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The City of Penticton has announced a major milestone in the restoration of Penticton Creek.
Construction of a showcase project and a creekside planting program have been completed.
“We have already had several reports of kokanee navigating upstream with ease along the new creek bed. The difference you can see in Penticton Creek before and after the restoration project is amazing,” said Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.
He acknowlegded the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation's participation in the effort, saying "their financial support has really made this project possible.”
The restoration was identified during 2012 Downtown Plan consultations as among the top priorities for residents and businesses, and has been identified among long-term action items to be completed for revitalizing the downtown.
Construction started Aug. 4, at event which saw concrete walls removed from the creek for the first time in more than 50 years.
The newly completed showcase project was designed to demonstrate what creek restoration can look like, with the goal of restoring fish habitat, maintaining flood protection and stabilizing creek banks.
HCTF CEO Brian Springinotic said the foundation’s support of the restoration aligns with its previous million-dollar investment in a recovery plan for Okanagan Lake kokanee.
“The Okanagan Lake Action Plan made strong recommendations to improve spawning habitat in historic kokanee streams such as Penticton Creek,” said Springinotic. “This restoration project will help deliver on those recommendations.”
The sample project includes an 80-metre section of Penticton Creek, upstream from the Ellis Street bridge.
The site was chosen to substantially improve fish habitat, as well as address severe maintenance issues in a highly visible area, the city said.
The makeover included creation of good fish habitat – rearing areas (resting, hiding and feeding zones), spawning grounds, and minimizing velocity and elevation barriers to migration. Both kokanee and rainbow trout are expected to benefit from the changes.
The public is invited to check out the showcase project, and the Ellis Street bridge offers an excellent vantage point.
