The City of Kelowna recently carried out what was described to the public as “selective tree removal” along Mill Creek at Parkinson Recreation Centre located at 1800 Parkinson Way in Kelowna, British Columbia

In reality, this was a rapid and close to total clearcut of a mature riparian habitat, completed in under 10 hours, with absolutely 0 opportunity for public awareness or response. The majority of town had no idea this was happening. That should be unacceptable for such a large devastating project.

This is being called flood prevention, yet Mill Creek hasn’t meaningfully flooded in eight or nine years. It raises serious questions about whether this level of destruction was actually necessary, or if this is being used as a blanket justification for something far more aggressive than what was presented to the public.

For years, this area supported a rich and active ecosystem, including:

 • Beavers (with an active den)

 • Great blue herons

 • Owls

 • Bats

 • Osprey

 • Salmon (actively spawning in the creek)

 • Turtles, salamanders, snails, snakes and countless other species

Residents have personally documented wildlife actively using this habitat prior to and during the clearing. Despite this, the City has stated that no active nests or wildlife concerns were present, a claim that does not align with observed evidence.

This was not just a pretty group of trees.

This was one of the only shaded, accessible natural areas in the middle of the city, a place where people walked, reflected, gathered, grieved and connected with nature.

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Residents of Kelowna main concerns:

 • The work conducted does not match what was communicated to the public

 • A large, established ecosystem was removed in an extremely short timeframe

 • Wildlife displacement and habitat destruction occurred during active use

 • Environmental assessments appear limited in scope (for example, single-tree inspections)

 • There is a lack of transparency regarding permits, timing, and decision-makes 

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We are calling on the City of Kelowna to:

 1. Immediately pause any further clearing in the Mill Creek / Parkinson Rec area

 2. Release all environmental assessments, permits, and reports related to this project

 3. Provide a clear public explanation of how this aligns with “selective tree removal”

 4. Commit to an independent ecological review of the site and impacts

 5. Ensure meaningful public consultation before any further work proceeds

 6. Implement real protections for remaining riparian habitat and wildlife

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Kelowna residents deserve transparency, honesty, and responsible environmental stewardship.

What was lost cannot be replaced overnight, or even in decades.

But accountability needs to start now.

Kelowna is not against restoration.

We are against misrepresentation, rushed decisions, selfishness and the destruction of a thriving ecosystem without proper accountability.