Kelowna looking to secure grant to upgrade Island Stage, allow for bigger events

The City of Kelowna is looking to secure a provincial grant for the Island Stage Rejuvenation project.

The Island Stage, located in Waterfront Park, is a popular area for outdoor events and city staff say it is in need of several upgrades.

In 2022, council approved funds to assess and update a conceptual design for potential upgrades to the Island Stage, which was constructed in the early 1990s.

“Project consultation is currently underway with accessibility, safety and flexibility included as key factors for consideration,” say city staff in a report headed to council on Monday.

The consultation process will compile site design, technical recommendations, estimated costs and a few suggestions for performance infrastructure.

In order to accomplish this rejuvenation project, city staff are looking to apply to the province’s Destination Development Fund for a maximum request of $1 million for the project.

The application requires support from the city council.

City staff say the grant application will address the first phase of the project which aims to increase the ability to host larger events and festivals at the stage.

The funding would help increase spectator capacity and event space, improve accessibility and safety features and improve space for “functional operations and logistics.”

“A successful application … will allow for an initial investment and improvement of Island Stage that will have an immediate impact on hosting larger, more significant events while working towards the objective to create an iconic event destination that sets the standard for all of Canada,” say city staff.

Kelowna City Council will review the application request ton Monday at 1:30 pm.