Vernon Creek is an urban stream flowing through the City of Vernon and the territory of the Syilx Peoples, connecting Kalamalka Lake to Okanagan Lake. Inside Polson Park, the creek has a history of flooding, causing bridge and park closures when water levels are high. Decades of channelization, straightening, bridge installations, bank armouring, and landscaping have interrupted natural channel processes, separated the creek from its floodplain, increased groundwater levels, increased flow velocities/depths, reduced riparian cover, and severely harmed fish habitats.

The project improved public safety, reduced infrastructure vulnerable to future Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) claims and naturalized the creek to enhance aquatic and riparian habitat. Detailed flood mapping, risk analysis, design flow estimation, and documentation of existing geomorphic, hydraulic, and fish habitat conditions informed the design. Restoration followed an ecosystem-based, natural channel design approach.

Between 2022 and 2026, a 580m section of Vernon Creek underwent restoration, with the 360m Phase 2 segment completed in 2025/2026. The project extended the creek channel, expanded the floodplain, removed hardened infrastructure, and incorporated natural geomorphic elements including riffles, pools, woody debris, and riparian plantings.
Seven bridges, approximately 360m of concrete channel, two ornamental ponds, and non-native vegetation were removed and replaced with a naturalized channel and a connected floodplain system. The restored area contains 14 riffles, 12 pools, over 5,800 native plants, two pedestrian bridges, one vehicle bridge, and a 470m multi-use path.

Chosen design elements mirror the natural morphology found in streams with similar slope, discharge, and sediment regimes. This approach restores hydrologic functions, moderates stream flows, improves water quality, and boosts habitat for spawning and rearing salmonids, including Sockeye, Kokanee, and Rainbow trout.

Our approach to the Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization Project focused on restoring Vernon Creek to a resilient and ecologically functional watercourse, while addressing persistent challenges related to flooding, groundwater, and habitat challenges within one of Vernon’s most valued public spaces. Stantec applied an integrated, science-based approach, incorporating hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, and engineering to deliver a design grounded in natural processes and long-term sustainability.

Comprehensive hydraulic, geomorphic, and fish habitat assessments were carried out to evaluate existing conditions and opportunities. These studies guided a design strategy that aligned both ecological restoration and the City’s park revitalization goals. A phased naturalization plan was created to convert the concrete-lined channel into a meandering, self-sustaining system, considering park constraints and prioritizing public access.

Stantec also guided the City through regulatory approvals, including applications under the Water Sustainability Act and Fisheries Act, and prepared a Construction Environmental Management Plan to support responsible implementation in a sensitive watercourse.

During construction, we provided administration, inspection, and environmental monitoring services to support the phased implementation, maintain constructability, meet environmental windows, reduce park user impacts, and support long-term operational performance.

By integrating science-based design, regulatory strategy, and close coordination with City staff, Stantec’s approach delivered a naturalized creek system that enhances habitat, reduces flood risk, reconnects groundwater pathways, improves accessibility, and fosters a healthier, more resilient Polson Park for generations to come.

In 2025, the naturalization of a 360m2 of Vernon Creek resulted in an expansion of 4,500m2 of viable riparian area and 3,200m2 of instream habitat.