2022 Annual Report: Pathways to Progress

Adapting & Thriving Amid Rapid Change 

Each year in June, we release the City of Kelowna Annual Report. While it chronicles the activities and major themes of the past year, it is also an important document that helps keep our community informed on where we’re headed in the future. 

As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, Kelowna is rapidly evolving. Our economy is diversifying, many of our neighbourhoods are transforming, and we’re becoming a more urban and dynamic city. By 2040, Kelowna is expected to be home to another 45,000 people, offering new energy, amenities, employment options and educational opportunities.  

This growth is also taking place in a time of great environmental and technological change. In fact, as 2022 showed us, technology and data are transforming every part of society from government and education to family, healthcare and the economy, and the effects of climate change are demanding a swift, sustained response. 

Adapting and thriving amid rapid change requires a strong compass—guided by a shared vision—to lead the way, not only defining where and how we grow but also how we will protect our environment, community assets, and everything we already love about our city.  

Endorsed by Council in 2022, the new 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP) and 2040 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) are two of Kelowna’s most critical guideposts in setting a strategic course for the next 20 years. Grounded by our community-led Imagine Kelowna vision and extensive public engagement, the comprehensive plans provide a policy framework on important community priorities such as housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, economic development, and the natural and social environment. Together, they help deliver on our goals of a more sustainable, equitable future.    

In addition to clear direction, our ability to flourish in today’s fast-changing world also requires an unwavering commitment to technological innovation and collaborative problem solving.  

Our Intelligent City Strategy is guiding our approach to solving complex problems, improving operations and better serving our residents. Throughout 2022, the Intelligent Cities team focused on automating and digitizing business to ensure 24/7 online service delivery. Citizens can now access more than 100 City services online at their convenience, and the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being used to triage incoming calls and answer 80 per cent of snow event inquiries, 30 per cent of landfill questions and 20 per cent of revenue information requests. Leveraging AI to expand service without increasing costs is just one benefit. Operationally, the City can use new technologies, including predictive modelling, to assist with projects ranging from community planning to disaster response. Recent advancements can also help improve outcomes on a number of high-priority issues facing our communities, including community safety, transportation and environmental protection. 

Backed by data driven decision-making to guide our work and create a better city, this and other foundational work completed in 2022 is setting us on a path toward exciting possibilities and creative solutions to local issues. While the road to progress will always have bumps along the way, Council is committed to listening and working with residents and community partners as we round each corner.  

Leaving a Kelowna that future generations deserve requires a shared commitment to honouring our rich heritage, respecting the natural wonders that contribute to our identity, protecting our environment and, most importantly, putting people first. When we focus on that, the path will always lead us in the right direction.    

To learn more, including the progress made on important community priorities like transportation, environment and community safety, view the recently released 2022 Annual Report stories and highlights sections.