2008 Economic Profile - Regional District of Central Okanagan

Transcription

2009 Economic Profile
Regional District of the Central Okanagan
© 2009
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
1450 KLO Road, KELOWNA, BC, V1W 3Z4
[email protected]
www.investkelowna.com
Toll Free: 1.877.332.2673
250.469.6280
Disclaimer Notice:
This document was compiled for the Economic Development Commission of the Central Okanagan by Kettle
Valley Research. The information contained within this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be
reliable and while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it is not
guaranteed. Readers should be aware that any information stated herein may change at any time and without
notice. This publication is intended as an information source and does not imply endorsement of any service,
association or organization herein.
Please also note that this publication is not inclusive of all data available at the Economic Development
Commission. If you have any questions or comments about the information in this document please contact our
office at (250) 469-6280, toll free (877) 332-2673, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Copyright © 2009
By the Economic Development Commission, Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO). All rights
reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole, in part, or in any form.
About this Document
The Economic Profile is available online through the Economic Development Commission’s website:
www.investkelowna.com.
The Economic Profile was updated in spring 2009 using the most up to date information and statistics available.
Statistics Canada and BC Stats are major sources of information for this document. However, because these
statistics are updated throughout the year, the reader may want to compare the statistics herein with the actual
federal and provincial sources:
Statistics Canada:
www.statcan.ca
BC Stats:
www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca
Throughout the profile, we have also included links to other websites for additional information. The Economic
Development Commission of the Central Okanagan is a division of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan.
Whenever possible, the information herein reflects the areas within the Regional District boundaries.
Table of Contents
1 2 3 4 5 Introduction to the Central Okanagan................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Regional District of the Central Okanagan ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 City of Kelowna ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 West Kelowna District Municipality ................................................................................................. 2 1.4 District of Lake Country ................................................................................................................ 2 1.5 District of Peachland .................................................................................................................... 2 1.6 Westbank First Nation .................................................................................................................. 2 1.7 Unincorporated Areas ................................................................................................................... 3 1.8 2006 Census Geography ............................................................................................................... 4 Population ...................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Population Distribution ................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Population Density by Area ........................................................................................................... 6 2.3 Population Growth Components ..................................................................................................... 8 2.4 Migration Components.................................................................................................................. 9 2.5 Population Growth Projections ..................................................................................................... 10 2.6 Forecast Population Growth by Component ................................................................................... 11 2.7 Population Demographics ........................................................................................................... 12 2.8 Household Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 22 Labour Force Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 26 3.1 Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 26 3.2 Size of the Labour Force ............................................................................................................. 27 3.3 Labour Force by Occupation ........................................................................................................ 31 3.4 Employment by Industry ............................................................................................................ 33 3.5 Self Employment ....................................................................................................................... 35 3.6 Major Employers........................................................................................................................ 36 3.7 Unemployed Labour Force Characteristics ..................................................................................... 37 3.8 Labour Force Income Profile ........................................................................................................ 38 Economic Sectors .......................................................................................................................... 40 4.1 Proximity to Markets .................................................................................................................. 40 4.2 Access to Markets ...................................................................................................................... 41 4.3 Regional Markets ....................................................................................................................... 42 4.4 Business Activity ....................................................................................................................... 43 4.5 Firms by Industry Sector ............................................................................................................ 47 4.6 Construction Industry Profile ....................................................................................................... 48 4.7 Central Okanagan Major Projects Inventory .................................................................................. 49 4.8 Housing .................................................................................................................................... 62 4.9 Manufacturing ........................................................................................................................... 67 4.10 Wholesale and Retail Trade ..................................................................................................... 69 4.11 Agriculture ............................................................................................................................ 71 4.12 Tourism ................................................................................................................................ 76 4.13 Forestry ............................................................................................................................... 79 4.14 Technology Industry .............................................................................................................. 80 4.15 Industrial Land ...................................................................................................................... 84 Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................ 87 5.1 Transportation........................................................................................................................... 87 5.2 Freight ..................................................................................................................................... 95 6 5.3 Communications ........................................................................................................................ 96 5.4 Utilities ..................................................................................................................................... 97 5.5 Education, Government, Health and Business Services ................................................................... 98 Life in the Okanagan .................................................................................................................... 100 6.1 Education ............................................................................................................................... 100 6.2 Taxation ................................................................................................................................. 105 6.3 Protective Services .................................................................................................................. 106 6.4 Location and Climate ................................................................................................................ 109 6.5 Recreation .............................................................................................................................. 110 6.6 Cultural and Social Amenities .................................................................................................... 113 6.7 Local Government.................................................................................................................... 115 1
Introduction to the Central Okanagan
1.1
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL OKANAGAN
The Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO) is situated along the shores of Okanagan Lake in the
southern interior of British Columbia. The region consists of more than 2,904 square kilometres (1,142 square
miles) of diverse landscapes and topography, including nearly 295 hectares (7,300 acres) of clean, sandy beaches.
The area is abundant with rich agricultural land, forested hillsides and mountain peaks. The area is an attractive
tourist destination as well as a popular location for a wide range of businesses. The estimated population for the
Central Okanagan for 2008 was 180,114 1 which represent over 50% off the Okanagan Valley’s total population.
The Regional District of the Central Okanagan is comprised of seven separate areas: City of Kelowna, District of
West Kelowna (incorporated in December 6, 2007), District of Peachland, District of Lake Country, Central
Okanagan J (census subdivision), Central Okanagan East Electoral Area (formerly Joe Rich – Ellison) and the
Westbank First Nation. All have unique characteristics but are closely interrelated.
The Regional District of the Central Okanagan was incorporated in 1967 and has a well-diversified economy, with
agriculture, forestry and tourism being the main industries. The warm climate makes this area one of the more
important agricultural centres in the province and is one of many attractions for tourists. Improved transportation
links to the Lower Mainland have enhanced the Central Okanagan as a place to locate secondary and tertiary
manufacturing.
The region has experienced significant growth in residential construction over the past several years. The
development of the University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus and growing aerospace industry also attract
people. Agriculture and the popularity of the region for tourism and as a retirement centre should ensure continued
growth for the region.
For more information:
1.2
www.regionaldistrict.com
CITY OF KELOWNA
With a population of 118,507 2 in 2008, Kelowna is the largest community in the Central Okanagan. Kelowna is
located approximately 400 km east of Vancouver, BC, and 130 km north of the United States border.
Kelowna continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in BC with manufacturing, high technology, health care,
tourism and post-secondary education sectors in particular attracting new business and residents to the area. The
city’s vibrant retail and commercial base attracts a trading area of approximately 450,000 residents, making it the
largest centre for urban development, business, commercial, retail, and health care services between the Lower
Mainland and Calgary.
City of Kelowna
www.kelowna.ca
1
Municipalities, Regional Districts and Development Regions Population Estimates, BC STATS, Service BC, BC
Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, February 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/mun/PopulationEstimates_1996-2008.xls (Accessed April 16, 2009)
2
IBID
Page:1
1.3
WEST KELOWNA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
The West Kelowna District Municipality (West Kelowna) is a new local government incorporated on December 6,
2007. West Kelowna is the second largest municipality in the Central Okanagan with a population of 27,161 3
(2008). The communities within the new district municipality include Westbank, which comprises just under half of
the total population -- Shannon Lake, Glenrosa, Casa Loma, West Kelowna Estates, Rose Valley and Lakeview
Heights. West Kelowna borders two self-governing reserves of the Westbank First Nation, Tsinstikeptum #9 and
Tsinstikeptum #10.
1.4
District of West Kelowna
www.districtofwestkelowna.ca
DISTRICT OF LAKE COUNTRY
The District of Lake Country has a population of 11,051 4 (2008). Lake Country is comprised of four separate
communities: Oyama, Carr’s Landing, Okanagan Centre, and Winfield. These communities are closely interrelated
but are unique in their own right. Like other areas in the Central Okanagan, the area’s population growth has
resulted in significantly increased residential and commercial activity, and continues to grow and evolve.
For more Information:
1.5
District of Lake Country
www.lakecountry.bc.ca
DISTRICT OF PEACHLAND
The District of Peachland has a population of 5,232 5 (2008). Peachland is the southern-most community in the
Regional District and is located 22 km south of Kelowna on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Over the past few
years, Peachland has undergone a major development program, including improvements to transportation,
municipal services and additional residential, commercial and retail facilities.
1.6
District of Peachland
www.peachland.ca
WESTBANK FIRST NATION 6
Westbank First Nation, historically known as stqaʔtkʷníwt, is comprised of five reserves totalling 5,306 acres.
Tsinstikeptum Reserves 9 and 10 border Okanagan Lake and are in close proximity to the City of Kelowna.
Westbank First Nation's band membership totals 657 with approximately 59% residing on reserve lands, along with
approximately 9,000 non-members. Approximately 20% of WFN lands are developed and are fully serviced with
cable, water, sewer and other utilities. The remaining reserve land are very desirable for future economic growth as
the area responds to increasing demands for development. Westbank First Nation is self-governing and has
implemented one of the most comprehensive sets of community laws in Canada that cover the development and
regulation of reserve lands.
3
4
5
6
IBID
IBID
Westbank First Nation, Community Profile, 2008, http://www.wfn.ca/profile.asp (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:2
1.7
Westbank First Nation
www.wfn.ca
UNINCORPORATED AREAS
The remainder of the Regional District is made up of unincorporated areas, including Central Okanagan J and
Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. The unincorporated areas population totals 18,163 (2008)
1.7.1
CENTRAL OKANAGAN J
Central Okanagan J is located on the west side of Okanagan Lake. It includes the communities of Caesars,Ewing,
Fintry, Nahun, Trader’s Cove, and Wilson Landing.
1.7.2
CENTRAL OKANAGAN EAST ELECTORAL AREA
Central Okanagan East is located along the Mission Creek valley approximately 24 km east of Kelowna. This area is
known for its natural features, open landscape and residential areas which are removed from the hub of Kelowna,
yet only minutes away from its amenities and services.
Page:3
1.8
2006 CENSUS GEOGRAPHY
Census data presented in this report reflect 2006 census boundaries which do include the new West Kelowna
District Municipality. A new census profile was commissioned from Statistics Canada to accurately reflect population
and demographic statistics for the new geography.
