Seeking funds for phase two

Vernon city council will be moving forward with a grant application for the second phase of the Polson Park creek naturalization project.

Council voted at its Sept. 23 meeting to go ahead with a $5 million grant application to the Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaption (DRR-CA) funding stream.

The DRR-CA is a provincial program intended to help First Nations and local governments prepare for disasters and reduce the risks of natural hazards within changing environments.

The city received DRR-CA funding for phase one of the project, the grant of $2,529,931 was used to make the creek less susceptible to flooding.

Phase one of the project started construction on Jun.17 and is on track to be finished by November. Phase two is currently in the planning phases with construction expected to start in 2025.

When asked by council about possible signage being placed around the park after the project's completion, Keast says permanent signage will be in place to inform the public about the history behind the project.

Mayor Victor Cummings requested a city council walk-through of the project as the construction progress.