Инициатива «Встречайся на Бернarde» в Келовне завершает успешный сезон

Kelowna’s Bernard Avenue pedestrian initiative nearing end of season Positive vibes on Bernard After a busy summer of patios and pedestrian traffic, Kelowna’s Meet Me on Bernard initiative is preparing to wrap up for the season. The annual downtown program launched in mid-May, closing the 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue to vehicle traffic and creating a pedestrian-friendly space through the summer. The Downtown Kelowna Association says the initiative has continued to gain momentum, with businesses and visitors embracing the changes. “We've been very, very busy. The Meet Me on Bernard this year has been so successful,” said Paula Quinn, executive director of the Downtown Kelowna Association. “I think we really have felt that there's been lots going on. We've had lots of visitors. There's been a lot of continuous support of Meet Me on Bernard, which has been excellent.” Quinn said the initiative has helped create a stronger sense of community among downtown businesses and visitors. “It gives you community feel. The businesses feel like they're connected,” she said. Meet Me on Bernard has been running for several years, but Quinn said it continues to evolve organically. This year, the association also focused on creating connections beyond the traditional 200 and 300 blocks. The nearby night market has helped draw people farther along Bernard Avenue, Quinn said, while the association has worked with businesses in the 400 and 500 blocks to create events and activities of their own. A major focus this summer was increasing the number of activations in the downtown core. The positive response to Meet Me on Bernard comes during a challenging summer for the region. Wildfires, smoke and travel disruptions have impacted the area, contributing to softer visitor traffic during a time of year when many businesses rely on a strong tourism season. Those challenges come as downtown Kelowna continues to deal with concerns around crime and social disorder. In February, Kelowna RCMP told council that overall crime dipped slightly in 2025 compared with the previous year, although a sharp increase in social disorder incidents during the final quarter pushed some categories higher. Those concerns have also contributed to uncertainty among some downtown businesses, with some considering whether to relocate as issues worsened. Quinn acknowledged the challenges facing the downtown, but said the association is focused on emphasizing the positive aspects of the area. “I think at the end of the day, we know what is in front of us. We don't try and hide from that, but what we try to do is at the end of the day, is embrace everything else that's around us and bring that positive, you know, intention to what we're doing.” Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia is also encouraging people to support local businesses amid ongoing Canada-U.S. trade uncertainty. The Downtown Kelowna Association says supporting local restaurants, shops and services helps strengthen the local economy. Meet Me on Bernard is scheduled to continue until Sept. 8, when the association begins dismantling the patios and returning the street to regular use. More Kelowna News