The map 7 below outlines the current boundaries within the regional district, including the West Kelowna District
Municipality. Central Okanagan J area includes the new district municipality but excludes Peachland and Westbank
First Nation reserves.
7
Regional District of the Central Okanagan Website, About Us, Population, Map, and General Info,
http://www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/about/rd-map-small.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:4
2
Population
2.1
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
The total population for the Central Okanagan from the 2006 Census was 167,417. The estimated population for
2009 is 180,234. Population growth in the Central Okanagan has historically outpaced growth in the province
overall. Note that the large percentage change in unincorporated areas resulted from the incorporation of West
Kelowna in 2008.
Population Growth 8
%
2009 9
Change
(Estimates)
3,724,500
3,907,738
4,113,487
4,310,305
4,399,200
1.7%
4,448,134
141,628
154,156
167,417
174,052
180,114
3.5%
180,234
92,859
100,512
110,351
114,731
118,507
3.3%
119,253
Lake Country
9,330
9,518
9,790
10,233
11,051
8.0%
N/A
Peachland
4,675
4,710
4,938
5,125
5,232
2.1%
N/A
1996
British Columbia
Central Okanagan
Kelowna
West Kelowna
Unincorporated Areas
2001
2006
2007
2008
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
27,161
n/a
N/A
34,764
39,416
42,338
43,963
18,163
-58.7%
N/A
Note: BC Stats populations generally differs from Statistics Canada census counts and projections.
8
9
Financial Post, 2009,FP Markets Canadian Demographics 2009
Page:5
2.2
POPULATION DENSITY BY AREA
The total land area of the Central Okanagan is 2,904 square kilometres. The population density for the region is
55.9 persons/square kilometre. Density ranges from a high of 504.1 persons / square kilometre in the City of
Kelowna to a low of 3.2 persons / square kilometre in Central Okanagan East Electoral Area.
Population Density by Area 10
Population
2006
Population
British Columbia
% of Region
4,113,487
Central Okanagan
City of Kelowna
Land area
11
(square km)
density per
% of Region
square km
924,815.43
4.4
162,276
3.9%
2,904.01
0.3%
55.9
106,707
65.8%
211.69
7.3%
504.1
27,095
16.7%
121.42
4.2%
233.2
9,606
5.9%
122.16
4.2%
78.6
4,883
3.0%
15.98
0.6%
305.6
28,972
17.9%
1,297.81
44.7%
22.3
3,978
2.5%
1,244.16
42.8%
3.2
Central Okanagan J
(Including West Kelowna)
Central Okanagan (EA)
10
Statistics Canada. 2007. Central Okanagan, British Columbia (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census.
Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released March 10, 2009.
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed April 14, 2009)
11
Statistics Canada, Custom Data Run, West Kelowna Geography, 2006 Census Data, April 2009
Page:6
Population and Density 2001 to 2006
2001 12
Population
2006 13
Population
Population
density per
density per
square km
British Columbia
Central Okanagan
City of Kelowna
14
Population
square km
3,907,738
4.2
4,113,487
4.4
147,739
50.9
162,276
55.9
96,288
455.9
106,707
504.1
N/A
N/A
27,095
233.2
9,267
75.9
9,606
78.6
4,654
291.0
4,883
305.6
26,001
20.1
28,972
22.3
3,672
3.0
3,978
3.2
Central Okanagan J
(Including West Kelowna)
12
13
IBID
14
Page:7
2.3
POPULATION GROWTH COMPONENTS
Population growth in the region has been due primarily to in-migration. High inflows of migrants have resulted in
the population of the region increasing by 90% from 92,772 in 1986 to 183,712 in 2009. The region was one of the
highest growth areas in the province through the 1990s. The past several years have seen slower, but steady
growth. The average rate of population growth from 2000 to 2009 has been 2.1% compared to 4.0% in the 1990s.
Population Growth Components 1996 to 2009 15
Natural
Year
Net
Increase
Migration
Population Growth
Population
Rate
1996
500
3,262
141,628
2.7%
1997
368
3,467
145,463
2.7%
1998
214
3,085
148,762
2.3%
1999
201
1,342
150,305
1.0%
2000
256
1,537
152,098
1.2%
2001
173
1,885
154,156
1.4%
2002
-34
1,570
155,692
1.0%
2003
-13
2,585
158,264
1.7%
2004
-101
1,170
159,333
0.7%
2005
-71
3,880
163,142
2.4%
2006
-21
4,296
167,417
2.6%
2007
69
6,566
174,052
4.0%
2008
48
6,014
180,114
3.5%
2009
218
3,380
183,712
2.0%
Note: BC Stats population estimates generally differ from Statistics Canada Census counts and projections.
15
Population Section, BC Stats, Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, March 2009, P.E.O.P.L.E. 33 Projection
Run
Page:8
2.4
MIGRATION COMPONENTS
Intra-provincial migration has historically been the largest segment of migration to the Central Okanagan.
However, interprovincial migration has been an increasingly significant migration component over the past four
years. The region has experienced a smaller but steady flow of international migration over the past four years as
well.
Migration Components 1995/96 to 2006/07 16
Year
International
Interprovincial
Intra-Provincial
Total Net
(Net)
(Net)
(Net)
Migration
1995 / 96
550
1996 / 97
335
719
1,818
2,872
1997 / 98
258
(179)
2,240
2,319
1998 / 99
72
(271)
2,177
1,978
1999 / 00
128
(291)
1,668
1,505
2000 / 01
339
(182)
1,593
1,750
2001 / 02
45
(27)
2,062
2,080
2002 / 03
(252)
827
2,243
2,818
2003 / 04
271
1,275
1,486
3,032
2004 / 05
327
1,205
1,250
2,782
2005 / 06
361
1,542
1,810
3,713
2006 / 07
371
1,718
1,810
3,899
16
1,271
1,743
BC Stats, Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, Feb 2008, British Columbia Regional District Migration
Components, http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/mig/rdcomp07.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:9
3,564
2.5
POPULATION GROWTH PROJECTIONS 17
The population of the Central Okanagan is projected to grow to 264,196 by 2036. However, the growth rate is
expected to decline steadily over this period from 3.5% in 2008 to only 0.7% by 2036.
Population Growth Projections 2008 to 2036
17
Population Section, BC Stats, Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services, 2007, P.E.O.P.L.E. 32 Projection Run
Page:10
2.6
FORECAST POPULATION GROWTH BY COMPONENT
The net population growth projection from 2008 to 2036 indicates that all growth in the region will result from
positive net migration. Net migration is expected to more than offset declining natural increase. Net natural
increase is expected to be increasingly negative over the next three decades. Fertility rates have been declining
and have consistently been lower than the provincial average since the mid-1990s.
Population Growth Projections by Component 2008 to 2036 18
Net
Natural
Year
Increase
Net Migration
Population
% Change in
Growth
Population
2008
48
6,014
180,114
3.5%
2009
218
3,380
183,712
2.0%
2010
198
3,307
187,217
1.9%
2011
184
3,174
190,575
1.8%
2012
169
3,220
193,964
1.8%
2013
164
3,144
197,272
1.7%
2014
157
3,173
200,602
1.7%
2015
145
3,225
203,972
1.7%
2016
117
3,243
207,332
1.6%
2017
104
3,236
210,672
1.6%
2018
63
3,214
213,949
1.6%
2019
28
3,216
217,193
1.5%
2020
(3)
3,217
220,407
1.5%
2021
(45)
3,231
223,593
1.4%
2022
(94)
3,220
226,719
1.4%
2023
(148)
3,220
229,791
1.4%
2024
(206)
3,234
232,819
1.3%
2025
(257)
3,207
235,769
1.3%
2026
(318)
3,205
238,656
1.2%
2027
(371)
3,204
241,489
1.2%
2028
(414)
3,180
244,255
1.1%
2029
(465)
3,156
246,946
1.1%
2030
(511)
3,157
249,592
1.1%
2031
(557)
3,140
252,175
1.0%
2032
(624)
3,144
254,695
1.0%
2033
(680)
3,159
257,174
1.0%
2034
(739)
3,154
259,589
0.9%
2035
(800)
3,142
261,931
0.9%
2036
(858)
3,123
264,196
0.9%
18
Run
Page:11
2.7
2.7.1
POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS
AGE DISTRIBUTION
The population of the Central Okanagan is gradually aging. The median age of the population was 44.2 years in
2006, compared to 42.0 in 2001 and been increasing steadily since the 1980s. The proportion of the population
aged 65 years and over increased from 22% in 1996 to 24% in 2009. The median age of the Central Okanagan’s
population has been higher than the provincial median (41.5) for over 20 years, due in part to the areas large
retirement base.
Age Distribution 19
% of
1996
Population
% of
2001
Population
% of
2006
Population
% of
2009
Population
Under 5
8,302
6%
7,483
5%
7,397
4%
8,349
5%
Ages 5-9
9,185
6%
9,056
6%
8,391
5%
8,649
5%
Ages 10-14
9,503
7%
10,109
7%
10,052
6%
10,037
5%
Ages 15-19
8,745
6%
10,336
7%
11,198
7%
11,434
6%
Ages 20-24
8,587
6%
8,865
6%
11,109
7%
12,781
7%
Ages 25-29
8,982
6%
8,359
5%
9,309
6%
11,935
6%
Ages 30-34
10,714
8%
9,434
6%
9,141
5%
10,558
6%
Ages 35-39
11,662
8%
11,737
8%
10,435
6%
11,731
6%
Ages 40-44
10,957
8%
12,650
8%
13,032
8%
12,179
7%
Ages 45-49
9,816
7%
11,486
7%
13,474
8%
15,064
8%
Ages 50-54
7,573
5%
10,504
7%
12,261
7%
14,063
8%
Ages 55-59
6,884
5%
8,455
5%
11,363
7%
12,529
7%
Ages 60-64
6,876
5%
7,819
5%
9,423
6%
11,313
6%
Ages 65 plus
Totals
19
23,842
17%
27,863
18%
30,832
18%
33,090
18%
141,628
100%
154,156
100%
167,417
100%
183,712
100%
Run
Page:12
2.7.2
POPULATION GROWTH PROJECTIONS BY AGE GROUP
The proportion of population aged 65 years plus is expected to increase over the next three decades from 17.8% in
2008 to 25.3% in 2036. However, over the same period, the proportion of those people aged 25 to 64 years is
expected to decline only slightly from 53.1% in 2008 to 51.0% in 2036.
