projects”, Bob Fleming, Chair of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and Director of Electoral Area B, said.

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“The restoration of Hog’s Gulch and the development of the food forest will not only improve the environment but also strengthen community bonds and provide valuable learning experiences for all visitors.”

The park is located on the former BX Ranchlands at 4122 East Vernon Rd.

“Through the development of this park, we are forging a new path for education and collaboration in our communities,” Amanda Shatzko, Director of Electoral Area C, added.

“This agricultural park is the first of its kind in the North Okanagan, and I am honored to be a part of it.”