The municipality of Summerland is starting work on the Wharton Street Revitalization Project, its first major initiative under the Downtown Neighbourhood Action Plan.

Some of the components will include upgrading underground utilities, improving the roadway and pedestrian infrastructure, relocating overhead power lines, reconfiguring parking and traffic flow, modernizing public amenities, including adding all-season washrooms and enhancing public spaces.

The work is scheduled to begin on April 28, and will continue through November.

Jeremy Storvold, director of utilities for Summerland, said the electrical upgrade work will extend from Smith Street and Armstrong Avenue, along the length of Wharton Street and on the back alley of Victoria Road to the post office. 

The overhead power lines in place at present will be relocated underground. 

The streetscape work on and near Wharton Street will be done at the same time.

鈥淏y revitalizing public spaces, modernizing streets, and creating a more attractive and functional environment, we maximize the investment and bring added value to the community,鈥� a statement from the municipality reads.

Joe Mitchell, director of works and infrastructure for Summerland, said the streetscape work will include the creation of the Memorial Park Plaza, which will include an upgraded cenotaph area, seating, lighting, flag poles and electrical power. A raised crosswalk will be installed to connect this area to the Henry Avenue Plaza.

The Henry Avenue Plaza will involve the section of Henry Avenue between Main Street and Wharton Street. This section of road will be closed to vehicle traffic to create the plaza area.

It will include an all-season public washroom, a misting fountain, cafe-style seating, a busking stage, overhead lighting, bench seating and planting areas.

The upgrade project will also include a raised intersection at the corner of Main Street and Victoria Road. At present, Victoria Road traffic will not stop at this intersection, but the raised crosswalk will slow traffic. 

Upgrades to Wharton Street and Victoria Road will include a three-metre-wide multi-use pathway, food truck parking and angle parking, as well as site furnishings and plantings. The two roads will remain two-way streets. 

During the construction, access to driveways and rear entrances will be restricted. Noise and dust will increase, and traffic delays and detours will be in place, along with temporary parking changes.

Some of the events traditionally held in Memorial Park may be relocated during the construction. However, Summerland Action Festival in early June will proceed as usual.

Mitchell said Wharton Street may be affected, but most of the park will still be usable for the festival activities.

The project is expected to be completed by Remembrance Day in November, with the potential for some electrical work to be finished in 2026.

The total cost of the Wharton Street project is estimated at $8.557 million. In February, the municipality approved the borrowing of up to $3.365 million for this project. The borrowed money is to be repaid over a 25-year term.

The municipality will provide regular updates while the work is continuing. Details will be available online at whartonstreet.ca and on the municipality鈥檚 Facebook page.