Photo: City of Vernon

Site preparations have begun on a BX Creek sediment pond project.

Work on the flood mitigation project will close the BX Creek dog park during construction.

The City of Vernon says the sediment pond will be a major step in reducing seasonal flooding of the creek.

Originally slated for work Monday to Saturday through the summer, the city now says some Sunday work – and park closures – will be required to meet strict permitting deadlines and environmental regulation requirements.

"The park will be closed when workers are on site and will be reopened for use during non-construction hours," the city says.

While work is underway, residents are encouraged to visit other dog-friendly parks, trails and beaches in the area. These include:

• Mutrie Road Park (east end of 43rd Avenue and right turn onto Mutrie Road)
• Mission Hill Park (3900 15th Ave.)
• Becker Park (behind the Vernon Recreation Centre, near 39th Avenue)
• Polson Park (2600 Highway 6)
• Grey Canal Tail
• Middleton Mountain Park and Trails
• Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park pet beach
• Ellison Provincial Park sandy (pet) beach

Spring freshet flooding in 2017, 2018 and 2020 moved substantial amounts of sediment, causing overbank flooding and infilling culverts along BX Creek, the city says.

The sediment pond is intended to manage the sediment deposition, significantly reducing pressure on key crossings and reducing the risk of flooding downstream.