Building Kelowna: 2025 infrastructure milestones

In 2025, the City of Kelowna set out for a big year of infrastructure projects to build community, connection, peace of mind and longevity throughout the city. More than 130 projects were identified at the start of the year with a budgeted investment of $150 million, a 50 per cent increase in investment over 2024.  

As we build more than ever before, we’re reaching new milestones, but also facing challenges like labour and material shortages that can delay project delivery. 

Here’s a look at how some projects are progressing in our community:  

Parks projects 

Create and improve space where community gathers, plays and exercises 

Parks are more than green spaces. They are investments to community well-being, health and environmental sustainability. This year, 23 park projects are underway, including upgrades to parks washrooms, accessibility improvements, irrigation renewal, playgrounds and other park improvements.  

Milestones  

• DeHart Park opened to the public on May 3, with the pump track open and park washrooms are now underway.  
• Waterfront Park Stage reopened to the public on June 26, with expanded capacity and flexibility for events and festivals. 
• Strathcona Beach Park unveiled three new inclusive play structures on June 27.  
• Construction started on the redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre March 2 as part of the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative.  
• In collaboration with three syilx artists, new community artwork was installed at the Knox Mountain Park first lookout on June 5.  

Underway 

• The City Park dog run, Kelowna’s first accessible dog park, is on track to open mid-summer. 
• Work continues at Glenmore Recreation Park, enhancing amenities for residents. 
• Work on restoring Summit Park started in June and is scheduled for completion end of August.  
• Burne Park is scheduled to open at the end of summer. 

Upcoming  

• Work on Rutland Recreation Park is anticipated to start this summer and be complete by fall 2026. 
• City Park improvements will start this fall and be completed in spring 2026.  

Transportation projects 

Safely connect our community and provide transportation options 

Transportation projects build vital connections for all travellers to get around easily. They keep Kelowna moving through investments in transit infrastructure, sustainable transportation and shared mobility to decrease congestion and encourage active transportation. This year, the City identified 52 transportation projects anticipated to be under construction this year.  

As one of Council’s priorities, transportation projects directly contribute to better traffic flow and growth management. Including road maintenance projects like the pavement management project that will resurface 14 road segments and traffic flow management projects such as those identified under the Transportation Accelerator Program.  

Milestones  

• The Bertram Multiuse Overpass opened June 6, linking Bertram Street to Rowcliffe Park for pedestrians and cyclists. It will integrate into the broader active transportation network, fostering safer, more sustainable mobility for all. 

Underway 

• The first phase of the Frost Road extension is complete, and construction is underway on the roundabout at Chute Lake Road. 
• Construction is nearing completion on the Bertram active transportation corridor through Rowcliffe Park. 
• The K.L.O. bridge replacement and roundabout are progressing well, on target for completion fall 2026. 
• Upgrades to the Rutland Transit Exchange are in motion, with completion expected by fall 2025. 
• Neighbourhood street urbanization projects are being well received by residents. Stockwell Avenue is complete, while Glenwood Avenue and Morrison Avenue blocks will be completed in the fall.  

Upcoming  

• Lakeshore Road improvements are planned to begin in spring 2026. 
• Hollywood Road extension planned to start fall 2025. 
• Burtch Road extension planned to start fall 2025.  

Utilities projects 

Take care of what’s below the surface 

Utilities projects may be out of sight, but they’re essential to daily life. This year, 38 projects are enhancing water and wastewater systems to support growth and ensure service reliability.  

Milestones  

• The Summit Reservoir expansion is complete, increasing potable water storage to meet the needs of the growing Dilworth Mountain neighbourhood and increase water resources for firefighting. 

Underway  

• Glenmore Sanitary Trunk Connection is on track for fall completion. 
• Phase one of the North End Sewer Catchment Realignment is complete; phase two begins in September. 
• The Royal View Water Transmission Main project is underway, replacing aging infrastructure and increasing water resiliency in the city’s central core. Completion is expected by spring 2026. 
• Central Rutland sanitary sewer connection is anticipated to be completed this year.  
• Installation of Byrns Baron trunk sewer along Burtch Road will start this summer and is scheduled to be completed this fall.  

Upcoming  

• The Belcarra sanitary sewer connection project will be starting this summer in the Kettle Valley neighbourhood to connect 57 properties to provide a safe and reliable sanitary service to residents. 

 Longevity and sustainability projects 

 Maintain current infrastructure and restore natural habitats  

This year, 20 projects are focused on protecting Kelowna from climate impacts and renewing aging infrastructure to support long-term growth. 

Sustainability projects safeguard neighbourhoods from the effects of a changing climate. These include flood mitigation, stormwater diversion, and restoration of natural habitats to improve environmental resilience. 

Longevity projects focus on renewing and upgrading existing infrastructure—revitalizing facilities, extending their lifespan, and helping reduce long-term costs for residents. 

Milestones  

• Prospera Place improvements began in June to prepare for the 2026 Memorial Cup and future events. 

Underway  

• Multiple Mill Creek flood protection projects are underway, including upgrades at Kelowna International Airport and habitat restoration along the creek’s lower reaches. 

Investing in what matters to Kelowna residents 

Every project—big or small—plays a vital role in how Kelowna functions and grows. Investing in infrastructure is an investment in quality of life. These projects help build community, strengthen connections, and support peace of mind, sustainability and long-term resilience. 

By renewing existing infrastructure and addressing issues before they escalate, we’re enhancing public safety, improving mobility, and ensuring our city’s systems are built to last. 

Infrastructure projects are funded through a mix of Development Cost Charges (DCCs), taxation, reserves, grants, borrowing, user fees and utility revenues. Several key projects—including DeHart Park, K.L.O. bridge replacement, and road resurfacing and extensions—are supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Community Building Fund, administered by the Union of BC Municipalities. 

To explore what’s happening in your neighbourhood, visit kelowna.ca/cityprojects.