UnH2O Refresh Updates

We scheduled different areas in the garden for refresh or renewal over the next 2–3 years. We also applied for a Partner-in-Parks grant from the City of Kelowna to build a new Alpine Garden.

The City of Kelowna then informed us of a major project to create a new transit hub at the H2O Aquatic Centre, which would result in the loss of part of the garden. By the end of winter, we understood how much of the UnH2O Garden would be affected and when the changes would take place. As a result, all our garden refresh plans had to be put on hold for the year.

November 2026 UnH2O Refresh Updates

We are pleased to say that as of November 10, the City has restored the areas of the garden adjacent to the new transit shelters and added a new accessible walkway into the garden. We have moved the Ornamental Grass Garden to that area and started replanting it.

The City offered a “compensation garden area” to replace the parts of our garden that were lost, and that has now been cut into the turfgrass east of the remaining UnH2O Garden. Our main sign has now been moved into this garden in front of the H2O Aquatic Centre. We are working on irrigation lines in preparation for planting next spring in this area.

Refresh in 2027

Spring 2027 will be the start of a busy year.

• We will re-establish the Mediterranean area on the west side of the UnH2O Garden where the bench and new screen are located.
• We will build the new Alpine Garden area where the old lawn alternatives area was.
• We will create exciting new xeriscape garden spaces in the new east garden area.
• We will replace the old interpretive UnH2O signs with fresh, more informative signs.

Contributions to the Refresh the UnH2O Garden are most appreciated so this work can continue.