Community Partnerships

Exploration of Potential Partnerships

In recognition of aligned objectives to enhance community well-being and connection, the City is exploring opportunities for collaborative development and shared use of facilities owned and operated by Okanagan College, University of British Columbia Okanagan, and Central Okanagan Public Schools (School District 23).

Indigenous Collaboration

In 2020, The City began conversations with Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Nation Alliance to identify collaboration opportunities so that syilx/ Okanagan living history is reflected in the future design and delivery of the Building a Stronger Kelowna group of projects. The project team including members of the City, WFN Indigenous Collaborators, and external consultants are working together to deliver a facility that meets the needs of all Okanagan residents and is delivered on budget. While the team continues to progress the project planning and design we are ǝnowkinwixʷ (coming to an understanding through a gentle integrative process) and we are inspired by our learning and understanding of syilx/ Okanagan way of life.

With guidance from Indigenous collaborators, we have received wisdom and have begun to understand syilx/Okanagan living history, including relationship with the tmxʷulaʔxʷ (land), connection to community, family, and self. We are learning the importance of maintaining balance and harmony with nature, oneself and community and we are weaving this understanding into our designs and plans. Additionally, we are committed to ensuring that the land around the site is protected including fish habitat and that Mill Creek is remediated in a way that honours the interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and the land.

As we come together to define plans for the facility and land around it, we are using the teachings inspired by the syilx/Okanagan and we have been asking ourselves stim’ aʔ kl mnimꞎəmp? (will it be good for us all)?

Okanagan Regional Library Partnership

Libraries act as community gathering spaces, they foster social interaction, and enrich the cultural fabric of society. The City of Kelowna and Okanagan Regional Library have signed a Letter of Understanding to establish 'express libraries' at the  redeveloped Parkinson Recreation Centre and in the new future Activity Centre in Glenmore.  An express library is a convenient location that will feature a collection of new and popular materials. It will allow Okanagan Regional Library card holders to pick-up holds and enjoy library services like those offered at a traditional location.