Population by Age Group 2008 to 2036 20
Year
20
Under 5
Ages
Ages
Ages
Ages
Ages
Ages
5-12
13-17
18-24
25-44
45-64
65 plus
Totals
2008
7,988
14,544
11,043
17,651
45,348
51,482
32,058
180,114
2009
8,349
14,432
10,914
17,555
46,403
52,969
33,090
183,712
2010
8,731
14,434
10,710
17,414
47,636
54,227
34,065
187,217
2011
9,108
14,457
10,633
17,070
49,110
55,105
35,092
190,575
2012
9,413
14,599
10,533
16,806
50,570
55,609
36,434
193,964
2013
9,729
14,780
10,397
16,535
52,135
55,972
37,724
197,272
2014
9,900
15,136
10,282
16,315
53,417
56,594
38,958
200,602
2015
10,075
15,614
10,161
16,056
54,471
57,319
40,276
203,972
2016
10,235
16,011
10,176
15,843
55,500
58,088
41,479
207,332
2017
10,394
16,459
10,171
15,616
56,590
58,746
42,696
210,672
2018
10,521
16,931
10,195
15,505
57,554
59,234
44,009
213,949
2019
10,608
17,418
10,231
15,403
58,519
59,689
45,325
217,193
2020
10,676
17,849
10,465
15,237
59,457
59,971
46,752
220,407
2021
10,731
18,259
10,598
15,153
60,303
60,383
48,166
223,593
2022
10,766
18,498
10,947
15,120
61,031
60,704
49,653
226,719
2023
10,798
18,721
11,319
15,102
61,694
61,038
51,119
229,791
2024
10,814
18,915
11,711
15,155
62,061
61,552
52,611
232,819
2025
10,817
19,093
12,013
15,310
62,283
62,127
54,126
235,769
2026
10,820
19,232
12,333
15,462
62,364
62,787
55,658
238,656
2027
10,810
19,327
12,507
15,886
62,333
63,461
57,165
241,489
2028
10,804
19,391
12,684
16,227
62,319
64,084
58,746
244,255
2029
10,803
19,427
12,833
16,626
62,007
65,006
60,244
246,946
2030
10,807
19,448
12,989
17,036
61,620
66,230
61,462
249,592
2031
10,815
19,462
13,100
17,454
61,213
67,697
62,434
252,175
2032
10,836
19,458
13,178
17,822
60,954
69,134
63,313
254,695
2033
10,868
19,447
13,237
18,202
60,726
70,679
64,015
257,174
2034
10,913
19,437
13,276
18,419
60,700
71,978
64,866
259,589
2035
10,964
19,426
13,300
18,632
60,753
72,988
65,868
261,931
2036
11,024
19,421
13,315
18,814
60,933
73,936
66,753
264,196
Run
Page:13
Proportion of Population Aged 25 to 44 and 65 Years Plus 21
21
Run
Page:14
2.7.3
ETHNICITY
The Central Okanagan has significantly lower proportion of visible minorities than BC in general. Only 5% of the
population in the region are a visible minority compared to 25% for BC overall. The most common visible minorities
in the region are South Asian (28%), Chinese (18%), and Japanese (15%).
Visible Minority Population Characteristics 22
RDCO
Population
Total population
Total visible minority population
BC
% of
% of
Population
Population
160,565
100%
100%
8,325
5%
25%
Chinese
1,465
18%
40%
South Asian
2,345
28%
26%
Black
660
8%
3%
Filipino
415
5%
9%
Latin American
530
6%
3%
Southeast Asian
715
9%
4%
65
1%
1%
West Asian
190
2%
3%
Korean
270
3%
5%
1,230
15%
3%
130
2%
0%
Arab
Japanese
Visible minority, n.i.e.
Multiple visible minority
Not a visible minority
305
4%
3%
152,240
95%
75%
22
Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Updated March 10, 2009.
Page:15
2.7.4
MOTHER TONGUE
The region has a higher proportion of English only speaking people than BC in general with 85% English only
compared to 71% for BC.
Mother tongue 23
RDCO
Population
BC
% of
% of
Population
Population
Total population
160,560
100%
100%
English only
136,020
85%
71%
French only
2,525
2%
1%
English and French
Other language(s)
175
0%
0%
21,835
14%
28%
Language Spoken Most Often at Home 24
RDCO
Population
BC
% of
% of
Population
Population
Total population
160,565
100%
100%
English
152,435
95%
82%
French
Non-official language
English and French
English and non-official language
French and non-official language
English, French and non-official language
580
0%
0%
6,000
4%
16%
90
0%
0%
1,430
1%
2%
0
0%
0%
15
0%
0%
23
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed April 15, 2009).
24
IBID
Page:16
German is the most common non-English language spoken most often at home (0.8%) followed by Punjabi (0.7%).
Top 6 Languages Spoken Most Often at Home (% of single response)
25
RDCO
% of
Population
Population
Total Population
159,015
100.0%
English
152,430
95.9%
German
1,240
0.8%
Punjabi (Punjabi)
1,045
0.7%
Chinese (All)
630
0.4%
French
585
0.4%
Vietnamese
335
0.2%
25
Statistics Canada, 2006 Census 97-555-XCB2006038 (prepared by BC Stats, Revised Jan 9, 2008,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/topics/homelnon.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:17
2.7.5
ABORIGINAL POPULATION
The Westbank First Nation is comprised of five reserves located in the Central Okanagan. The total land area of
these reserves is 2,161.0 hectares. The total registered population of status First Nation people on Westbank First
Nation’s reserves was 666 persons as of April 2008.
The Central Okanagan region has a slightly lower proportion of Aboriginal population (4%) compared to BC in
general (5%).
Aboriginal population 26
RDCO
Population
BC
% of
% of
Population
Population
Total Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
identity population
Aboriginal identity population
Non-Aboriginal identity population
160,560
100%
100%
6,207
4%
5%
154,440
96%
95%
Westbank First Nation Reserves 27
Reserve
Size in
No.
Hectares
Mission Creek 8
07419
2.0
Tsinstikeptum 9
07420
641.8
Tsinstikeptum 10
07421
339.0
Medicine Hill
09382
515.7
Medicine Creek 12
09383
662.5
26
Statistics Canada. 2007. Aboriginal Population Profile, 2006 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-594XWE. Ottawa. Updated March 10, 2009. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92594/details/page_Definitions.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=BAND&Code1=59630524&Geo2=PR&Code2=59&Data=Count&Sea
rchText=Westbank First Nation&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&LineID=1000 (accessed April
15, 2009)
27
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, First Nation Profiles
http://sdiprod2.inac.gc.ca/FNProfiles/FNProfiles_Reserves.asp?BAND_NUMBER=601&BAND_NAME=Westbank+First
+Nation, (Accessed May 19, 2008)
Page:18
Registered Residency as of April, 2008 28
# of People
Males On Own Reserve
212
Females On Own Reserve
197
Males On Other Reserves
12
Females On Other Reserves
10
Males On Own Crown Land
0
Females On Own Crown Land
0
Males On Other Band Crown Land
0
Females On Other Band Crown Land
0
Males On No Band Crown Land
0
Females On No Band Crown Land
0
Males Off Reserve
115
Off Reserve
120
Total Registered Population
666
28
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, First Nation Profiles
http://sdiprod2.inac.gc.ca/FNProfiles/FNProfiles_GeneralInformation.asp?BAND_NUMBER=601&BAND_NAME=Westb
ank+First+Nation, (Accessed May 19, 2008)
Page:19
2.7.6
LEGAL MARITAL STATUS CHARACTERISTICS
The proportion of legally married couples in the Central Okanagan (52.8%) is significantly higher than the general
population of BC (50.4%). The proportion of single people in the Central Okanagan is correspondingly lower
(28.0% compared to 32.1%). The proportion of separated, divorced and widowed people were all slightly higher for
the Central Okanagan than for BC overall.
Legal Marital Status Characteristics 29
Total
British Columbia
Legally
Separated,
Population 15
Never Legally
Married
but Still
Years and
Married
(and not
Legally
Over
(Single)
Separated)
Married
Divorced
Widowed
3,433,880
1,102,395
1,730,480
110,575
285,860
204,570
-
32.1%
50.4%
3.2%
8.3%
6.0%
136,755
38,225
72,210
4,665
12,520
9,130
28.0%
52.8%
3.4%
9.2%
6.7%
90,310
26,955
44,815
3,205
8,615
6,720
22,160
5,475
13,500
645.0
1,550
990
8,015
2,075
4,615
245
695
385
4,325
870
2,600
135
440
275
% of BC Population
Central Okanagan
(RDCO)
% of RDCO Population
City of Kelowna
District of West
Kelowna 30
29 Statistics Canada. 2007. Central Okanagan, British Columbia (table). 2006 Community Profiles. 2006 Census.
Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Udated March 10, 2009.
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Index.cfm?Lang=E (Accessed April 15, 2009)
30
Page:20
2.7.7
GENDER
The proportion of males versus females is relatively equal in the Central Okanagan, with slightly more females
(51.5%) than males (48.5%). The proportion of males to females is similar to that for the province as a whole.
There is little variation in the proportion of males to females between the communities of the Central Okanagan as
well.
Gender 31
Total
Population
British Columbia
4,113,485
% of Population (BC)
Males
2,013,990
Females
2,099,495
49.0%
51.0%
78,745
83,530
48.5%
51.5%
106,705
48.0%
52.0%
27,095
49.9%
50.1%
9,605
50.1%
49.9%
4,880
49.1%
51.0%
Central Okanagan (RDCO)
162,275
% of Population (RDCO)
City of Kelowna
District of West Kelowna 32
2.7.8
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
The proportion of people aged 15 years and over that have a minimum of a high school certificate or equivalent in
the Central Okanagan (80.4%) is similar to BC overall (80.1%). The proportion of people with an apprenticeship or
trades certificate (14.4%) or a college certificate or diploma (or other non-university certificate or diploma) (19.2%)
are significantly higher than the BC averages. The proportion of people aged 15 years and older with university
educations are correspondingly lower in the Central Okanagan compared to the BC average.
