Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

About Kelowna

Kelowna is the largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, which is located in the south central region of the province. Easily accessible by car, bus and air, we’re 150 km. (90 miles) north of the United States border and 395 km. (247 miles) east of Vancouver.

Attractions

Kelowna boasts all the amenities of a major city - fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant cultural life - yet orchards and vineyards thrive within a 10-minute drive of the downtown core. Spectacular vistas await those ready to explore. A delightful day can be spent sampling the award-winning wares of our numerous internationally-acclaimed wineries, while several championship golf courses draw enthusiasts from all parts of the globe.

Situated on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake mid-way between Penticton in the south and Vernon in the north, Kelowna residents and tourists alike find the lake offers wonderful opportunities for boating, swimming or fishing. The nearby mountains attract hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions. Three major ski hills are within a one-hour drive.

Business Opportunities

Kelowna has been rated the most cost competitive place to do business - #1 in the Pacific Region of North America.

Industry

Kelowna has become the main marketing and distribution centre of the Okanagan Valley, with a flourishing tree fruit industry and a growing light industrial sector that competes on a world scale. Best known for forestry and the manufacture of boats, plastics, fibreglass, body armour and oil field equipment, Kelowna also has a growing high technology sector that includes aerospace development and service.
Kelowna's airport is the 11th busiest in Canada with approximately 35 scheduled flights a day; it's also one of the fastest growing in North America and a multi-year expansion plan is nearing completion.

Amenities

Prospera Place, a 6,000-seat multi-purpose facility that’s home to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, attracts major entertainers and events to the heart of our Cultural District.
The new Rotary Centre for the Arts is a significant feature of the district, which was named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2003.

Waterfront Park is a showcase of the area with lagoons, an outdoor amphitheatre and a wooden boardwalk that links Tugboat Beach and the residential area to the north with the Grand Okanagan Hotel and the downtown.

Stuart Park, located on the Waterfront Promenade across from City Hall on Water Street, will be developed over the next several years.

History

Kelowna was incorporated in May 1905 when our population consisted of 600 people and farming was the economic mainstay of the region. Today more than 100,000 people call Kelowna home and we’re considered by many to be one of the most livable cities in Canada.www.kelowna2005.com

Additional Facts:

- Kelowna is home to 100,000 people.
- The Central Okanagan Regional District has a population of 147,000.
- Kelowna is well known for its hot summers and temperate winters.
- The average daytime high during July and August is 27.40 C.
- The average daytime high during December and January is -0.30 C. - The average low is -7.70 C.
- Kelowna receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and 28 cm. (11 inches) of rain.
- Total annual precipitation is 366.4 mm. (280.7 mm. of rain and 105.5 cm. of snow).
- Okanagan Lake is 110 km. (68 miles) long.
- Okanagan Lake Bridge (built in 1958) is the only floating bridge in Canada, with a floating section of 640 m. (2100 feet)
- Kelowna encompasses 262 square km. (101 square miles)
- Kelowna is 344 m. (1,129 feet) above sea level.
- Kelowna General Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive in the southern interior of B.C. with a full treatment cancer clinic.
- Kelowna is home to several local theatre groups, a symphony orchestra, a museum and numerous art galleries.
- Okanagan University College currently operates two Kelowna campuses and offers university and transfer programs, as well as wide range of adult education and trades courses.
- UBC Okanagan opens in the fall of 2005 at what is now the north campus of Okanagan University College
- In the fall of 2005 Okanagan College will operate from the campus on KLO Road.

Source: City of Kelowna