The city has closed Bernard Avenue to vehicle traffic this summer and businesses have extended their patios.
(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)
July 01, 2020 - 5:50 PM
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of both Kelowna residents and visitors as they explored Bernard Avenue using their feet for Canada Day.
The street was alive with music as people waited outside to shop at different stores. No cars will be allowed this summer and patios have been extended so residents are able to better distance from one another. Kelowna Council decided in May to close Bernard Avenue from The Sails sculpture to St. Paul Street from June 29 to Sept. 8.
Bicycles and electric scooters are allowed on the six-metre-wide walkway in the middle of the street but not on sidewalks. If there is too much conflict with pedestrians, that may be changed.
“I think it’s a very nice idea, it’s very cozy,” said Janice Saceep, who lives in West Kelowna.
Rene Saceep, from West Kelowna, said parking is “a little bit of a hassle,” and said it might be better to shorten the end of the closure by half a block near The Sails.
READ MORE: Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna will be closed to traffic this summer
Vancouver residents Amy and Paul, who declined to give their last name, thought the opening of the street is a great idea.
“This is a perfect environment for it,” Paul said.
(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)
Richard Brewer, from Kelowna, who was enjoying ice cream during Canada Day said he had no problems with the closure of Bernard Avenue and thinks the idea of having a street closed off is a good thing.
There’s a 30 per cent chance of showers for Kelowna Thursday. The rest of the Okanagan will have a slight chance of showers tomorrow as well, according to Environment Canada.
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