Educational Attainment 33
RDCO
People
BC
% of Population
% of Population
26,525
19.6%
19.9%
High school certificate or equivalent
39,600
29.3%
27.9%
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma
19,380
14.4%
10.9%
25,890
19.2%
16.7%
Total population 15 years and over
135,045
No certificate, diploma or degree
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or
diploma
University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level
University certificate, diploma or degree
6,695
5.0%
5.4%
16,960
12.6%
19.3%
31
32
33
IBID
Page:21
2.8
2.8.1
HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND COMPOSITION
The number of households containing couples without children is significantly higher in the Central Okanagan
(35.5%) than in BC overall (29.6%).
The average household size is lower in the Central Okanagan as well (2.4
persons compared to 2.5 persons overall).
Selected Household Characteristics 34
RDCO
BC
Households
Total private households
% of
% of
Households
Households
67,000
Households containing a couple
(married or common-law) with children
15,595
23.3%
26.3%
Households containing a couple (married or commonlaw) without children
23,805
35.5%
29.6%
One-person households
17,130
25.6%
28.0%
Other household types
10,465
15.6%
16.1%
Average household size
2.4
2.5
The proportion of two person households is higher in the RDCO (40.6%) than for BC overall (34.2%).
Private Households by Size 35
RDCO
Households
BC
% of
% of
Households
Households
Total number of private households
66,925
100.0%
100.0%
1 person
17,165
25.6%
28.1%
2 persons
27,185
40.6%
34.2%
3 persons
4 to 5 persons
6 or more persons
9,090
13.6%
14.8%
11,960
17.9%
19.6%
1,520
2.3%
3.3%
34
35
BC Stats, 2006 Census Profile, Central Okanagan, CD, Revision 5, March 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/profiles/detailed/59035000.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:22
2.8.2
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Overall, median household incomes 36 were lower in the Central Okanagan than for BC potentially as a result of the
large retirement base. Median household incomes for households with children was higher in the Central Okanagan
than for BC overall.
There are several reasons for the region’s lower than average median income:
1.
A large portion of retired people that do not have employment income,
2.
A higher than average number of smaller, non-unionized companies,
3.
A higher portion of the labour force that are self-employed,
4.
The climate and lifestyle of the area attract a higher percentage of social assistance recipients than many
other areas in BC.
Household Median Income in 2005 37
RDCO
BC
All private households ($)
$50,308
$52,709
Couple households with children ($)
$81,066
$79,509
Couple households without children ($)
$58,214
$63,969
One-person households ($)
$26,430
$27,773
Other household types ($)
$44,848
$47,266
While average household incomes have been consistently below the BC average, they have grown faster than
average over the past three years.
Average Household Income by Year 38
%
RDCO
% Change
BC
Change
2001
$48,100
$53,637
2002
$49,600
3.1%
$55,000
2003
$51,400
3.6%
$57,600
4.7%
2004
$58,700
14.2%
$63,500
10.2%
2005
$58,000
(1.2%)
$62,800
(1.1%)
2006
$58,109
0.2%
$63,048
0.4%
2007
$65,139
12.1%
$69,968
11.0%
2008
$67,746
4.4%
$72,600
3.8%
2009
$73,400
8.3%
$75,800
4.4%
2.5%
36
Note: The median income of a specified group is that amount which divides their income size distribution, ranked
by size of income, into two halves. That is, the incomes of the first half of the group are below the median, while
those of the second half are above the median.
37
38
Financial Post, 2009, FP Markets Canadian Demographics 2009.
Page:23
Overall, median employment income for the Central Okanagan was lower than for the Province as a whole. Lake
Country had the highest median income in the Central Okanagan ($28,735).
2006 Median Employment Income by Community 39
Total
Males
Females
British Columbia
$27,862
$34, 934
$22,419
RCDO
$26,473
$32,730
$21,717
Kelowna
$26,611
$32,617
$22,011
West Kelowna (2005) 40
$26,442
$35,453
$20,124
Lake Country
$28,735
$35,737
$23,372
Peachland
$22,668
$28,445
$18,908
Median Total Income by FSA (Forward Sortation Area) 41
FSA
Males
Females
Total
V0H
$30,821
$18,883
$23,687
V1A
$36,385
$19,440
$27,441
V1P
$37,281
$24,427
$30,330
V1V
$44,214
$26,622
$34,010
V1W
$40,500
$25,802
$31,925
V1X
$31,091
$19,613
$24,265
V1Y
$31,043
$21,538
$25,436
V1Z
$38,349
$22,554
$29,535
V4T
$36,549
$20,424
$27,166
V4V
$35,163
$22,078
$27,696
39
BC Stats, Neighbourhood Income and Demographics, 2006, April 2008,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/nid06/nidlocdata2006.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
40
41
BC Stats, Neighbourhood Income and Demographics, 2006, April 2008,
Page:24
2.8.3
HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURES
Overall, household expenditures in the Central Okanagan ($71,172) were lower than the BC average ($72,945).
The distribution of household expenditures by group was very similar to the typical BC household.
Household Expenditures – 2009 Estimates 42
RDCO
Expenditure
BC
% of Total
% of Total
Expenditures
Expenditures
Taxes & Securities
$17,435
24.5%
25.2%
Shelter
$14,438
20.3%
19.9%
Other *
$10,489
14.7%
14.2%
Transportation
$9,609
13.5%
13.3%
Food
$7,764
10.9%
11.1%
Recreation, Reading and Education
$5,653
7.9%
8.3%
Health & Personal Care
$3,076
4.3%
4.2%
Clothing
Total Expenditures
$2,707
3.8%
3.9%
$71,172
100.0%
100.0%
* Other includes household operation; household furnishings and equipment; tobacco products and alcoholic
beverages; gifts and contributions; and miscellaneous
42
Financial Post, 2009, FP Markets Canadian Demographics 2009.
Page:25
3
Labour Force Characteristics
3.1
DEFINITIONS 43
Labour force activity - Refers to the labour market activity of the population 15 years and over in the week
(Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 16, 2006).
Labour force - Refers to persons who were either employed or unemployed during the week (Sunday to Saturday)
prior to Census Day (May 16, 2006). In past censuses, this was called 'total labour force.'
Employed - Refers to persons 15 years and over, excluding institutional residents, who, during the week (Sunday
to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 16, 2006):
a)
did any work at all for pay or in self-employment or without pay in a family farm, business or professional
practice;
b)
had a job or business but were absent with or without pay, for the entire week because of vacation, an
illness, a labour dispute at their place of work, or any other reasons.
Unemployed - Refers to persons 15 years and over, excluding institutional residents, who, during the week
(Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 16, 2006), were without paid work or without self-employment
work and were available for work and either:
a)
had actively looked for paid work in the past four weeks;
b)
were on temporary lay-off and expected to return to their job;
c)
had definite arrangements to start a new job in four weeks or less.
Not in the labour force - Refers to persons 15 years and over, excluding institutional residents, who, in the week
(Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 16, 2006), were neither employed nor unemployed. It includes
students, homemakers, retired workers, seasonal workers in an 'off' season who were not looking for work, and
persons who could not work because of a long-term illness or disability.
Participation rate - Refers to the labour force in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 16,
2006), expressed as a percentage of the population 15 years and over excluding institutional residents.
Employment rate - Refers to the number of persons employed in the week (Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census
Day (May 16, 2006), expressed as a percentage of the total population 15 years and over excluding institutional
residents.
Unemployment rate - Refers to the unemployed expressed as a percentage of the labour force in the week
(Sunday to Saturday) prior to Census Day (May 16, 2006).
43
Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 92-591-XWE. Ottawa. Released Revised March 10, 2009.
Page:26
3.2
3.2.1
SIZE OF THE LABOUR FORCE
THOMPSON OKANAGAN
The economy in BC’s Southern Interior has experienced continued growth over the past several years.
Unemployment rose for the first time in several years resulting in part from an increase in the overall labour force
and participation rate.
Labour Force Characteristics, Population 15 Years and Older, Thompson Okanagan – 1996 to 2007 44
Unemployed
(000s)
23.5
Not in
the
labour
force
(000s)
135.4
Participation
rate
%
62.3
Employment
rate
%
55.8
Unemployment
rate
%
10.5
206.1
18.7
140.9
61.5
56.3
8.3
207.4
18.6
144.3
61.0
56.0
8.2
228.1
206.1
22.0
145.9
61.0
55.1
9.6
231.7
210.3
21.5
145.5
61.4
55.7
9.3
380.8
231.8
210.2
21.6
149.0
60.9
55.2
9.3
2002
385.0
229.8
208.1
21.7
155.1
59.7
54.1
9.4
2003
390.2
239.9
218.8
21.1
150.3
61.5
56.1
8.8
2004
396.7
245.9
229.7
16.2
150.7
62.0
57.9
6.6
2005
404.3
257.6
244.0
13.6
146.7
63.7
60.4
5.3
2006
413.8
267.4
253.7
13.7
146.4
64.6
61.3
5.1
2007
423.0
268.5
256.7
11.8
154.5
63.5
60.7
4.4
2008
431.0
280.5
265.0
15.5
150.5
65.1
61.5
5.5
1996
Total
population
15 years
and over
(000s)
359.2
In the
labour
force
(000s)
223.8
Employed
(000s)
200.3
1997
365.8
224.9
1998
370.3
226.0
1999
374.0
2000
377.3
2001
Labour Force Characteristics, Population 15 Years and Older, British Columbia 45
B.C.
Mar-09
Apr-09
March
April
March
April
2009 to
2008 to
2009 to
2008 to
April
April
April
April
2009
2009
2009
2009
thousands
%
Population
3,685.80
3,690.40
4.6
63.5
0.1
1.8
Labour force
2,420.20
2,437.10
16.9
10.1
0.7
0.4
Employment
2,240.10
2,257.40
17.3
-62.8
0.8
-2.7
180.1
179.8
-0.3
73
-0.2
68.4
65.7
66
0.3
-0.9
…
…
7.4
7.4
0
3
…
…
60.8
61.2
0.4
-2.8
…
…
Unemployment
Participation rate (%)
Unemployment rate (%)
Employment rate (%)
44
Statistics Canada, Statistics Canada, CANSIM, table (for fee) 282-0055 and Catalogue no. 71-001-PIB.
