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Connecting the Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Park Network

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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.




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.



  • How can the Great Willow be included in the new seating space?

    The Montgomery Creek reconstruction will protect this part of Montgomery Creek from erosion and the impacts of climate change. Fish will be able to live out their whole life cycle in the healthier waters of this creek. And the 700 native trees and 4000 native shrubs we replant will help create habitat for pollinators, amphibians, reptiles, and other species.

    Yet, many trees needed to be cut down to rebuild the creek because they would not have survived the construction. We have heard from many Wilson Park neighbours how much you miss these trees, and especially the large willow that many called the Great Willow.

    Some of you asked us if we could find a way to include a piece of the Great Willow in the new seating area beside the creek.  We would like to get your feedback on some ways this piece can be included in the new seating space.  

    From the three options below, please use the poll to choose the one you like best.  You can also share your idea for re-using a piece of the Great Willow in the seating area.  We have added some pictures as examples of what this might look like, but note that it may look a little different at Wilson Park. 

    This survey closes August 8, 2022 at 11:59p.m.


    1. Nurse log

    In a forest, a nurse log is a fallen tree that provides a habitat for reptiles and insects, and a home for new forest seedlings.  As it decays over several years, a nurse log offers moisture and nutrients, creating rich soil.  A nurse log could be included in a planting bed as a temporary element that is allowed to decay, eventually decomposing completely and returning to the land.


    2. Log bench

    A log bench, created out of the Great Willow, could be included as a place to sit and experience Montgomery Creek.  This bench would eventually decompose after several years and would be removed or relocated when it is no longer safe for use.  When it is removed, it will not be replaced.


    3. Log steppers or stools

    A piece of the Great Willow can be cut into smaller segments and used as steppers or stools in the gardens or seating area. These steppers or stools would decompose after several years and would be removed or relocated if they become unsafe.  When they are removed, they will not be replaced. 


    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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  • CLOSED: We are no longer accepting contributions to this survey.

    Fill out our park concept survey!

    Before filling out the survey, please review the information about the Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Park Network on the Engage page. 

    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).
    Share Fill out our park concept survey! on Facebook Share Fill out our park concept survey! on Twitter Share Fill out our park concept survey! on Linkedin Email Fill out our park concept survey! link
  • CLOSED: We are no longer accepting contributions to this survey.

    Tell us what's important to you

    Thanks for taking the time to answer our survey. It will take you about 5 minutes.

    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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