Heavy machinery won’t roll into the Munson Pond Park area until next year.

The City of Kelowna has confirmed to KelownaNow that construction on the Burtch Road extension project will begin in the spring of 2026 rather than this fall as originally planned.

A spokesperson said the City has decided to publicly tender the project in a combined package with Burtch Road trunk sewer work, which will happen later in the fall.

“While this decision has resulted in a delay to the construction start, the City believes that bundling the two projects into one tender will deliver the best value for taxpayers by ensuring efficiency, competitive pricing, and long-term cost savings,” the spokesperson explained.

The new timeline of construction beginning in the spring means that the Burtch Road extension project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2027.
 

Photo Credit: City of KelownaA rendering of the Burtch Road extension.
 

On the surface, the Burtch Road extension seems like an exciting road project that will help alleviate traffic congestion through the central part of Kelowna.

However, it’s been the centre of controversy at times, as nearby residents fear it will have a negative effect on the wildlife that call Munson Pond home.

Some of those residents who talked to KelownaNow in April realized the need for improvements to the road network in the area, but had concerns over the future street’s close proximity to the pond.

City Manager Doug Gilchrist promised that the project has been thoroughly assessed for environmental impact.

“The project will actually enhance pedestrian access to the area, not deplete it, while also protecting the existing environmental aspects of the property through plantings and an intentional buffer,” he told KelownaNow in the spring.

Once the work begins in the spring, the connection of Burtch Road near Munson Pond Park will be part of 1.6 kilometres of new street laid between Denver and KLO roads.

It will “urbanize” that full length of road, the City notes, which includes adding street trees, protected bike lanes, sidewalks and a crosswalk to access the Munson Pond trail network.

There will also be left turn lanes and intersection improvements where needed, highlighted by a new traffic signal at KLO and Burtch roads.