Last modified: 2009-01-09. http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/labor36c-eng.htm (Accessed April 15, 2009)
45
Statistics Canada, CANSIM, table (for fee) 282-0087 and Catalogue no. 71-001-XIE.
Last modified: 2009-05-08. (Accessed May 14, 2009)
Page:27
3.2.2
CENTRAL OKANAGAN (RDCO)
The Central Okanagan has experienced consistently high population growth over the past decade. The numbers of
people in the labour force as well as those not in the labour force have raised along with the population. In 2008,
the participation rate rebounded after a small decline in 2007. Both the employment rate and unemployment rates
increased, due in large part to a significant increase in the overall size of the labour force.
Labour Force Characteristics, Population 15 Years and Older, Central Okanagan – 1996 - 2007 46
1996
Total
population
15 years
and over
(000s)
113.5
In the
labour
force
(000s)
73.6
Unemployed
(000s)
6.9
Not in
the
labour
force
(000s)
39.8
Employed
(000s)
66.8
Participation
rate
%
64.8
Employment
rate
%
58.9
Unemployment
rate
%
9.4
1997
116.6
71.4
1998
119.1
75.8
65.3
6.1
45.2
61.2
56.0
8.5
70.3
5.5
43.4
63.6
59.0
7.3
1999
121.5
2000
123.6
76.4
69.9
6.5
45.1
62.9
57.5
8.5
77.9
71.9
6.0
45.7
63.0
58.2
2001
7.7
125.8
80.6
75.3
5.3
45.1
64.1
59.9
6.6
2002
128.2
81.7
73.8
7.9
46.5
63.7
57.6
9.7
2003
131.0
82.3
75.2
7.2
48.6
62.8
57.4
8.7
2004
134.3
87.0
82.6
4.3
47.3
64.8
61.5
4.9
2005
138.0
86.4
81.7
4.7
51.6
62.6
59.2
5.4
2006
143.4
92.4
86.9
5.5
51.0
64.4
60.6
6.0
2007
148.7
92.5
88.2
4.2
56.2
62.2
59.3
4.5
2008
152.7
100.4
95.3
5 .1
52.3
65.7
62.4
5 .1
46
BC Stats, Labour Force Activity by Selected B.C. Cities - Annual Averages,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/handout/lfscity.pdf, (Accessed April 16, 2009)
Page:28
3.2.3
LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS BY GENDER – 2006 47
Labour force characteristics for the Central Okanagan are similar to the province as a whole. However, significant
job growth in relation to the increase in labour force has resulted in a lower unemployment rate for the region for
both males and females. The region’s older population base contributes to the lower labour force participation rate
(64.0%).
Labour Force Characteristics by Gender, RDCO and BC – 2006
Total
Total population 15 years and over
Male
Female
BC
Total
Male
Female
135,045
48.3%
51.7%
3,394,910
48.6%
51.4%
In the labour force
86,390
52.1%
47.9%
2,226,380
52.4%
47.6%
Employed
82,005
52.4%
47.6%
2,092,770
52.5%
47.5%
4,385
47.8%
52.2%
133,615
50.2%
49.8%
Unemployed
Not in the labour force
48,655
41.6%
58.4%
1,168,525
41.3%
58.7%
Participation rate
64.0%
69.0%
59.3%
65.6%
70.7%
60.7%
Employment rate
60.7%
65.8%
56.0%
61.6%
66.7%
56.9%
5.1%
4.7%
5.5%
6.0%
5.8%
6.3%
Unemployment rate
47
Page:29
3.2.4
SIZE OF LABOUR FORCE BY COMMUNITY
Labour force characteristics vary by community within the Central Okanagan; Kelowna accounts for two thirds of
the regions labour force (66.3%). Lake Country had the highest labour force participation rate (69.4%). Peachland
had a significantly lower participation rate than the region as a whole (52.6%).
Labour Force Characteristics, Population 15 Years and Older, by Community - 2006 48
Central Okanagan
(RCDO)
Total
population
15 years
and over
In the
labour
force
135,045
86,390
Employed
Unemployed
Not in
the
labour
force
Participation
rate
%
Employment
rate
%
Unemployment
rate
%
82,005
4,385
48,655
64.0%
60.7%
5.1%
Kelowna
88,810
57,305
54,525
2,775
31,505
64.5%
61.4%
4.8%
West Kelowna 49
22,160
14,395
13,555
835
7,765
65.0%
61.2%
5.8%
Lake Country
7,950
5,515
5,250
270
2,430
69.4%
66.0%
4.9%
Peachland
4,325
2,275
2,155
115
2,050
52.6%
49.8%
5.1%
48
49
Page:30
3.3
LABOUR FORCE BY OCCUPATION
The most common occupations in the Central Okanagan were in the sales and service occupations category. The
majority of these sales and service occupations were held by women (60.3%). Business, finance and administration
occupations were the second largest occupational category. Again, the majority of these occupations were held by
women (76.0%).
Labour Force by Occupation, Central Okanagan and BC - 2006 50
Central Okanagan - RDCO
Total experienced labour force 15 years and over
Management occupations
Female
BC
Total
Male
85,630
52.2%
47.8%
2,193,115
Total
52.5%
Male
Female
47.5%
9,745
63.9%
36.1%
229,945
62.9%
37.1%
14,460
24.0%
76.0%
375,975
27.4%
72.6%
occupations
3,845
81.9%
18.1%
138,955
79.5%
20.5%
Health occupations
4,940
20.6%
79.3%
120,360
22.0%
78.0%
5,580
30.5%
69.7%
178,040
33.6%
66.4%
Business, finance and administration occupations
Natural and applied sciences and related
Occupations in social science, education,
government service and religion
Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport
Sales and service occupations
2,395
47.0%
53.0%
76,460
46.5%
53.5%
22,580
39.7%
60.3%
555,880
40.8%
59.2%
15,075
93.7%
6.3%
339,500
93.4%
6.6%
3,755
68.6%
31.4%
86,460
71.9%
28.1%
3,260
72.4%
27.5%
91,545
70.9%
29.1%
Trades, transport and equipment operators and
related occupations
Occupations unique to primary industry
Occupations unique to processing, manufacturing
and utilities
50
Page:31
Labour Force by Occupation, by Community – 2006 51
Central
RDCO
West
Lake
Kelowna
Kelowna 52
Country
Okanagan
Peachland
(EA)
85,630
56,800
14395.0
5,490
2,265
2,240
Management occupations
11.4%
11.0%
13.6%
10.8%
10.4%
11.8%
Business, finance and administration occupations
16.9%
17.3%
16.1%
15.2%
14.3%
17.4%
occupations
4.5%
4.4%
4.4%
6.6%
4.4%
4.5%
Health occupations
5.8%
5.9%
5.8%
6.2%
6.0%
4.0%
Natural and applied sciences and related
Occupations in social science, education,
government service and religion
6.5%
6.8%
5.8%
7.2%
4.0%
7.4%
Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport
2.8%
3.1%
2.5%
2.1%
2.4%
1.8%
26.4%
27.0%
25.3%
21.2%
27.4%
20.5%
17.6%
16.6%
18.0%
20.2%
21.4%
21.9%
4.4%
4.1%
4.1%
6.7%
7.1%
6.3%
3.8%
3.8%
3.5%
3.7%
3.1%
4.2%
Sales and service occupations
Trades, transport and equipment operators and
related occupations
Occupations unique to primary industry
Occupations unique to processing, manufacturing
and utilities
51
52
Page:32
3.4
EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY
There were several key changes in employment by industry between 2007 and 2008. The total number of persons
employed rose 3% to 265,000, lead by the goods producing sector which grew by 3.2% overall. Employment
growth in the goods producing sector was lead by growth in construction jobs which increased 22.7%.
Service sector employment also grew by 2.3% lead by Professional, scientific and technical services (27.5%), and
Transportation and warehousing (17.3%).
Employment by Industry for BC Development Regions (000s) – Thompson Okanagan 53
2003
Total employed, all industries
Goods-producing sector
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
218.8
229.7
244.0
253.7
256.7
265.0
52.7
59.1
65.0
69.8
67.9
72.0
Agriculture
7.0
7.6
7.0
7.8
7.7
7.0
Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas
6.9
5.5
5.5
8.0
6.7
7.8
-
-
-
1.5
-
1.9
Construction
13.6
18.8
24.1
27.3
26.4
32.4
Manufacturing
23.9
26.3
27.1
25.2
25.8
23.0
Utilities
Services-producing sector
166.1
170.6
179.0
183.9
188.7
193.0
Trade
38.9
37.4
39.7
42.2
44.4
41.6
Transportation and warehousing
12.2
12.0
11.6
10.9
9.8
11.5
10.4
11.3
14.6
15.5
15.1
11.9
10.4
9.0
14.2
13.4
12.6
12.0
8.3
10.9
7.2
9.1
10.3
11.1
Educational services
14.1
13.8
12.1
14.1
15.4
16.6
Health care and social assistance
26.2
26.2
29.4
32.1
30.6
35.1
Finance, insurance, real estate and
leasing
Professional, scientific and technical
services
Business, building and other support
services
Information, culture and recreation
9.3
13.2
10.5
10.6
9.5
12.1
Accommodation and food services
19.5
19.5
23.0
19.0
21.3
22.1
Other services
10.1
10.6
8.2
8.4
10.8
10.0
6.7
6.7
8.4
8.6
8.9
9.0
Public administration
53
Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, Annual Averages Prepared by: BC STATS, January 23, 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/DATA/dd/handout/EMPREGN.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:33
The largest portion of employment by industry in the Central Okanagan is business services (17.4%), retail trade
(13.1%), and constructions (11.6%) industries. Combined other services also accounted for a significant portion of
the labour force (18.9%). Other services contain a diverse range categories, examples are listed below.
