A concept image for the naturalization of Polson Park (image courtesy of the City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Fish Habitat Restoration

Contractor sought for Polson Park naturalization project

Mar 5, 2024 | 11:00 AM

The City of Vernon is accepting bids for the naturalization project within Polson Park.

The project would see the fish habitat in Vernon Creek revitalized through the park.

Phase 1, for which the city is accepting bids, would involve work on a 270-metre section of the creek in Polson Park upstream of the Highway 97 culvert.

The initial phase will include removal of the existing concrete banks and elongating the channel by meandering it along its current course, lengthening the channel. Naturalization will also add natural features within the meandering channel such as riffle pools and boulders, which will increase natural fish/spawning habitat where there is currently very little.

“Naturalizing the channel will increase water quality, increase fish habitat, increase riparian complexity and decrease groundwater impacts on the park operations,” the city said on its website.

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Phase 2 would see the fish habitat restored in the next 370 metres of the creek. This part of the project is considered “optional work” and would be completed in 2025, pending approval.

Requests for proposals opened Tuesday, March 5, and will close on April 4 at 2 p.m. Submissions can be made through the city’s website.