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Uptown Rutland is envisioning public spaces in 2025.
It's kind of pie in the sky right now.
But, it could be a new and improved Roxby Square -- a public area to engage and enjoy before striking out on a tour of Rutland's 24 massive and colourful murals.
Justin Bullock, the owner and operator of OK Tire Rutland and Top Grade Tire Recycling, is the new president of the 230-member Uptown Rutland Business Association.
"A top priority is researching and shaping a vision for a true public space in Rutland," said Justin Bullock, the new president of the 230-member Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA).
"We want to create the same kind of excitement that downtown Kelowna offers. Our goal is to create a vibrant urban space where people can live, work, enjoy entertainment, while also drawing visitors from across the city and beyond."
True, downtown Kelowna has the natural attribute of Okanagan Lake and the largest concentration of residential highrises, shops and restaurants in the city.
However, Uptown Rutland is surrounded by orchards, is backed dramatically by the Rutland Bench, has its own concentration of shops, restaurants and services and is one Kelowna's five 'urban centre' designations along with downtown, Capri-Landmark, South Pandosy and Midtown (the region surrounding Orchard Park mall).
Uptown Rutland encompasses the commercial area along Rutland Road.
"The (new Uptown Rutland) board is inspired by the success of the 'Meet Me On Bernard' program (that downtown Kelowna has with a pedestrianized main street during the summer)," said Bullock, who is the owner and operator of OK Tire Ruland and Top Grade Tire Recycling.
"We see the potential for something similar in Rutland, perhaps a 'Meet Me At Roxby' where a short walk leads you to any of the 24 murals in the area. We are considering various possibilities and encourage the community to share their input."
The mural by Nick Sweetman on the wall of Taki Sushi.
Until April 6, the City of Kelowna is collecting feedback on the future of its five urban centres.
Uptown Rutland will definitely be submitting a proposal with the Roxby Square vision and more.
Uptown Rutland also took inspiration from downtown Kelowna's Downtown On Call team that responds to incidents the police or by-law officers may have been called out to in the past.
URBA On Call now similarly responds to incidents during the day.
Both organizations hesitate to call themselves security guards, but area ambassadors.
The Lifted mural by Jeremy Shantz, David Doody and Jorden Doody on the wall of Valleyview Chiropractic.
"I've been fortunate to call Rutland home my entire life," added Bullock.
"It is a true privilege to be leading URBA to support our businesses in ways that are important to them. We want our members to know that we are passionate to have them succeed."
While not as exciting and new public spaces and public art like murals, URBA will also take care of housekeeping in 2025 with return on investment for members and updated governance and operational procedures.
"We are committed to improving our internal processes as an organization that will take us to the next level of service for URBA members," said Bullock.
The mural by Tyler Toews on the wall of Rutland Thrift Store.
The 2025-26 board, elected at URBA's annual general meeting on March 6:
- President: Justin Bullock, OK Tire Rutland and Top Grade Tire Recycling
- Past-president: Navjit Khun Khun, lawyer with Canco Petroleum
- Indy Dhial, Pita Pit
- Jassie Kakoschke, Valley First Credit Union
- Brad McNaughton, LUX Quality Homes
- Domenic Rampone, Kelowna Gospel Mission
- Harjit Toora, Manohar Vietnamese Bakery
- Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas
- Birte Decloux, Urban Options Planning Corp.
- a yet to be announced representative from the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
The Lonesome Dove mural by Kathy Ager on the wall of Rutland Physiotherapy.
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