I’ve been watching this story unfold for the past few days, and it’s a fascinating example of how infrastructure becomes more than just concrete and steel in a community’s identity.
Kelowna city officials are eyeing a million-dollar facelift for the William R. Bennett Bridge, proposing to transform the critical Okanagan Lake crossing into what they’re calling an “iconic landmark.” The proposal, which emerged from recent council discussions, aims to reimagine the bridge that connects Kelowna to West Kelowna beyond its utilitarian purpose.
“We’ve been looking at ways to enhance our community gateways,” explained Sandra Kochan, Kelowna’s cultural services manager, during Tuesday’s council meeting. “The Bennett Bridge represents not just a transportation corridor but an opportunity to create something meaningful for residents and visitors alike.”
The bridge, completed in 2008 at a cost of $144 million, has served primarily as a functional piece of infrastructure. The new vision would incorporate lighting designs, public art installations, and potentially interactive elements to create what one councillor described as a “signature feature” for the city.
Mayor Tom Dyas expressed cautious optimism about the project, noting that while aesthetics matter, practicality must come first. “We need to balance creating something beautiful with the realities of maintaining a critical piece of infrastructure that thousands rely on daily,” he told council members.
The million-dollar price tag has raised eyebrows among some local residents I spoke with outside City Hall yesterday. Marie Clement, a longtime Kelowna resident, questioned the timing: “With housing costs what they are, should we really be spending on bridge beautification?”
That sentiment was echoed by local business owner Derek Sanderson, who added, “The bridge works fine as is. Maybe put that million toward fixing some of these potholes first.”
But proponents of the plan point to tourism benefits and community pride. According to Tourism Kelowna, the city welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2023, and distinctive landmarks often become important marketing tools for destinations.
The proposal arrives amid broader discussions about Kelowna’s rapid growth and identity. Census data shows the Kelowna metropolitan area grew by nearly 14 percent between 2016 and 2021, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada.
City staff have suggested phasing the project over several years, potentially seeking private sector partnerships to offset costs. The initial concept includes environmentally sensitive lighting that could change with seasons or for special events, similar to how Vancouver’s BC Place or Toronto’s CN Tower use illumination for visual impact.
The Ministry of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the bridge, would need to approve any modifications. Ministry spokesperson Devon Williams confirmed they’ve received preliminary inquiries but emphasized that “safety and structural integrity remain our primary concerns with any enhancement proposals.”
What I found particularly interesting about Tuesday’s council discussion was the tension between creating something purely decorative versus something that tells a story about the region. Councillor Loyal Wooldridge pushed for elements that would reflect Okanagan heritage and Indigenous perspectives.
“If we’re going to invest in this, let’s make sure it represents who we are as a community, including our shared history with the Syilx people,” Wooldridge said.
The bridge is named after former B.C. Premier Bill Bennett, who led the province from 1975 to 1986 and whose family has deep roots in the Okanagan. The Bennett name carries significant weight in local politics – a fact that hasn’t been lost in discussions about the bridge’s future look and feel.
Public consultation is expected to begin this fall, with initial design concepts to follow in early 2025. City planners hope to have a finalized proposal, complete with funding models, ready for council consideration by next summer.
For now, the Bennett Bridge remains simply a five-lane crossing carrying approximately 60,000 vehicles daily. Whether it becomes Kelowna’s next postcard image or remains just a way to get across the lake depends on how residents respond to this million-dollar question.
As someone who’s watched communities wrestle with identity projects like this before, I can tell you the conversation itself often reveals more about a city’s priorities than whatever gets built in the end. The bridge debate is likely just beginning – and will be worth watching as Kelowna continues defining itself amidst rapid growth and change.
