Investing in Rutland just makes sense: building connection, community, and peace of mind

Rutland is Kelowna’s largest neighbourhood, and this tight-knit, socially active, family-friendly hub is bursting with pride and primed for growth. Officially designated as one of Kelowna’s five Urban Centres, it plays a key role in shaping the city’s future.   

“Rutland remains an investment priority for the City,” said Joe Sass, General Manager Corporate Services. “For years, we’ve delivered projects that improve commuting options and enhance gathering spaces. We’ve also strengthened community safety and expanded housing to make everyday life better for residents.”

Building Community

The City is building an all-ages activity centre next to Rutland’s Lions Park as part of the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative, which includes three centres across the city and upgrades to Rutland Rec Park with a combined investment of $78.5 million. 

Designed as a modern community hub, the centre will include a gymnasium, multi-purpose spaces, a teaching kitchen and a youth zone. Thoughtfully integrated with Lions Park, the project will preserve natural features and maintain existing parking.

At Rutland Rec Park, a high quality artificial turf field for year-round play will be added, along with new change rooms and washrooms.

These upgrades are about creating spaces where people can gather. Along those same lines, the City recently purchased a new 40-foot Christmas tree for Rutland’s Centennial Park. With more than 1,200 ornaments in red, green, and gold and an advanced lighting system, the tree will be a centerpiece for community festivities.

Creating spaces people enjoy also means keeping them clean and welcoming. Beyond the work of the City’s Infrastructure Operations teams, the City invests $148,000 annually in PEOPLE’s (Paid Employment Opportunities for People with Lived Experience) Community Care project to provide additional cleaning support in Downtown and Rutland. This initiative helps to keep public spaces clean, delivering more than 800 hours of cleaning services for public spaces in Rutland last year alone, and creates meaningful work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness.

Building Connection 

Since 2010, the City has invested significantly in Rutland’s transit infrastructure, including $6.5 million to build the initial phases of the Rutland Transit Exchange and has upgraded multiple bus stops and recently built 15 new stops. These bus stop improvements increase access to transit, accessibility and comfort.

A $2.6-million upgrade to Rutland Transit Exchange is nearing completion, that includes an additional new bus bay at Shepherd Rd between Asher Rd and Roxby Rd, passenger platform and shelter, sidewalks, secure bike parking, and a transit park-and-ride area. 

Service on the new 98 Rutland/UBCO Express has also been expanded, increasing weekday frequency and extending evening and weekend hours. This route expansion has enabled adjustments to several other routes, helping to expand service coverage and reduce travel times from Rutland’s higher-density neighborhoods.

Significant improvements are underway to enhance commutes from Rutland to the University of BC Okanagan, with a $35 million investment in upgrades to Hollywood Road North. Expected to begin in 2026, The project includes a 2.1 km extension from John Hindle Dr. to Sexsmith Rd., featuring two vehicle lanes, dedicated turning lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, and an upgraded intersection. These upgrades will improve connections from Rutland to UBCO and the future Kelowna Transit facility.

Complementing this are the new Rutland Neighbourhood Bikeway and Kneller Bike lane. With a combined investment of approximately $1.6 Million . These projects will expand commuting and recreation options for residents to improve safety and comfort for cyclists while reducing traffic congestion.

Additionally, measures to increase street safety and improve experiences for residents include a traffic calming project on Hollydell Road and crosswalk improvements at  Venus and Rutland roads and underground utility upgrades, improved drainage, new lighting, and enhanced crosswalk safety Quigley and Kitch roads. The total investment for all three projects is approximately $800,000. .

 Hartman Road is receiving a $2.67-million upgrade, with new sidewalks for safe routes and better connectivity, boulevards that provide shade and have environmental benefits,  stormwater improvements with curb, gutter and drainage system, as well as bike lanes.

The City is investing $120,000 in the Safe Routes to School program at South Rutland Elementary school, a site analysis has been completed and based on that analysis crosswalks accessing the schools front entrance will be upgraded with curb extensions to enhance pedestrian safety, improve accessibility, and help manage speeds on Mallach Rd. Following a future walkabout with the school, additional minor improvements may also be made in the area.

To improve traffic flow and enhance safety, the City is investing in two major roundabout projects. Construction of a new $2.4 million roundabout at Rutland Road and Springfield Road is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. In addition, a $3.5 million roundabout is planned for Belgo Road and Springfield Road, with construction slated for 2027. These investments reflect the City’s commitment to creating safer, more efficient roadways for all users.

Building Peace of Mind

Reliable underground infrastructure isn’t something residents notice every day, but it plays a critical role in protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and providing the foundation for neighbourhood growth.

That’s why, beginning in 2022, the City committed $20.6 million to the Central Rutland Sanitary Sewer Connection Area. With the West, Northeast and Southeast phases now complete, properties in these areas can connect to the new system.

Additionally, the City is improving water service and increasing firefighting resources through a $1.2-million investment in a watermain upgrade on Sadler Road. 

Building affordability  

As part of the Middle-Income Housing Partnership, the City contributed approximately $4.5 million  in municipal land on Dougall Road North to help increase affordable rental housing options for middle income households. In collaboration with Troika Developments, the project will deliver 127 rental homes, with 40 per cent offered at below-market rates affordable to middle-income families.

Building safety  

Safety and sense of safety is a top priority for the City, and Council has taken significant steps to strengthen front-line resources in Rutland.

The RCMP now have a dedicated Community Safety Unit Supervisor, Corporal Michael Gauthier, stationed in the Rutland Community Policing Office at 115 McIntosh Road. Operating weekdays, the office provides crime prevention resources, non-emergency reporting, and community engagement programs. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to keeping Rutland welcoming and safe.

Starting in 2026, a team of two Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be dedicated to leading service delivery in Rutland daily to support neighborhood safety and sense of safety.

The City also works closely with the Uptown Rutland Business Association, providing $100,000 in annual funding along with graffiti removal training and materials, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments, and ongoing support for safety initiatives.

From activity centres to better transportation networks and transit infrastructure, to housing, to community safety the City is investing in Rutland to improve the day to day lives of residents.  

Learn more about upcoming Rutland Infrastructure projects:

• Building a Stronger Kelowna Initiative
• City of Kelowna; Current capital projects 
• City of Kelowna; kelowna_housing_action_plan.pdf
• Community Safety | City of Kelowna