WATCH: Should Meet Me on Bernard stretch beyond summer?

It started as a way to help restaurants navigate public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But closing chunks of Bernard Avenue for two months each summer has become wildly popular, so much so that Kelowna’s mayor is eager to extend it.

Meet Me on Bernard will kick off on July 1 and runs until Sept. 5. But Colin Basran wants to see it start earlier and/or run later.

"Part of my thinking has been precipitated by conversations I have had with business owners on Bernard who are saying, ‘we would love to make an investment in new and more grand patio furniture’ for example,” he said. “But if they only have such a short window to use it, the payback isn't as great.”

He said an extended patio season would only enhance Bernard’s revitalization.

A motion put forward by Basran to explore the merits and challenges of his request was supported by lawmakers.

A report on new dates is expected to come back no later than Q1 of 2023.

More planned for program

Meet Me on Bernard promises to be packed with activity this summer, according to city staff.

Organizers were met with hesitation in both 2020 and 2021 due to the fluidity of the pandemic.

However, it’s expected more so-called ‘activation’ will occur in various forms this year, be it live music, street games, public art, and other activities.

Bernard will be closed to traffic from the Sails to St. Paul Street.