West Kelowna has advice for anyone planning to attend the fireworks show over Gellatly Bay on Friday night.
It says attendees should consider parking in Westbank and walking down to watch the fireworks at Gellatly Bay on June 30 and consider carpooling.
That’s the message the City of West Kelowna is sending out given the fact it will close Gellatly Road to vehicle traffic from the yacht club exit to Boucherie Road, starting at 8 p.m. and lasting until approximately midnight, to accommodate the crowds expected along the lakeshore to watch the 15 minute spectacular, scheduled to start at 10:15 p.m.
With fireworks postponed in Kelowna due to the impact of recent flooding, the Gellatly Walkway closed for repairs, and Canada celebrating a milestone birthday—its 150th—West Kelowna staff want to ensure the area can accommodate extra crowds.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Beginning at 8 p.m., Gellatly Road from the bridge over Powers Creek to the intersection with Boucherie Road will be closed to vehicle traffic, the section will be cordoned off with barriers and staffed at both closure points. Closures will remain in place until crowds vacate the area (approximately midnight).
• Those catching the show are advised to park in the Westbank Centre area or at Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre (JBMAC) and walk down via routes such as Gellatly Road.
• A section of Gellatly Road, which is currently closed to vehicles from Witt Road to the intersection with Boucherie Road, will be open to pedestrians only and lighted on Friday evening to accommodate those walking down from the Westbank Centre and JBMAC.
• Emergency crews will be parked on Gellatly Road at approximately 8:30 and will remain until pedestrians have vacated the area.
Boaters are reminded that Gellatly Bay is a wake-free zone due to high water and floating debris in the lake.
Fireworks will be launched from a barge in the lake and vessels will need to keep away from the launch area.