Connecting the Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Park Network
This project is now complete. Thank you to all the community members who contributed. We hope you see your feedback reflected in the new park space.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Parks division at parks@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2345 (TTY:1-866-969-9994).
The City of Kitchener is currently exploring opportunities to enhance Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Parks. Although they are three separate spaces, together they form a park network, all within a short walk from one another. The intent of the project is to maximize the connection between the parks and provide access to a variety of amenities over the entire network to support community needs. Consultants from SHIFT Landscape Architecture have been engaged to lead the redevelopment process for these parks including conceptual design, final design, and taking the project through construction.
Wilson Park work will focus on the creation of a new amenity space and will also be coordinated with restoration work planned for Montgomery Creek. The scope of the creek improvements includes the naturalization of the channel with a more meandering layout with the addition of native plantings. The creek improvements are in part funded by the Government of Canada.
At Vanier Park, work will involve a comprehensive plan to upgrade a variety of park elements while exploring new features for the space. The existing community garden will remain.
Upgrades to Traynor Park are generally minor, with a focus on connecting this space to the other two parks in the network.
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 Montgomery 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.
This project is now complete. Thank you to all the community members who contributed. We hope you see your feedback reflected in the new park space.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Parks division at parks@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2345 (TTY:1-866-969-9994).
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How we used the Willow trees in the new Wilson Park seating area
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In the Spring of 2022, we had to remove some large and very well-loved willow trees from Wilson Park. We removed many other mature trees. These trees were all in the path of the Montgomery Creek restoration project and would not have survived construction. We heard from many people who were saddened by the loss of so many beautiful trees.
Summer 2022 Willow Log Survey results
Last summer, we asked you to answer a short survey with thoughts on including parts of a willow log in the new Wilson Park seating area. Thanks to everyone who participated! Out of the 12 responses, most people asked for log stools or log steppers, three asked for a nurse log, and two asked for a log bench. One person suggested we create all three and include a sign telling the story.
Where to find the Willow logs and other trees that were removed
In the new Wilson Park seating area you can find two sets of log stools or steppers made from the willow log. You will also find a willow nurse log with strawberry plants in front of it.
Looking carefully, you can also see other trees incorporated into the creek restoration. There is a tall tree trunk embedded in the creek. This standing trunk will be a habitat for raptors like hawks and osprey. You can also see many tree roots and logs built into the creek. These stabilize the banks and provide habitat.
We delivered another large willow log to the Sunshine Montessori schoolyard on Boniface Avenue after students and teachers from the school contacted us to share their sadness about the loss of their friend, the Great Willow.
We plan to add signs to this project in the future. We'll hold onto the idea of telling the story of these trees in future signage.
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June 7, 2023 Community Planting and Creek Open House
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Join Reep Green Solutions and the City of Kitchener to welcome back people and wildlife to Wilson Park!
Montgomery Creek Community Planting & Open House
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Meet at the Wilson Ave entrance to Wilson Park
- Tour the creek and discover how the restoration was designed and built
- Plant pollinator seedlings along the path
- Enjoy light refreshments and kids' activities
Everyone is welcome to this free event! Register at reepgreen.ca/events.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact rain@reepgreen.ca.
Document Library
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Vanier Park Playground Renderings (1.59 MB) (pdf)
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Vanier Park final concept (1.18 MB) (pdf)
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Wilson Park final concept (561 KB) (pdf)
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Traynor Park final concept (737 KB) (pdf)
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Engagement summary - Vanier Wilson Traynor park network (351 KB) (pdf)
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Stormwater information
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Phase 2 documents
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Phase 1 documents
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Wilson Vanier Traynor project backgound.pdf (290 KB) (pdf)
Photo Gallery
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Phone 519-741-2600 x4151 Email WVTASParks@kitchener.ca -
Email WVTASParks@kitchener.ca -
Email WVTASParks@kitchener.ca
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