Polson Park is one of Vernon’s most cherished green spaces. For many of the city’s residents, it is a place for walks, gatherings, quiet reflection, and connection to others and to the natural world.
Yet, over many years, the concrete channelization of Vernon Creek, located within the park, had impacted that sense of place, creating challenges around flood risk and biodiversity.
Partially funded through funds the City of Vernon received from hosting Lake City Casino, the Vernon Creek Naturalization Project is seeking to restore the creek to its more natural, functional state — which includes meandering channels, gravel beds, riverbank planting and improved habitat for fish.
“The casino money really enables us to apply money to what we see has to happen [in our city],” said Victor Cumming, the City of Vernon’s Mayor. “And in this particular situation, we’re going to end up with a much better park.”
Mayor Cumming and representatives from BCLC and Gateway Casinos were onsite at the park earlier this summer, to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the revitalization project – which has already seen a significant transformation to the creek.
“We were looking down into the creek and up came three Kokanee, leapt from overtop the ripples and into the next pond – exactly as it was designed,” continued Mayor Cumming. “We just got really excited about the fact that it’s going to be far better for the fish – and the second big benefit for the community is that we have way better access to the creek.”
Phase 2, already underway, and also partially funded through casino funding, will deepen these efforts and ensure that both the park’s natural systems and citizens’ enjoyment are enhanced and sustained in the long-term.
“I was quite flabbergasted at the work that was done and can only imagine what it will be like for the residents of Vernon moving forward,” said Shiera Stuart, director, Government Relations with Gateway Casinos and Entertainment.
For BCLC, recognizing the significant work completed and ongoing at Polson Park is about more than restoring a creek: it’s about strengthening the fabric of community and individual connection.
When paths are more accessible, crossings safer, flooding risk reduced, the people of Vernon — children, elders, families — can enjoy the park more fully, more often. When native fish return, when greenspace thrives, the park becomes a place of education, enjoyment and gathering for all.
“We’re about fostering human connection,” said Alan Kerr, BCLC’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services. “It’s going to be ever more important to have green spaces where friends and family can gather in nature. It feels great to see how our work shows up in local communities and makes a difference.”
Learn more about host local government payments and the ways in which casino revenue is used to help communities across B.C. thrive here.
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