KELOWNA — A mountain backdrop, Okanagan Lake just steps away and small local businesses all help Bernard Avenue thrive.
The street attracts visitors and locals, making it the heart of downtown Kelowna.
It has recently been nominated as one of the country’s special places.
“It’s a feather in the cap,” says Ryan Watters, a spokesperson for Downtown Kelowna Association, ” The businesses that are here on Bernard already know that it’s gorgeous and that it’s the best street in Canada.”
Bernard Avenue is competing in the street category of the Great Places in Canada competition.
The Canadian Institute of Planners is hosting this third annual competition.
Bernard Avenue will be up against at least four others when nominations close on Labour day.
So far it has fewer than 100 online votes.
“Exercise your democratic right to show pride in Kelowna and vote for Bernard Avenue,” urges Mayor Walter Gray.
He credits a $14 million upgrade to the street and believes Bernard Avenue is no longer just a road, but a destination.
Those who are part of the revitalization are thrilled that their project helped put Kelowna in a national spotlight.
“People from the planning to the design to the construction feel that their contributions have been recognized nationally,” says Purvez Irani, one of the project managers.
Despite the upgrades, some people have mixed reviews about whether Bernard Avenue deserves the title of Canada’s Greatest Street.
A visitor from Edmonton believes there are more memorable streets in Canada.
While a Kelowna resident says he’s noticed the upgrades and would vote for the street.
Online voting ends on September 23rd, and will help decide the People’s Choice award.
A panel of judges will choose the winners in the three categories: best street, neighbourhood and public place.
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