Building a better Kelowna: 2024 infrastructure projects transforming our community

In 2024, the City of Kelowna invested $95 million in infrastructure projects that improve quality of life for residents. As we approach the last quarter of the year, these investments are becoming increasingly evident and visible, with many projects either completed or nearing completion. 

At the beginning of the year, the City identified several key projects to highlight, categorizing them based on their community impact into four main areas: parks, flood and habitat, transportation and utilities. This strategic approach not only showcased the breadth of the City's efforts but also emphasized the benefits these projects bring to the community. Project updates are broken down into the same four categories and listed below.  

Utilities 

The City allocated $34 million to repair, rehabilitate, and improve the underground utility network. By adding new and maintaining existing infrastructure, Kelowna can continue to grow all while being financially responsible. Notable projects include the completion of the Burtch Sanitary Trunk, that used innovative technology to repair a major wastewater pipe at a lower cost than a traditional repair. Sanitary main replacements were completed this spring East of Pandosy St., while ongoing projects such as the Glenmore Sanitary Trunk Main and the Summit Reservoir expansion are set to be completed in the coming years. Investing in what’s below the surface, our utility network, helps build peace of mind and prevents damage to surrounding infrastructure.  

To learn more about some of the highlighted utilities projects, click the links below.   

• Burtch Sanitary Trunk 
  • Project is complete.  
• Glenmore sanitary trunk main 
  • Project is on-going and the first phase is estimated to be complete in early September. 
• Coronation Ave.  
  • The project is on-going, estimated completion is at the end of October of this year.  
• East of Pandosy St. 
  • Project is complete.  
• Summit Reservoir expansion project  
  • On-going, estimated completion in early 2025. 
• Raymer Ave. watermain renewal project (phase 1)  
  • On-going, estimated completion in September. 
• Central Rutland sewer project 
  • On-going, estimated completion in 2026. 

Transportation  

With a $33 million investment, the City focused on upgrading its balanced transportation network to help make commuting and moving goods more efficient around our community. Key projects include the Leckie Road Active Transportation Corridor, Sutherland Active Transportation Corridor, pavement resurfacing, and the Bertram Multi-Use Overpass. Investing in our transportation network helps build connection. These projects help link neighbourhoods, provide easier access to local businesses and services and create a balanced transportation network that includes active transportation options.  

To learn more about the transportation highlighted projects, click the links below.  

• Leckie Road Active Transportation Corridor 
  • On-going, estimated completion in the fall. 
• Road Renewal 
  • On-going, estimated completion in September. 
• Crosswalk Program 
  • On-going, estimated completion in the fall. 
• Bertram Multi-Use Overpass  
  • On-going, estimated completion in early 2025. 
  • The foundation elements are complete, the vertical structural columns and steel fabrication are nearing completion. Ramp retaining walls are in progress.   
• Right turn lane at Pandosy St. and Hwy. 97  
  •  Complete. 
• Glenmore Rd. Multi-Use Path   
  • On-going, estimated completion in September. 
• Sutherland Active Transportation Corridor 
  • Complete. 

Flood and habitat 

$7 million allocated to projects focused on protecting and safeguarding existing infrastructure and restoring natural habitat.  Investing in upgrades to existing infrastructure helps build sustainability and prepare for community growth. Making preventative upgrades now, and maintaining existing infrastructure prevents larger, more costly, infrastructure break downs that would have deeper impacts on residents. The Mill Creek Flood Protection Project is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative that began in the winter of 2021 and will be completed by the winter of 2027 to improve the creek corridor and reduce flooding potential throughout the city, from the Kelowna International Airport to Okanagan Lake. A key part of this project is to make major improvements to the diversion structure located next to the Okanagan Rail Trail east of Dilworth Drive. 

To learn more about the flood and habitat highlighted projects, click the links below.    

• Mill Creek Flood Protection Project 
  • Will be completed in the winter of 2027.  
• Final touches on the Mill Creek Diversion and re-establishment of the Rail Trail
  • Complete. 
• Mill Creek at the Burne Ave. Site 
  • On-going, estimated completion in the fall. 
• Riffles on Mission Creek  
  • Complete. 
• Removal of three aging pedestrian bridges on Mill Creek 
  • Complete. 

Parks  

$21 million dedicated to creating and improving spaces where community gathers. Investing in outdoor spaces helps build community where residents are connected to their neighbours, their city and the wider world. Creating public spaces that bring people together is a goal of Imagine Kelowna, by adding new spaces such as DeHart Park and improving existing spaces like the Knox Mountain first lookout, the City is building a community Kelowna residents want. These spaces are vital to community health and wellbeing, and provide low and no cost activities where families, friends and neighbours can gather.  Development Costs Charges (DCCs) are used when acquiring parkland and park improvements for neighbourhood, community, city-wide and recreational parks. 

To learn more about the parks highlighted projects, click the links below.    

• DeHart Park 
  • On-going, estimated completion in 2025. 
• Phase 5 of the recreation park in the Glenmore Valley 
  • Design on-going, construction to begin in 2025. 
• Burne Park 
  • On-going, estimated completion in spring 2025. 
• Knox Mountain first lookout 
  • First phase complete, second phase upgrades are expected to begin in late 2024 or 2025.  
• North Glenmore Greenspace: a new 830-sqaure-metre community garden 
  • Complete. 
• Tallgrass Park  
  •  Complete. 
• Kinsmen Park 
  • Complete.

By investing in these infrastructure projects, the City of Kelowna is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant community for years to come. The City's commitment to proactive maintenance, innovative approaches, and community engagement ensures that these investments will continue to benefit residents long into the future. To learn more about City projects, visit Kelowna.ca/cityprojects.