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Seasonal closure of 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard begins this week

Home > Our community > News & events > News > Seasonal closure of 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard begins this week
May 11, 2026

Sunny patios will soon begin to extend out into the street as part of the first start to the Meet Me 0n Bernard program. Starting Friday, May 15 in the afternoon, Bernard Avenue between Abbott and Pandosy Street will become an open pedestrian corridor until September 7.  

To accommodate the summer-wide initiative, the 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue will be closed to motorists starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12. Water Street and Pandosy Street will remain open to vehicle traffic, as will Lawrence Avenue where it intersects with Abbott as a left turn only. Motorists are advised to watch out for pedestrians and cyclists when crossing Bernard Avenue. 

Meet Me on Bernard timeline: 

  • May 12: Initial closure of Bernard Avenue (200 and 300 blocks only) from Abbott to Pandosy Street for set-up. All businesses will remain open during set-up. 
  • May 15: Bernard Avenue (200 and 300 blocks) opens to pedestrians and cyclists in the afternoon. 
  • September 7: Last day of Meet me on Bernard. 
  • September 8-9: The 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue remain closed for tear down. 
  • September 11: Bernard Avenue reopens to regular vehicle traffic by the end of day. 

On-street parking will be limited to accommodate extended patios in the 400 and 500 blocks. Signage will be in place. Temporary accessible parking stalls will be in place on cross streets near Bernard Avenue for motorists’ convenience. There will also be designated PayByPhone 15-minute pick-up and drop-off zones along Abbott and Mill Streets. Nightly, from 9 p.m. to midnight, these loading zones will serve as taxi areas.  

Bernard Avenue is within walking distance of several parkades in Downtown Kelowna, including the Library Parkade (1360 Ellis), Memorial Parkade (1420 Ellis) and Chapman Parkade (345 Lawrence). All three provide short- and long-term parking options. To view real-time availability, visit kelowna.ca/parking. A free Bike Valet is also available to allow cyclists to safely store their bikes with City staff while they enjoy the downtown. Located at the corner of Mill Street and Bernard Avenue, hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Meet Me on Bernard is a collaborative initiative promoting vibrancy and connection in the downtown core, learn more at meetmeonbernard.com.