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.



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).


  • Construction at Vanier and Traynor and Wilson parks is complete

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    We are excited to announce the construction of Vanier, Traynor, and Wilson parks is complete! A time lapse video of the full reconstruction of Vanier Park is now available.

    Watch the video

    Thank you to all the community members who participated in our online surveys, in-person conversations, and virtual information sessions. 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).

  • Traynor Park construction starts this week

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    We expect construction to begin at Traynor Park on or about Thursday, November 2.

    Access to the playground and surrounding area may be impacted at times over the next few weeks. We appreciate your patience as construction work occurs on improvements at Traynor Park.

    If you have any questions, contact us at WVTASParks@kitchener.ca

  • Update on Vanier Park

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    We wanted to let you know that the work at Vanier Park continues to progress. The playground areas have been prepared to receive the new play equipment.

    We also have a new way for you to contact us. If you have questions or concerns, please email: WVTASParks@kitchener.ca

  • Vanier Construction Update

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    The construction for Vanier Park is anticipated to start in approximately three weeks and the park will remain open for use until then.

    Some residents have expressed interest in the redesigned Vanier Park playground. Renderings of the new playground and equipment have now been uploaded. View the images

    If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, at rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca

  • How we used the Willow trees in the new Wilson Park seating area

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    How we used your ideas to incorporate the willow logs into the new Wilson Park seating area

    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.

    Three tree log cross sections seen from above with grass behind themStonedust path beside mulch garden with log and bench and building in backgroundFive log stools with grass, trees and slope in background

    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.

  • June 7, 2023 Community Planting and Creek Open House

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    supporting image

    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.

  • Construction starting soon at Vanier Park and Traynor Park

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    The construction contract for Vanier Park and Traynor Park has been awarded and you may see temporary site fencing at these parks as early as the week of May 15.

    Please subscribe for updates to this page by using the 'Stay Informed' button.

    If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, at rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca

  • Final designs and project update

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    We would like to thank all those who shared their thoughts with us during the engagement on the Vanier, Wilson, Traynor Parks project. Here is a short overview of what we heard from you:

    Vanier Park

    In Vanier Park, your feedback showed us that most respondents want to maintain a full-size basketball court in the park with the ability to flood the court. We also heard that a small water play area with water sprays is desired. Also, you want to see more seating options throughout the park such as benches, picnic tables, small seating areas, and a larger gathering area with shade.

    Wilson Park

    In Wilson Park, most respondents shared that they go there to experience and enjoy nature by spending time near the creek to observe wildlife, in quiet reflection. Several people shared they go to Wilson Park to host or attend picnics.

    Traynor Park

    In Traynor Park, you told us you want to see more bench seating, tree planting, and places to sit on the lawn.

    We have prepared a full engagement report with more detail. Read the report

    Final concepts

    Your input has been used to shape the park designs for Vanier, Wilson, and Traynor Parks. View the final concepts for:

    The Wilson Park space has been constructed as part of the Montgomery Creek restoration project and will be open soon. We are also working towards construction on Vanier and Traynor Parks in 2023.

    Stay informed

    Please subscribe for updates to this project by using the 'Stay Informed' Subscribe button.

    If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca, 519-741-2600 x 4151

  • How should we include a willow log in the new Wilson Park seating area?

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    We heard from community members that they would like to honour the trees removed this spring as part of the creek restoration project in Wilson Park.

    Complete this one-question survey and help decide how we include the willow log in the creek-side seating area. The survey closes on August 8, 2022.

    If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Roy, Landscape Architect, rebecca.roy@kitchener.ca, 519-741-2600 x 4151

  • Now available: information session recording

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    Did you miss our virtual information session about the design for Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Parks? A recording of the presentation is now available. Watch the video at: Connecting the Wilson, Vanier and Traynor Park Network (November 24, 2021)