Employment by Industry by Community 54
West
Lake
RDCO
Agriculture and other resource-based industries
85,630
Kelowna
Country
Peachland
Kelowna 55
56,800
5,490
2265
14260.0
4.4%
4.1%
7.7%
4.2%
3.9%
11.6%
11.0%
12.8%
10.6%
12.7%
Manufacturing industries
8.1%
7.6%
8.7%
7.7%
9.1%
Wholesale trade
3.8%
3.5%
5.1%
3.5%
4.2%
13.1%
13.3%
8.8%
11.5%
13.4%
6.4%
6.7%
5.3%
6.4%
6.2%
10.7%
11.3%
8.7%
9.7%
10.2%
5.5%
5.8%
5.1%
4.6%
4.8%
Construction industries
Retail trade
Finance and real estate
Health care and social services
Educational services
Business services
17.4%
16.9%
20.3%
22.1%
23.1%
Other services (except Public Administration)
18.9%
19.8%
17.5%
19.4%
12.5%
Note: “Other services” include 56 :
Repair and Maintenance - Automotive
Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and
Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance
Personal and Laundry Services
Death Care Services
Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
Other Personal Services
Religious, Grant Making, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
Social Advocacy Organizations
Civic and Social Organizations
Business, Professional, Labour, Political, and Similar Organizations
Private Households
54
55
56
NAICS, 2007 NAICS Codes and Titles http://www.census.gov/naics/2007/NAICOD07.HTM#N81 (Accessed April
15, 2009)
Page:34
3.5
SELF EMPLOYMENT
The number of self-employed workers in the Central Okanagan grew to 13,760 in 2006. The portion of self
employed workers is higher in the Central Okanagan (15.9%) compared to the province as a whole (14.1%). The
largest segments of self-employed workers in the Central Okanagan were in unincorporated businesses (10.6%)
with the majority of these being small companies without paid help.
Overall, the province has experienced significant growth in self employment. Between 2002 and 2007, the average
growth in self employment was 17.9%. The Kootenay region led the province recording a robust 27.3% increase
over the five-year period. However, this was just 2.4% higher than the next fastest growing region, ThompsonOkanagan, at 24.9%. 57
Labour Force by Class of Worker 58
Total labour force
Class of worker - Not applicable
All classes of worker
Paid workers
Employees
Labour
% of Labour
% of Labour
Force
Force
Force
86,390
100.0%
2,226,385
760
0.9%
1.5%
85,630
99.1%
98.5%
76,155
88.2%
89.0%
71,545
82.8%
84.1%
13,760
15.9%
14.1%
4,615
5.3%
4.9%
Without paid help
1,580
1.8%
1.8%
With paid help
3,030
3.5%
3.1%
Self Employed Total
Self-employed (incorporated)
Self-employed (unincorporated)
9,145
10.6%
9.2%
Without paid help
6,420
7.4%
6.5%
With paid help
2,720
3.1%
2.7%
325
0.4%
0.3%
Unpaid family workers
57
BC
Small Business Profile 2008: A Profile of Small Business in British Columbia, October 2008 Edition,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/bus_stat/busind/sm_bus/SBP2008.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2008)
58
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census, Custom Table run prepared by BC Stats May 22, 2008
Page:35
3.6
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
The majority (more than 80%) of companies in the Central Okanagan have fewer than 20 employees. The major
employers in the region are listed below. Many of these companies also employ workers outside of the Central
Okanagan. In previous years only total employees were reported. 2009 is reported as full time equivalent.
Information based on number of employees on staff as of April 1, 2009.
Major Employers List for the Central Okanagan as of April 1, 2009 59
Company
2009 FTE
2008
2007
2006
Total Emp.
Total Emp.
Total Emp.
Interior Health Authority
2,425
3,420
3,779
4,589
SD #23
2,090
2,400
2,500
2,285
722
720
793
789
City of Kelowna
Okanagan College
N/A
659
644
659
UBC Okanagan
633
485-1,111
585-1,160
398
Wal-Mart (Kelowna & Westbank)
573
N/A
N/A
N/A
Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter
525
575
575
550
Overwaitea Food Group (Save-On Foods, Coopers)
476
703
657
673
Big White Ski Resort
399
860
765
765
Shaw Cablesystems G.P.
375
369
347
280
Sun-Rype Products Ltd.
368
371
374
430
Disney Online Studios Canada (Club Penguin)
292
200
N/A
N/A
Tolko Industries Ltd
258
314
330
451
Costco Wholesale Corporation
248
298
252
223
The Grand Okanagan Resort
246
284
324
294
Canada Safeway (Dilworth and Bernard locations)
218
N/A
N/A
N/A
Fortis
194
194
N/A
N/A
HBC Group of Companies
192
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Home Depot (Kelowna & Westbank)
190
295
168
200
Sysco HRI
171
172
184
175
Lake City Casino
144
147
202
195
Coast Capri Hotel
134
153
175
152
SRI Homes
114
230
220
225
Manteo Resort
105
168
205
277
97
N/A
180
190
Campion Marine
80
160
200
190
Rona Revy Incorporated
74
200
210
240
Ramada Lodge Hotel
74
105
N/A
N/A
Best Western
61
55
N/A
N/A
44
N/A
N/A
Terasen
Loblaws (Superstore Kelowna, Extra Foods Kelowna
47
*626
and Westbank)
Total employees includes F/T and P/T,
FTE not available
Note: listing in the database is voluntary and not all major employers in the Central Okanagan are included.
59
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, by phone and e-mail, May 2009
Page:36
3.7
3.7.1
UNEMPLOYED LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS
UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
Unemployment rates have continued to decline over the past several years in both BC and the Thompson Okanagan
development region. The unemployment rate for BC in 2008 was 4.5% and was 5.5% for the Thompson Okanagan.
Kelowna’s unemployment rate in 2008 was also low at 5.1%.
Kelowna’s unemployment rate has been more volatile than for the province and development region. Reasons for
this include the seasonal nature of some industries and continued high levels of population growth.
Annual Average Unemployment Rates 1998 to 2007 60 , 61
Kelowna
Thompson
(Urban Area)
Okanagan
BC
1999
8.5%
9.6%
8.3%
2000
7.7%
9.3%
7.1%
2001
6.6%
9.3%
7.7%
2002
9.7%
9.4%
8.5%
2003
8.7%
8.8%
8.0%
2004
4.9%
6.6%
7.2%
2005
5.4%
5.3%
5.9%
2006
6.0%
5.1%
4.8%
2007
4.5%
4.4%
4.2%
2008
5.1%
5.5%
4.5%
Annual Average Unemployment Rates 1998 to 2008
60
BC Stats, Quarterly Regional Statistics, First Quarter 2009, http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/qrs/rd35.pdf,
(Accessed April 15, 2009)
61
BC Stats, British Columbia Unemployment Rates, January 2008,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/lss/lfs/ur08.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:37
3.8
LABOUR FORCE INCOME PROFILE
There were a total of 126,380 2006 tax filers in the Central Okanagan reporting a total of almost $4.9 billion in
income. The median 2006 employment income for the Central Okanagan was $26,473. Lake Country had the
highest 2006 median employment income ($28,735) in the regional district.
2006 Labour Force Income Profile 62
Total Amt of
Median
Total # of Tax
Total Income
Employment
Filers
($000s)
Income ($)
126,380
4,869,353
26,473
98,150
3,853,999
26,611
Lake Country
7,520
289,385
28,735
Peachland
4,170
148,989
22,668
16,440
575,978
25,187
110
1,002
9,106
Kelowna
Central Okanagan J
(West Kelowna not available)
Employment income was the largest source of income in the Central Okanagan (59.1%). However, the portion of
employment income reported in the Central Okanagan was lower than for the province overall (65.9%). This was
likely due to the large retirement base and the larger than average number of self-employed individuals. The
proportion of pension and investment income in the Central Okanagan was higher than the province overall.
Source of Total Income 2006 63
($000s)
Employment
(% of Total)
$2,933,873
BC
(% of Total)
59.1%
65.9%
Pension
794,642
16.0%
12.5%
Investment
598,038
12.0%
8.6%
Self-Employment
290,432
5.8%
6.0%
Other
265,444
5.3%
5.0%
80,658
1.6%
2.0%
$4,967,922
100.0%
100.0%
Tax Exempt
Total
62 BC Stats, Neighborhood Income and Demographics, 2006, April 2008,
63
BC Stats, Community Facts, Central Okanagan, February 26, 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/cf090.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:38
Lake Country had the highest portion of income reported as employment income within the Central Okanagan
Regional District (62.7%). Peachland reported the highest overall portion of income coming from pensions
(24.3%).
Source of Total Income 2006 64
West
RDCO
Total ($000s)
Employment
Kelowna
Kelowna
Lake Country
Peachland
$4,967,922
$3,930,170
N/A
$237,751
$153,644
59.1%
59.3%
N/A
62.7%
51.6%
Pension
16.0%
15.3%
N/A
11.8%
24.3%
Investment
12.0%
12.5%
N/A
13.1%
8.6%
Self-Employment
5.8%
6.0%
N/A
6.0%
6.0%
Other
5.3%
5.2%
N/A
4.7%
5.0%
Tax Exempt
1.6%
1.6%
N/A
1.6%
2.0%
64
BC Stats, Community Facts, Central Okanagan, February 26, 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/cf090.pdf,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/cf091.pdf http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/cf092.pdf
Page:39
4
Economic Sectors
Diversification remains the Central Okanagan’s greatest economic strengths. Agriculture, forestry and tourism are
all important industries in the region. The Kelowna International Airport and UBC Okanagan (University of British
Columbia – Okanagan campus) have emerged as key growth drivers. UBC Okanagan has been a major economic
driver since its creation in 2005, bringing to Kelowna direct and spin-off employment, significant capital
expenditure, industry partnerships, research dollars, profile and demand for housing. Kelowna’s airport runway has
been extended to accept direct overseas flights. Improved accessibility will enhance the area’s appeal to both
tourists and potential home buyers. Other projects include the expansion of Kelowna General Hospital to include
health care services currently available only in Vancouver, an important consideration for people seeking to relocate
to this region.
The incorporation of the District of West Kelowna will generate additional economic activity and employment
growth. The new William R. Bennett bridge across Lake Okanagan opened in May, 2008 and provides for
significantly improved traffic flows through the region. Recent expansion of retail services in West Kelowna and
Westbank First Nation will also attract more development and home buyers to the area.
Despite job losses in some sectors, the Central Okanagan continues to experience a shortage of workers. The
shortage of labour has become a constraint to economic growth. High housing costs and near zero rental vacancy
rates have emerged as a key concern among businesses seeking to attract and retain low and middle wage earners.
