About the Project
What is the Wharton Street Revitalization project?
The Wharton Street Revitalization Project is a key priority and the first project to be built from the District of Summerland’s Downtown Neighbourhood Action Plan (2022). It aims to create an active, desirable and welcoming downtown. The project includes utility upgrades, roadway and pedestrian improvements, and the creation of vibrant public spaces.
What is the Downtown Neighourhood Action Plan?
In 2022, the District of Summerland completed a Downtown Neighbourhood Action Plan (DNAP). The Downtown Neighbourhood Action Plan serves as a roadmap for future downtown revitalization projects and includes actionable items and policy recommendations. Read the DNAP here.
Why is this project being completed?
The Downtown Neighbourhood Action Plan supports Council’s Strategic Priorities of “Enhancing Our Quality of Life” and “Protecting and Enhancing Core Infrastructure and Essential Services.”
Implementing the Wharton Street Revitalization project combines necessary infrastructure improvements, like stormwater, watermain and electrical upgrades, with streetscape enhancements, addressing multiple community needs at once and maximizing investment.
What improvements will be made during the project?
The project will focus on renewing infrastructure above and below ground to ensure the longevity and safety of essential services, while creating a vibrant and dynamic downtown. It includes significant changes and improvements to Henry Avenue, Memorial Park, Wharton Street and Kelly Avenue. The improvements include:
- Parking improvements
- Utility upgrades to support new density and growth
- Roadway and pedestrian improvements
- All-season public washrooms
- Relocation of overhead power lines to underground
- Beautification and public space upgrades
What improvements will be made to Henry Avenue?
Henry Avenue between Main Street and Wharton Street will be closed to create a plaza area, which will feature an all season washroom, a misting fountain, café style seating, a busking stage, overhead lighting and bench seating and planting areas.
What improvements will be made to Memorial Park?
The project will include the creation of the Memorial Park Plaza, which will feature an upgraded Cenotaph area, seating, power receptables, lighting, flag poles, and a raised crosswalk to connect to the Henry Avenue Plaza.
What improvements will be made to Wharton Street?
Upgrades to Wharton Street include:
- Relocation of overhead power lines to underground (Armstrong Avenue to Victoria Rd)
- A 3 meter wide multi-use pathway
- Stormwater improvements to service new density and growth
- Replacement of aging water lines
- Intersection safety improvements
- Site furnishings and plantings
- Two-way vehicle traffic
- Food truck parking
- Angle parking
What changes are being made to Kelly Avenue?
Kelly Avenue will be converted to allow two-way traffic and a 3 meter multi-use pathway will be installed.
Funding
How much will the project cost?
The total cost of the project is approximately $8.5 million.
How is the project being funded?
The $8.5M project approved by Council includes long-term borrowing of $3,365,080 with the remainder from savings held in the Electrical Capital Reserve, the Capital Works Reserve, the Land Sale Reserve, the Growing Communities Reserve and the Parks Development Cost Charges Reserve. Due to a legal proceeding initiated by one resident, long-term borrowing has been delayed and the District will utilize internal borrowing from Development Cost Charge reserves to fund the project, at least until such a time as the long-term borrowing is restored.
Will this project increase local taxes?
Yes, there will be an increase in property taxes to recover the costs associated with long-term borrowing. Beginning in 2026, property taxes will increase by approximately 2.26%, which will cost the average household an additional $40.26 annually.
Construction
What type of disruptions are expected?
There will be disruptions in the downtown area during construction. While we will work hard to ensure disruptions are minimal, residents can expect:
- Impacts to special events held within Memorial Park and Wharton Street
- Limited access to driveways and rear entryways to buildings
- Increased noise and dust
- Single lane alternating traffic and periodic roadway closures
When will construction take place?
Construction is anticipated to start in May 2025 and continue through to November 2025.
Will there be road closures or traffic disruptions?
Residents can expect traffic interruptions during construction, including single lane alternating traffic and periodic roadway closures. On-site signage will be implemented to notify drivers of detours and direct traffic to alternate routes. Up to date information on detours and road closures can be found at whartonstreet.ca.
How will noise and dust be controlled?
There will be increased dust in the area during construction. The project team will be taking steps to mitigate the impacts of this through dust control measures.
Periods of increased noise from construction are anticipated. Property owners within the project area will be provided with the construction schedule and when to expect disruptions.
Will local businesses remain open?
Shops and services in the project area will remain open for business during the construction period. Access may be affected, including changes to parking and entry points. Your support and patience are appreciated.
Will parking downtown be impacted?
Parking near the project area will be impacted during construction. On-site signage will provide information about alternate parking locations. E-charging parking spaces will be temporarily decommissioned to offer more parking.
Will special events be impacted?
Construction will impact multiple events held within Memorial Park and Wharton Street, including the Tuesday District Market, car shows, Action Fest, Wednesday Music in the Park, and the Sunday Rotary Club Market. This may mean changes to typical event locations, scheduling and parking. The District is working closely with organizers to make accommodations, where possible. Information about events will be available at whartonstreet.ca.
Why did does the District have to do this construction during the summer, why not wait until winter?
Unfortunately, Tourism season is the same as construction season. Many construction materials, such as concrete, are sensitive to cold temperatures. For example, unless concrete it is hoarded and heated in colder months it won’t set properly. Sand and gravel used for backfilling pipes and road bases also has to be compacted thoroughly which requires moisture to achieve design parameters, and any freezing prevents achieving compaction. Heaters and hoarding also has to be monitored which is expensive. Hot mix asphalt plants do not even operate during the colder months of the year. Snow, ice and cold also create safety hazards for workers, and productivity slows down as the temperature drops which adds to manpower costs. Inclement weather also is difficult to predict which impacts the ability of project managers to schedule work reliably as the project moves forward, unlike the reliable weather of summer. On top of this, winter remains an important period for downtown businesses and the community as well with Christmas shopping, and important events like the iconic Light Up event. Overall, summer work is predictable and is completed quicker, which means it is also easier to obtain bidders for projects who need to mobilize for these projects, which keeps pricing competitive.
Communications
How can I stay updated on the project progress?
This website will be updated regularly to ensure the community is up to date on the construction schedule and any disruptions, including impacts to traffic, parking and events.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
If you have any comments or concerns, please feel free to reach out to works@summerland.ca or 250-494-0431.