Previous page content (summer 2021)

We have updated the home page for the project. If you are looking for information that was up here previously, you can find it below:

Shoemaker Park is an existing space located along a portion of Shoemaker Creek. There is a small play area currently located in the park but it will be removed during planned restoration improvements to the creek. The creek restoration will include the removal of the existing concrete channel to create a more natural pathway for the stream, and renaturalization with native plant species. These creek improvements are currently underway.

Outside of the creek area, a trail is proposed and there are opportunities for park elements including educational elements, interpretive features, a small play area, seating, and shade. These elements will complement the naturalization work in the creek.

With the restoration work with the creek, there may be an opportunity to reimagine this park as a space to celebrate the natural watercourse and acknowledge the importance of the creek for the neighbourhood and greater landscape. At this time, the project team is seeking your input about how the park space is currently used as well as how the park could support the community differently into the future.

Below and in the links to the right, please find an existing conditions plan of the park along with some recent site photographs for your reference. We also encourage you to fill out the “Ideas” board below with your thoughts or ideas for the park space.

Have a question? We know people are tired of virtual meetings but are perhaps not yet comfortable with in person events, so we're doing this consultation a different way. From August 3 to 6 we will host an online forum right here on this page. The project team will be closely monitoring this forum during business hours that week, answering your questions in real time. Visit this page anytime that week to ask questions, make comments and learn more about the Shoemaker Park project.

Stormwater management

We’re also improving resilience against climate change by incorporating stormwater management at the park.

Stormwater management will allow the area to better collect stormwater runoff caused by events such as heavy rainfall and snow melt. This will help to reduce the risk of flooding and ensure safety of the community.

This initiative is made possible by the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) in partnership with the Government of Canada. For more information, visit www.kitchener.ca/Stormwater

The City of Kitchener has partnered with Reep Green Solutions to help you make changes to your landscape that will beautify your yard and reduce runoff to Shoemaker Creek. When we work together to slow rain down and soak it up in our parks and in our yards, we can improve the health of our local waterways and reduce community flood risk. To learn more and to see if you qualify for a free, on-site consultation with a landscape designer, visit Reep's Rain Smart Neighbourhoods.