Kelowna’s unemployment rate, though expected to edge up in 2009, will remain near record low levels. 65
4.1
PROXIMITY TO MARKETS
The City of Kelowna is the largest city in the Central Okanagan and the major centre for trade and commerce.
Convenient access from the valley to strategic markets is essential to the area’s diverse industrial base, tourism,
agriculture and forestry industries. A number of highways lead to and from the area and extensive air access is
available through Kelowna International Airport.
Distance in km from Kelowna to:
City
Distance
City
(km)
Vancouver
Distance
(km)
457
Salt Lake City
1,614
Seattle
579
San Francisco
1,872
Calgary
612
Winnipeg
1,970
826
Los Angeles
2,494
Denver
3,215
Portland
Saskatoon
1,233
65
The preceding was summarized from: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Housing Market Outlook,
Kelowna CMA, Fourth Quarter 2008
Page:40
4.2
ACCESS TO MARKETS
Due to its central location, the Central Okanagan has excellent access not only to key markets but also their
population base.
Central Okanagan Access to Markets 2008 Populations
Cumulative
Canada
66
Population
Population
British Columbia
4,381,603
4,381,603
Alberta
3,585,142
7,966,745
33,144
7,999,889
Yukon
Saskatchewan
1,015,985
9,015,874
Manitoba
1,207,959
10,223,833
Cumulative
United States 67
Washington
Population
Population
6,549,224
6,549,224
Oregon
3,790,060
10,339,284
Idaho
1,523,816
11,863,100
Montana
967,440
12,830,540
36,756,666
49,587,206
Nevada
2,600,167
52,187,373
Utah
2,736,424
54,923,797
Arizona
6,500,180
61,423,977
686,293
62,110,270
California
Alaska
66
BC Stats, Population Estimates, Province and Territories,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/dynamic/ProvPop/Query.asp?category=Prov&type=1&topic=Estimates,
67
US Census Bureau, Population Estimates, http://www.census.gov/popest/estimates.php, (Accessed April 15,
2009)
Page:41
4.3
REGIONAL MARKETS
Kelowna is considered to be the largest trading centre between Greater Vancouver and Alberta.
2008 Regional District Populations 68
Cumulative
Regional District
Central Okanagan
Population
Population
180,114
180,114
Okanagan-Similkameen
82,436
262,550
North Okanagan
81,932
344,482
Columbia Shuswap
Thompson Nicola
53,038
397,520
130,132
527,652
Proximity to Regional Centres – 2008 Population 69
Distance from
Major Centre
Kelowna
Population
Kelowna (km)
118,507
0
Summerland
11,110
45
Vernon
38,444
53
Penticton
32,933
63
Salmon Arm
16,993
119
Osoyoos
5,044
128
Revelstoke
7,261
192
Kamloops
86,236
169
Merritt
7,606
267
Castlegar
7,579
344
Trail
7,349
357
Nelson
9,752
388
68
BC Stats, Population Estimates, Regional District by Development Region,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/pop/pop/mun/PopulationEstimates_1996-2008.xls, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
69
IBID
Page:42
4.4
BUSINESS ACTIVITY
In total, there were 16,071 firms in the Central Okanagan as of December 2008. These were split roughly equally
between firms with no employees (8,379) and firms with employees (7,692). The majority (87.8%) of firms with
employees had fewer than 20 employees. 70
Since 2005, there have been significantly more incorporations annually than in prior years. During that same
period the number of business and personal bankruptcies has been lower than prior years.
Incorporations and Bankruptcies 2000 to 2008 71
Bankruptcies 72
Incorporations
Consumer
Business
2000
690
509
42
2001
635
492
50
2002
695
518
51
2003
811
531
41
2004
920
422
42
2005
1,425
437
47
2006
1,393
350
42
2007
1,578
351
29
2008
1 ,476
N/A
N/A
Jan-Mar 08
407
350
42
Jan-Mar 09
213
341
29
70
BC Stats, Quarterly Regional Statistics, Interim Report, First Quarter 2009
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/qrs/bc.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
71
IBID
72
Note, BC Stats stopped reporting on consumer and business bankruptcies in 2007
Page:43
4.4.1
BUSINESS LICENSES
In 2008, there were a total of 11,827 business licenses issued as of December 31st, 2008. Of these, 1,704 were
new business licenses. The relatively new Mobile Business License program has reduced the overall number of
business licenses issued. Mobile businesses may now purchase a business license in the community where they
reside and may now purchase a single license for all of the other participating communities where they do business.
Business Licenses 73
City of
Kelowna
Area
2008
2006
2005
District of
Peachland
West
Kelowna
RDCO
Total
Total Licenses
9,324
644
197
412
1,250
11,827
New
1,454
137
38
75
n/a
1,704
Renewed
7,870
578
159
337
n/a
8,944
10,241
715
209
1,660
n/a
12,825
New
1,604
136
45
295
n/a
2,080
Renewed
8,637
579
164
1,365
n/a
10,745
Total Licenses
9,162
662
230
1,561
n/a
11,615
New
1,470
127
27
282
n/a
1,906
Renewed
7,692
535
203
1,279
n/a
9,709
Total Licenses
9,092
583
264
1,496
n/a
11,435
New
1,582
127
45
452
n/a
2,206
Renewed
7,510
456
219
1,044
n/a
9,229
Total Licenses
2007
District of
Lake
Country
Mobile Business Licenses 74
A Mobile Business is a business that performs a service in more than one participating municipality without an
associated storefront, and who provides the service by moving from client to client. If your business falls within the
definition of a Mobile Business you have the opportunity to apply for a Mobile Business Licence that encompasses all
the participating municipalities. With a mobile business license you do not need to purchase individual business
licenses for each of the communities where you do business. This however, does not exempt you from the
requirement of having a Business Licence in the jurisdiction where you reside. The following communities in the
Central Okanagan participate in the mobile business license program as well as several surrounding communities:
•
•
•
City of Kelowna
•
•
District of Summerland
73 Municipalities by phone and e-mail
74
Regional District of the Central Okanagan, Inspections,
http://www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/inspections/Mobile%20Business%20Licence%20Pilot.pdf, Accessed June 1,
2009)
Page:44
4.4.2
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX 75
Index Evaluation:
The overall confidence index
dropped to 57.4 in 2009-Q1 from
83.6 in 2008-Q1. The drop was
most influenced by the decline in
120
120
100.8 99.6
98.1
96.5
100
94.1
95
80
80
the current conditions index which
fell from 83.2 in 2008-Q1 to a
record low of 38.8 in 2009-Q1.
The future expectations index saw
a much smaller decline over the
100
83.6
57.4
60
60
40
40
20
20
0
0
same period, dropping from 84.0
to 80.2.
Q1‐05 Q2‐05 Q3‐05 Q1‐06 Q2‐06 Q3‐06 Q1‐08 Q1‐09
Overall Current Conditions:
Overall Future Expectations:
Overall Index:
Table of Results:
Overall Index:
Q1-05
Q2-05
Q3-05
Q1-06
Q2-06
Q3-06
Q1-08
Q1-09
100.8
99.6
98.1
96.5
94.1
95.0
83.6
57.4
99.8
101.5
97.4
94.6
95.8
96.8
66.4
21.9
Current Conditions:
Overall economic conditions
Overall financial position
98.1
99.6
102.3
93.9
98.6
102.5
89.2
45.7
Profitability
100.5
97.4
102.8
93.8
97.9
104.5
88.9
46.5
Employment
100.6
104.2
101.8
85.7
91.2
99.4
86.1
47.4
99.7
100.3
101.1
92.1
96.2
100.9
83.2
38.8
Overall economic conditions
103.0
99.0
92.5
100.1
95.5
83.4
62.5
78.2
Overall financial position
101.1
100.0
98.2
99.4
96.0
92.7
88.8
81.1
Profitability
101.0
98.7
98.6
100.0
91.4
89.8
89.9
80.6
Employment
101.7
97.6
89.6
104.1
86.3
88.2
95.3
81.4
101.6
98.9
95.1
100.6
92.3
89.0
84.0
80.2
Overall Current Conditions:
Future Expectations:
Overall Future Expectations:
75
Kettle Valley Research, 2009-Q1 Business Confidence Index.
Page:45
Current Conditions
Current conditions saw declines across all of its component indexes. The largest drop was seen in evaluations of
current economic conditions which fell 44.5 points from 96.8 in 2008 to 21.9 in 2009-Q1. The other component
indexes saw similar declines.
Future Expectations
While the overall future expectations index only dropped 3.8 points indicating that firms are generally more
enthusiastic about the next six months than current conditions. However, there were mixed results for its
component indexes. Future expectations for overall economic conditions rose significantly (15.7 points) to 78.2 for
2009-Q1. Other indices dropped between 7.7 points and 13.9 points.
Employment:
The current employment index was down significantly, likely due both to seasonal employment adjustments and in
response to the economic downturn. Current employment dropped 38.7 points to 47.4.
Notably, future employment expectations were also down significantly despite normally seeing seasonal increases in
Q1. Future employment expectations dropped 13.9 points to a record low of 81.4.
Capital Expenditures:
Significantly fewer firms indicated having made capital expenditures over the past six months than in prior surveys.
Traditionally the proportion of firms who had made at least some capital expenditures had hovered around 52% to
53%. In 2009-Q1, however, only 44.0% of firms indicated having made capital expenditures.
Future expectations, conversely remained similar to past surveys with just over half (50.8%) of firms expecting to
make some or significant capital expenditures over the next six months. As with past surveys, the majority of these
(45.9%) indicated that they would make some capital expenditures and 4.9% indicated they expected to make
significant capital expenditures.
Page:46
4.5
FIRMS BY INDUSTRY SECTOR
In 2008, the largest portion of firms in the Central Okanagan were in construction (20.0%), followed by
professional, scientific and technology services (10.9%) and real estate and rental and leasing (10.8%).
