Meet Me on Bernard will likely be two blocks shorter this summer

Bernard Avenue will likely not be closed to traffic from Pandosy to St. Paul Street this summer for Meet Me on Bernard (MMOB).

After the idea was brought up by city lawmakers in early April, the Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) has recommended councillors keep Bernard open to vehicle traffic east of Water Street all summer.

“The board feels that by keeping a smaller footprint for Meet Me on Bernard, the committee will be able to achieve a high level of success that excites attendees and stakeholders alike,” DKA executive director, Mark Burley, said in a statement.

The DKA pointed to a lack of activity and business owners who rely on the access along that portion of Bernard Avenue to support its decision.

A letter sent to city council also suggested any future inclusion of this portion of the road in MMOB wait until the massive Bernard Block development is complete.

“The Bernard Block should create a significant increase in foot traffic from office workers, new residents in the residential tower, and attract foot traffic to the business section at street level,” Burley added.

On April 3, lawmakers voted to allow MMOB to start from Lawrence Avenue to Water Street on May long weekend, rather than July 1. They also agreed to let businesses between Pandosy and St. Paul Street extend their patios into parking stalls starting that same weekend.

The DKA also wants the city to revisit the cost associated with extending patios. Burley said many business owners say it is “either only a break-even or a loss proposition for them.”

It’s not yet known when the recommendation will come back before council for approval.