As a growing region, Kelowna and the Okanagan are faced with significant issues such as organized crime, transportation infrastructure needs, downtown revitalization, economic sustainability, affordable housing, homelessness (and the associated issues of addictions and mental illness), and the retention and recruitment of employees. This municipal brief will delve into these issues.
The issues presented in this document will serve as a focal point for the advocacy efforts of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce regarding challenges and obstacles facing our business community. The intent of this process is to create an open dialogue with key decision makers in an effort to find solutions to these obstacles.
With a population estimated at 106,707, Kelowna is the largest community in the Central Okanagan and continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. Kelowna’s economic growth is driven by increased activity in the manufacturing, technology and health care sectors in particular, which are attracting new businesses and residents to the area (Source: Economic Profile – Regional District of Central Okanagan, EDC August 2007).
The growth is fuelled by the recognition of Kelowna as being identified as the third most cost effective place to conduct business in the Pacific Northwest Region of North America in KPMG’s 2008 Competitive Alternatives Study. This study measured 27 cost components – such as labour, taxes and utilities – applied to business operations in a study of 136 cities in 10 countries.
The city’s vibrant retail and commercial base attracts a trading area of 450,000 residents, making it the largest center for urban development, business, commerce, retail and health care services between Greater Vancouver and Alberta.
The city is known all over the world for its championship golf courses, extraordinary powder skiing and award-winning wineries. Arts and cultural amenities are rapidly evolving to meet a broad range of interests for both residents and tourists.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business organization representing the largest membership in the BC Interior. As the second largest Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia, our mission is to foster a positive business environment by providing members with leadership, advocacy and services of value. We are also involved in various external activities such as the Highway 97 Task Force and the Downtown Task Force.
2010
June
February
2009
February
2008
July
2007
June