A major milestone in the multi-year-long Penticton Creek restoration project was marked on Wednesday, May 29.

As part of the city害羞草研究所檚 latest efforts to naturalize the creek, crews have been working to remove the 害羞草研究所渃hannelized害羞草研究所� concrete banks from the 1950s when flooding devastated parts of Penticton害羞草研究所檚 downtown core.

City officials and community members gathered by the creek at Norton Street and Wade Avenue East on May 30, to mark the completion of the project害羞草研究所檚 latest stage, which spanned 320 metres.

Along with helping reduce the risk of future flooding, the city害羞草研究所檚 work was praised for supporting native fish species and other wildlife.

害羞草研究所淭his is an important milestone in this project that serves two functions: creating a more resilient community and improving the fish habitat,害羞草研究所� Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 also a great example of the power of partnerships, working with the Penticton Indian Band, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, community groups, and the federal and provincial government to move the project from dream to reality.害羞草研究所�

Construction on the latest section of the creek restoration project began in 2022. Four years earlier, Penticton council approved a plan to restore the creek in several phases over many years at an estimated cost of $30 million.

The latest restoration work was valued at $4.5 million, with the provincial and federal governments providing funding through grants.

害羞草研究所淩estoring Penticton Creek will help protect the community from any future floods while also helping preserve the local fish and wildlife habitats,害羞草研究所� said, Sean Fraser, the federal government害羞草研究所檚 minister of housing, infrastructure and communities.

In the latest phase, more than 1,010 cubic metres of topsoil was placed along the creek banks to support planting native plant species. A total of 10,985 tonnes of rock and boulders were also placed throughout the creek, according to data provided by the city.

The next phase of the restoration project involves removing the concrete 害羞草研究所渃hannelized害羞草研究所� portion of the creek that runs between Ellis Street and Front Street, which spans about 350 metres.

害羞草研究所淭his project not only rejuvenates Penticton Creek but also renews our commitment to preserving our natural environment for future generations. Like a salmon swimming upstream, we continue navigate challenges together to support the health and vitality of our precious fish habitats,害羞草研究所� said Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel.

害羞草研究所淲orking with the city and other partners, we害羞草研究所檝e taken a significant step towards restoring the ecological balance of our watershed.害羞草研究所