Kelowna considers May long weekend closure of Bernard Avenue downtown

The popularity of summer street closures in downtown Kelowna has grown to the point where the season is likely to be extended.

Kelowna city council will be asked on Monday, April 3, to allow the 200 block of Bernard Avenue to be closed to traffic starting the May long weekend with the 300 to 500 blocks following as of July 1.

The closure started in the summer of 2020 in an effort to allow downtown eateries and other businesses, hampered by COVID restrictions, to expand into the street.

“Feedback from businesses, the public and key contributors has been mainly positive over the past few years with highlights being the beautification of the street, event activations and an inclusive and accessible atmosphere,” says a report going to council.

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It was not as popular, however, with businesses further away from Okanagan Lake because there are fewer restaurants there and businesses are concerned about losing parking spots.

If approved, the businesses in the 300 to 500 blocks will still have the option to expand into parking stalls in front of their shops as of the May long weekend.

While some businesses lobbied for the closures – dubbed ‘Meet Me On Bernard’ – to last longer into the fall, city staff are recommending the event ends after the Labour Day long weekend.

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