Bernard Avenue Revitalization 
Introduction
The Kelowna Downtown Plan was approved by City Council in 2000. This document set out a vision for the rejuvenation of Kelowna’s central business district. Among its recommendations was an upgrade of Bernard Avenue from Richter to Abbott Streets, to make it more visually pleasing and to give it more emphasis as Kelowna’s “Main Street.”
In 2003, City Council endorsed the Kelowna Downtown Streetscape Study. This document advanced a vision for the physical character of streets within Downtown. Consistent with the Downtown Plan, it identified Bernard Avenue as Downtown’s principal street and as such, set forth direction for a high level of aesthetic treatment.
Road Improvements & Utility Replacement
The underground utilities along Bernard Avenue are nearing the end of their useful life and the road is in need of upgrading. As these upgrades must be completed in the near future, it is timely to begin the design process to upgrade the aesthetics of Bernard Avenue. These aesthetic improvements could include wider sidewalks, a coordinated complement of street furniture, as well as more trees and vegetation.
Public Consultation
The City of Kelowna, in partnership with the Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) is engaging stakeholders around the many issues that are involved with a project of this scope.
The first off a series of meetings was held January 18 to seek input from stakeholders into the design of possible street improvements along Bernard Avenue. Two additional workshops and an open house will be held in the months to come. Visit Get Involved to see what opportunities are available. Everyone has a voice in a revitalized Bernard Avenue.
Schedule
The design phase of the project has started and is expected to continue through the spring of 2010. Preparation of construction documents would take place through summer and fall, 2010. Ultimately, it is hoped that a package of improvements can be agreed upon that will allow construction to commence at a future date.
Contact:
Patrick McCormick
City of Kelowna
Planner Specialist
250 469-8605
pmccormick@kelowna.ca.
John Perrott
Executive Director
Downtown Kelowna Association
250 862-3515
info@downtownkelowna.com
