Phase two of the long-anticipated Cominco Gardens Rejuvenation Project will get underway this week, closing the park to the public until September.
Work will begin on Friday, June 20, with city officials expecting the job to be wrapped up by Labour Day weekend.
Mayor Don McCormick says he is pleased to see progress on the garden rejuvenation project.
“Over the years, it has become a real gem in the community, not just for tourists who walk through, but for residents alike,” said McCormick.
“It’s long overdue, and we’re looking forward to the end result.”
According to the Friends of Kimberley Cominco Gardens, the park was established in 1927.
Nearly a century later, McCormick says the gardens have become a cornerstone in the community.
“Cominco Gardens was deemed one of the top 10 tourist attractions when we were transitioning to a tourism-driven economy,” said McCormick.
“It’s also important to know that many residents have buried the ashes of their loved ones in the rose garden there. It became a sort of memorial.”
Phase one of the project was completed in the summer of 2024, and included refurbished bathrooms and tea house façade.
McCormick says the project has been in the works for several years.
“It’s unfortunate it has taken this long to get this rejuvenation underway. We got the $1 million grant to fund a majority of this project two or three years ago,” said McCormick.
“We have a very short construction season and the City has had many priorities over the last few years. It’s great to be able to finally get to this project.”
The grant was provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Destination Fund.
During the closure, workers will have several jobs to give the gardens their much-needed rejuvenation:
- Reconstructing pathways, stairways, and railings.
- Repairing retaining walls and enhancing overall garden safety and accessibility.
- Planting new garden beds and installing fencing to protect them from wildlife.
- Installing modern irrigation systems and way-finding signage.
- Replacing picnic tables and benches.
“We understand how important Cominco Gardens is to our community,” said Dean Prediger, Manager of Parks and Facilities.
“This project is about preserving its legacy while making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
The city says it will provide regular updates on the project’s progress through its website and social media.
You can find the updates here.
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