Safeguarding Kelowna’s future: Mill Creek restoration

If you’ve walked by Parkinson Recreation Park recently, you may have noticed something different along Mill Creek. 

“It can feel surprising to see the creek look different, especially in a place people know so well,” says Derek Edstrom, Divisional Director, Partnership and Investments. “But this is the first step toward a healthier, more resilient creek. By replacing retaining walls with a restored floodplain and natural banks, we’re giving the creek space to slow down, manage high flows and support healthier habitat.” 

That change is part of a broader effort to restore Mill Creek, a 33‑kilometre waterway that winds through Kelowna from the airport to Okanagan Lake. Over the last century, the creek has been altered, channelized and built around as the city grew. Despite those changes, it remains a vital natural corridor, supporting fish, wildlife and recreation and, at times, reminding residents of its power through flooding. 

A city‑wide investment 

In 2019, the City received $22 million in federal funding through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support long‑term flood protection along Mill Creek. That funding helps deliver the Mill Creek Flood Protection Project, a multi‑year initiative underway since 2021 and continuing through 2027. 

The project focuses on reducing flood risk while restoring the creek’s natural function and the work at Parkinson Recreation Park is a key part of that story. 

“Mill Creek has a long history of flooding, particularly in spring,” says Edstrom. “Those events have affected homes, businesses and neighbourhoods, and they’ve shown us the importance of planning ahead.” 

What’s happening in the park 

This spring, restoration work began near Parkinson Recreation Park to rebuild a healthier, more climate‑resilient riparian ecosystem. That includes stabilizing creek banks, restoring native vegetation and reconnecting the creek to its floodplain. 

As part of the work, some trees were removed; primarily non‑native and invasive species that limit the success of native plants and reduce the creek’s ability to handle high water events. 

“Tree removal is never taken lightly,” says Edstrom. “But clearing invasive species allows native and Indigenous plants to re‑establish and supports both flood protection and habitat restoration.” 

To replace what was removed, the area will be replanted with hundreds of native trees and more than 6,000 shrubs, along with naturalized seeding. Over time, these plantings will create a stronger, more diverse canopy that stabilizes banks, improves water quality and provides richer habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife. Long‑term canopy cover is expected to exceed what exists today. 

Looking ahead 

While the creek may look different in the short term, the long‑term vision is clear. 

“This project is about protecting people, restoring nature and preparing for the future,” says Edstrom. “The benefits — healthier ecosystems, reduced flood risk and stronger natural spaces — will serve the community for generations.” 

The Mill Creek restoration is being guided in collaboration with the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Westbank First Nation, with Indigenous plant species incorporated throughout the corridor and a dedicated gathering area planned to honour cultural practices and traditional knowledge. 

Construction will continue through 2027, with work staged to minimize impacts while delivering lasting improvements, ensuring Mill Creek remains both a cherished natural feature and a safer neighbour for Kelowna.