On our way to the vision for our city
Kelowna has been one of Canada’s fastest growing communities for many years. The pace of growth has contributed to our accelerated economic expansion and cultural diversity. That pace also taught us the need to plan long-term and face the challenges that come with constant growth. Our experience helped us lead the way for other local governments on housing needs, social change, environmental protection and diversifying mobility options. The ability to follow our vision amid constant change turned Kelowna into the Interior’s hub for commerce, education, healthcare and transportation.
Go & grow
People from across Canada and around the world are drawn to our city’s lifestyle and opportunities. Before we know it, the Central Okanagan will be home to nearly half a million residents. Population projections today say we will have 400,000 residents in our region in less than 20 years, with around 250,000 of them living within Kelowna City limits.
In addition, Kelowna’s population is starting to skew younger and more international thanks to the university and college population, and a diversified business environment that encompasses everything from aeronautics to winemaking.
Looking ahead to that future population on the horizon, the City is ramping up its ability to accommodate that many new residents while enhancing the qualities that make this a special place to call home.
Anticipating the need for more housing to accommodate population growth, the City has worked hard to create a development environment that supports a variety of housing options. Tax incentives, regulatory incentives, such as reduced parking requirements, along with grants have all combined to attract the highest level of investment in purpose-built rental housing in Kelowna’s history. At the end of 2023, there were more than 2,800 rental homes under construction, with more than 7,000 in the development pipeline. The goal is to make all residents feel at home as we help create more affordable places to live, improve mobility and take care of nature on our way to the vision we have for Kelowna.
That vision includes our 2040 Official Community Plan, the long-term guidance for how we want our urban areas to grow and how to protect our environment. Following the plans, urban centres have grown more densely populated, with business and professional services located nearby, along with transit and other mobility options. It’s a model for growth that is working, as the rate of residential development in Kelowna’s downtown core was behind only a few of Canada’s largest cities.
Kelowna’s vision also includes using new technology to improve customer service, such as Artificial Intelligence programs that speed up housing approvals or guide users through landfill services or questions about Kelowna International Airport. The City is also a recognized leader in financial planning strategies and management, regularly receiving awards and recognition from local government associations.
The City has a responsibility to ensure sustainable growth and protect what we already love about our city. Through our new 2040 Official Community Plan, we are strategically managing our community’s incredible growth, while seizing the opportunity to create a city like no other. In the coming years, there will be a big push to deliver more infrastructure faster to keep pace with growth pressures. From roads and parks bundles to expanded recreation facilities, we will start some of the City’s most ambitious capital and infrastructure projects to date. In fact, our 10-year capital plan includes more 330 infrastructure projects to support Kelowna’s future.
Planning today for generations to come
Our residents helped shape a vision for Kelowna that guides our future actions and initiatives. This vision is reflected in the City's key plans and strategies, such as the Official Community Plan (Our City as we Grow), the Transportation Master Plan (Our City as we Move), and others. These plans help us prepare our city for the needs and aspirations of our current and future residents, especially in the urban areas. We are creating a city that is collaborative, smarter, connected and responsible.
Kelowna is a community willing to learn, adapt and grow so we can thrive amid rapid change. Our city’s leadership supports innovation that helps drive inclusive prosperity. We are building a nimble and resilient economy while also taking action in the face of climate change.
