The meet-me at Bernard of Kelowna is not as lengthy, nevertheless it’s simply as highly effective

Meet Me on Bernard can be two blocks shorter this 12 months.

At its common assembly on April 3, the Metropolis Council instructed the Board of Administrators of the Downtown Kelowna Affiliation (DKA) what they considered this system and that the 400 and 500 blocks (Pandosy to St. Paul) ought to be closed as a part of this system. I requested if

After cautious consideration, the Board of Administrators advisable not closing two blocks on Barnard Avenue.

They continue to be open to vehicular site visitors, and the DKA advisable that eating places in these blocks be allowed to increase their patios into the car parking zone in entrance of the ability.

“Companies have been very vocal about their frustration with street closures,” mentioned DKA Govt Director Mark Burley. “Greater than something, I believe we’re disillusioned that we could not make it work for them.”

Burley mentioned many obstacles past anybody’s management, such because the pandemic that was the rationale this system was launched, excessive warmth in 2021 and 2022, and 6 weeks of wildfire smoke in 2021, are all alongside the best way. I identified that there was

“In the long run, there was loads of programming for some blocks that have been canceled,” he mentioned.

DKA additionally recommends an annual assessment of the longer term inclusion of Blocks 400 and 500 upon completion of the Mission Group’s “Bernard Block” workplace buildings and residences between St. Paul and Bertram streets.

“So you might have the site visitors from there, you might have the pull from these companies down the block, which undoubtedly consists of the eating places and bars that draw individuals from the lake to Bernard,” Burley mentioned. Instructed.

One other advice from DKA is for the town to rethink the prices related to increasing summer season patios.

The board has obtained vital suggestions from restaurant homeowners that it’s a break-even or loss proposition.

“A few of these patios have been between $6,000 and $10,000 in two months,” Burley added. “Companies discover it arduous to show it again on as a result of site visitors shouldn’t be assured.”

Meet Me on Bernard began earlier this 12 months when the road between The Sails and Water Road is closed over the Could lengthy weekend.

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@Gary Barnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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