Meet Me on Bernard Returns for 2026

Sunny patios will soon begin to extend out into the street as part of the Meet Me on Bernard program. Starting Friday, May 15, in the afternoon, Bernard Avenue between Abbott and Pandosy Street will become an open pedestrian corridor until September 7.

To accommodate the summer-wide initiative, the 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue will be closed to motorists starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12. Water Street and Pandosy Street will remain open to vehicle traffic, as will Lawrence Avenue at Abbott, where it intersects with Abbott, as a left-turn-only. Motorists are advised to watch out for pedestrians and cyclists when crossing Bernard Avenue.

Meet Me on Bernard Timeline

May 12: Initial closure of Bernard Avenue (200 and 300 blocks only) from Abbott to Pandosy Street for set-up. All businesses will remain open during set-up.
May 15: Bernard Avenue (200 and 300 blocks) opens to pedestrians and cyclists in the afternoon.
September 7: Last day of Meet me on Bernard.
September 8-9: The 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue remain closed for teardown.
September 11: Bernard Avenue reopens to regular vehicle traffic by the end of the day.

Meet Me on Bernard

Transportation and Parking

On-street parking will be limited to accommodate extended patios in the 400 and 500 blocks. Signage will be in place. Temporary accessible parking stalls will be in place on cross streets near Bernard Avenue for motorists’ convenience. There will also be designated PayByPhone 15-minute pick-up and drop-off zones along Abbott and Mill Streets. Nightly, from 9 p.m. to midnight, these loading zones will serve as taxi areas.

Bernard Avenue is within walking distance of several parkades in Downtown Kelowna, including the Library Parkade (1360 Ellis), Memorial Parkade (1420 Ellis) and Chapman Parkade (345 Lawrence). All three provide short- and long-term parking options. To view real-time availability, visit kelowna.ca/parking.

A free Bike Valet is also available, allowing cyclists to safely store their bikes with City staff while they enjoy downtown. Located at the corner of Mill Street and Bernard Avenue, hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.