Updated: September 1, 2020
With Labour Day bringing an end to summer, Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna will be reopening to motorists. Monday, Sept. 7 will be the final full day enlarged patios and pedestrians in the street.
“Finding an innovative use of public space to create a socially distanced pedestrian zone and to allow businesses to expand customer capacity this year was critical,” says JoAnne Adamson, manager of property management for the City.
Staff will be evaluating resident, visitor and business reaction to the program this year and expect to make recommendations to Council next year.
From June 2020
Time to take a stroll in downtown Kelowna.
To bolster business, The City of Kelowna is welcoming pedestrians and restaurant goers, but saying no to motorists on its popular main street, Bernard Avenue.
Beginning Monday, June 29, Bernard Avenue, between Abbott and St. Paul streets, Abbott St. between Lawrence and Bernard avenues, and Mill St. will be closed to motorists until Sept. 8 to allow businesses to enhance capacity by using the public space on the road.
Cross streets, including Water St, Ellis St. and Pandosy St. will remain open.
Temporary accessible parking stalls and five-minute pick-up zones will be in place on the cross streets near Bernard Ave. for motorists’ convenience.
“With 22 businesses already signed-up, we are pleased with the response from eligible businesses,” said JoAnne Adamson, property management manager. “This innovative use of public space will allow businesses to expand customer capacity that is otherwise limited by physical distancing suggestions and will create pedestrian zones that allow people to safely stroll up and down Bernard.”
Patios will extend over the existing parking areas on both sides of Bernard Ave. with a centre walkway for physical distancing in addition to the sidewalks.
Visit kelowna.ca/business-services/permits-licences/sidewalk-cafés to learn more.
