Inverness Road Parkland/Cecelia Creek Concept

History

Historically, Cecilia Creek flowed through this site naturally; draining the upper part of the watershed, but over the years urbanization has enclosed the creek in culverts. There has been some volunteer stewardship to plant trees and construct a chip trail in the park. This small neighbourhood park is comprised of 3 residential lots located in the Saanich Core Local Area near the Saanich/Victoria border with few areas of open greenspaces. The undeveloped road R/W east of Quadra Street adds extra open space and offers an opportunity to visually increase the park area. Rutledge Park to the west was recently improved to provide recreational opportunities in the Saanich Core Local Area.

• 1987 – Request to Council to preserve area as greenspace
• 1996 – Local Area plan amended to identify this area be designated park
• 2002 – Site re-zoned to parkland (P4)
• 2006 – Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association suggested this project for a Saanich Centennial Project. Funding was set aside for feasibility and concept planning.

This feasibility work by KWL Consulting Engineers was the foundation for the concept plan to daylight this small section of Cecelia Creek.

Vision

This project can be looked at from many angles, environmental rehabilitation, community stewardship, and an environmental education site for Cloverdale School. The project would serve to increase environmental awareness within the community about the Cecelia Creek watershed, water quality/ quantity and native landscapes.

Project Objectives

• Restore Cecelia Creek using design elements to create a natural creek bed with the use of boulders, gentle sloping sides, native plants / shrubs / trees.
• Increasing community awareness and education through interpretive signs and community stewardship.
• Improve the enjoyment of the park by providing park furniture incl. benches, picnic tables, garbage containers.
• Improve walkway to neighbourhood trail standard.

Budget/Resources:

Funding for the development of the park could come from various sources such as:

• Grants
• Parks Capital
• Donations

Schedule:

June 2007 – December 2007:

• Feasibility study

September 2008 – December 2008:

• Concept design and community involvement

2009:

• Review plan and request Council approval of concept plan
• Prepare preliminary cost estimates for approved concept
• Identify possible funding sources
• Identify possible construction schedule

Partners:

• Saanich Parks and Recreation
• Saanich Environmental Planning
• Saanich Engineering
• Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association