Kelowna’s newest public attraction has officially opened at Stuart Park, one of the city’s landmarks, with the mayor and council unveiling the city’s signature sign in late June and taking part in the first photo opportunities at the waterfront installation.

The illuminated “Kelowna” wordmark is a gathering space for residents and visitors, creating a new destination along the waterfront for photos, community events, and everyday use.

The sign features life-sized illuminated letters measuring approximately 8 feet high and 68 feet long. The spacing between the letters allows people to walk through and interact with the structure, with the “O” designed as a seating and photo area. Integrated lighting will adjust based on sunrise, sunset, and weather conditions.

Indigenous touch

“Kelowna’s Signature Sign is a meaningful addition to our waterfront that transforms an underused space in Stuart Park into an inviting, interactive landmark for residents and visitors,” says Mayor Tom Dyas. “Designed to reflect our city’s character, it will support downtown vibrancy, tourism, and everyday community connection, while helping increase foot traffic to nearby businesses and supporting local economic activity.”

The design incorporates elements that reflect Kelowna’s landscape and Indigenous perspectives. Rolling wave forms reference the Okanagan hills across the lake, while the reverse side of the sign features backlit perforated panels displaying artwork curated by Indigenous consultant Coralee Miller. The artwork includes symbols representing connections between water, land, wildlife, and community.

“This project reflects Kelowna’s commitment to creating vibrant public places where people can gather, create memories, and celebrate their connection to Kelowna,” says Derek Edstrom, divisional director of partnerships and investments. “We are excited for the community to discover the sign for themselves and hope it’ll be a source of community pride for years to come.”

The project includes a new paved pathway connecting the sign to the Waterfront promenade, along with new plantings, plaza space, and a camera podium. The signature sign is located at Stuart Park and is now open for residents and visitors to explore.