2008 Central Okanagan (RD) Number of Firms by Industry Sector 76
Industry Sector based on NAICS Canada
(North American Industrial Classification
System)
Firms
with No
Employees
Less
than
20
20 to
49
50 to
199
200
Plus
All
Sizes
Percent
of Total
All firms
Percent
of Total
Total, All Industries
8,379
6,755
668
241
28
7,692
100.0%
16,071
100.0%
Construction
Professional, Scientific & Technical
Services
1,797
1,292
94
24
1
1,411
18.3%
3,208
20.0%
1,029
685
33
5
0
723
9.4%
1,752
10.9%
Real Estate & Rental & Leasing
1,382
333
8
5
0
346
4.5%
1,728
10.8%
Retail Trade (44-45)
Other Services (excluding Public
Administration)
459
788
108
37
5
938
12.2%
1,397
8.7%
424
640
27
5
0
672
8.7%
1,096
6.8%
Finance & Insurance
661
272
39
4
0
315
4.1%
976
6.1%
Health Care & Social Assistance
Administration & Support, Waste
Management
Management of Companies &
Enterprises
180
606
31
21
2
660
8.6%
840
5.2%
359
362
23
16
0
401
5.2%
760
4.7%
583
130
9
5
3
147
1.9%
730
4.5%
Wholesale Trade
304
371
44
5
1
421
5.5%
725
4.5%
Accommodation & Food Services
156
280
109
49
3
441
5.7%
597
3.7%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
272
263
25
6
0
294
3.8%
566
3.5%
Manufacturing (31-33)
192
274
42
24
5
345
4.5%
537
3.3%
Transportation & Warehousing (48-49)
301
199
25
8
3
235
3.1%
536
3.3%
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
106
84
23
9
1
117
1.5%
223
1.4%
Educational Services
60
74
6
3
2
85
1.1%
145
0.9%
Information & Cultural Industries
71
50
10
7
0
67
0.9%
138
0.9%
Mining & Oil & Gas Extraction
33
34
8
0
0
42
0.5%
75
0.5%
Utilities
10
Public Administration
8
3
2
0
13
0.2%
23
0.1%
10
1
6
2
19
0.2%
19
0.1%
76
BC Stats, Quarterly Regional Statistics, Interim Report, First Quarter 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/qrs/rd35.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:47
4.6
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PROFILE
In 2006, there were 9,970 people employed in the construction industry in the Central Okanagan. This represents
significant growth from 2001, where there were 5,455 people employed in the construction industry in the region.
The construction sector received a significant boost in late 2001 and 2002 with very low interest rates and an
improving BC economy. In recent years, the industry had accelerated dramatically, however, new building permits
issued in 2008 dropped significantly, with the exception of institutional and government permits, likely in response
to the economic crisis.
Central Okanagan Building Permits by Type 2000 to 2008 77
Total
Institutional
Building
Total Non-
Permits
Residential
and
Industrial
Commercial
Government
Residential
Units
2000
162.4
71.6
14.4
31.6
25.6
90.8
833
2001
202.2
70.2
4.0
40.6
25.6
132.0
1,027
2002
224.0
43.4
8.4
26.4
8.6
180.6
1,438
2003
354.4
74.1
4.5
57.8
11.8
280.3
1,918
2004
445.6
79.5
9.7
49.5
20.4
366.1
2,266
2005
775.0
232.3
19.5
158.8
54.0
542.7
3,217
2006
618.0
160.2
16.8
92.5
50.9
457.8
2,238
2007
900.1
241.8
19.9
174.2
47.7
658.3
2,951
2008
673.8
189.8
7.3
75.7
106.8
484.0
1,935
Jan-Feb 08
153.0
12.9
3.7
9.1
0.1
140.1
697
Jan-Feb 09
57.1
41.8
0.3
39.7
1.7
15.3
25
Growth in Building Permits 2000 to 2008
77
BC Stats, Quarterly Regional Statistics, Interim Report, First Quarter 2009,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/qrs/rd35.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:48
4.7
CENTRAL OKANAGAN MAJOR PROJECTS INVENTORY 78
The BC Major Projects Inventory (MPI) contains summary information on major projects in the Province of British
Columbia, Canada, that are over $15 million (Cdn.) capital cost.
All capital costs are estimates, and therefore, subject to changes, especially in the early stages of a project
proposal. Some capital costs are not included because estimates were not available at press time or the developer /
owner requested that no capital cost be shown. The capital cost of all major projects listed as under construction in
BC is estimated at $61 billion, up from $57.4 billion last quarter. Many major project proposals listed are in very
preliminary stages and are not yet approved for construction, therefore capital cost estimates should be viewed with
caution.
Summary of BC Major Projects by Status January–March 2009 79
Proposed
Development Region
#
Started
($ Millions)
#
Completed
($ Millions)
#
On Hold
($ Millions)
#
Total
($ Millions)
#
($ Millions)
Vancouver
Island/Coast
88
21,655
58
7,161
1
67
14
2,100
161
30,983
Mainland/Southwest
182
30,937
196
29,560
13
1,108
18
4,499
409
66,104
Thompson/Okanagan
84
11,919
80
16,435
2
104
6
675
172
29,133
Central Okanagan
34
4,958
27
7,359
1
30
3
485
62
12,832
1
30
3
485
Kelowna
(and Area)
27
3,867
24
5,616
51
9,998
West Kelowna
3
243
1
192
4
435
Lake Country
3
828
1
1,517
4
2,345
Peachland
1
20
1
34
2
54
Kootenay
14
2,926
15
2,485
31
6,176
Cariboo
22
3,497
10
2,072
-
-
5
486
37
6,055
North Coast
36
23,732
4
941
-
-
3
5,042
43
29,715
Nechako
11
1,151
-
-
-
-
1
150
12
1,301
Northeast
24
9,630
7
1,128
-
-
1
500
32
11,258
461
105,447
370
59,782
17
1,294
49
14,202
897
180,725
Total
78
-
-
1
750
BC Stats, Major Projects Inventory, December 2009, http://www.gov.bc.ca/tted/attachments/mpi_report.pdf,
79
IBID
Page:49
4.7.1
CENTRAL OKANAGAN MAJOR PROJECTS INVENTORY
4.7.2
STATUS: PROPOSED
Hwy 97 Improvements: Gordon Drive to Hwy
33 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Ph:
(250) 387-7787. Widening of Hwy 97 to 6 lanes
between Gordon Drive and Hwy 33. This project is
funded by the Province of British Columbia ($7.7M),
the Government of Canada ($3M under the Building
Canada Plan) and the City of Kelowna ($4M).
Kelowna
Highrise Condominium
Aquilini Investment Group, Proposed 26 storey, 207
unit residential development located at 426 to 454
Bernard Ave. Architect: Bevanda Architecture.
Status: Proposed Start: 2009
Est. Cost ($ million): 15
Finish: Fall 2009
First Entry: Sep 2008
Last Update: Dec 2008
Project ID: 2280
Status: Proposed
Est. Cost ($ million):
First Entry: Dec 2008
Start: Not Available
Finish: Not Available
Project ID: 2304
Okanagan College Expansion
Okanagan College Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna
City). Proposed Child Care Centre will be a Home
for Learning project. Site preparations are
underway and construction is expected to
commence in Fall 2008.
Sopa Square Residential Development
Fenwick Developments Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City). Proposed plan for an 11-storey
residential tower built over levels of commercial and
retail space, with two 4-storey buildings around a
central green space. Development approval has
been received from council. Project is registered to
meet LEED Gold standards for Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design.
Status: Proposed
Start: Spring 2009
Finish: Fall 2009
Project ID: 2196
Status: Proposed
Start: Fall 2009
Project ID: 2328
Timber Ridge Resort Development
New Future Developments Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City). Proposed resort located north of
Kelowna will include 100 condominium and cabin
units in phase 1, a recreation centre and an 80 slip
marina. Phase 2 is in preliminary planning stages.
Website: www.timberridgeokanagan.com
Caban Gyro Beach Cityhomes
Cressey Development Corp. Ph: (250) 717-1299.
Proposed 130 unit condominium development in
two 6-storey concrete midrise building joined by a
podium of retail space. Architect: Meiklejohn
Architects Inc.
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: Summer 2009
Project ID: 2300
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish:
Project ID: 2250
Condominium Development - Lakeshore Road
Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna City). Proposed 6
storey condominium development to have 125
residential units over ground level retail space. The
project located on Lakeshore Rd. and Richter St.
will require rezoning.
Highrise Condominium Development
unit condominium development in two 19 and 23
storey towers located at Doyle Ave. and St. Paul St.
Rezoning will be required.
Status: Proposed
First Entry: Jun 2008
Last Update: Sep 2008
Project ID: 2194
Status: Proposed
Project ID: 2249
Page:50
Aqua Residential Development
Mission Group Ph: (250) 448-8810. Proposed 6.75
acre resort community development located on
Okanagan Lake and Lakeshore Rd. The project is in
preliminary stages and plans to include residential
units and resort accommodation with water features
and pedestrian amenities throughout.
Kelowna Downtown Highrise Plan
Westcorp Developments Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City). Proposed plan of 12 highrises up to
27 storeys, in the area between Water and Abbott
streets and Hwy 97 and Queensway Ave. Council
has approved rezoning and public hearing was held
in Oct 2008.
Status: Proposed
Start: 2009
Finish: 2020 First Entry: Dec 2007
Project ID: 2083
Status: Proposed
Project ID: 2222
Northwood Retirement Resort
Regency Retirement Resorts Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City). Proposed 160 unit 4-storey
retirement condominium to be located on Gordon
Drive. Demolition on site has commenced.
Power Station - Casorso Road
Fortis BC Inc. Ph: (250) 368-0500. Proposed power
station located on Casorso Road has received
support in public open house held in Apr 2008.
Approval received from BC Utilities Commission.
Application must be made for exclusion from the
Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and for re-zoning.
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: Summer 2009
Project ID: 2074
Status: Proposed
Start: 2009
Finish: 2010
Project ID: 2189
Orchard Springs Condominium Development
Witmar Developments Ltd. Ph: (250) 763-9901.
Proposed condominium development located on
KLO Rd, with 56 units in each of four 4-storey
buildings. Of the 224 units, 12 units will be
designated as affordable housing. Development
permit application has received final approval.
Construction is expected to start on the first of four
phases in Late 2008, the second phase to start in
May 2009 and complete in Jul 2010, followed by
phase 3 with expected completion in Sep 2011, and
phase 4 completing in Nov 2012. Website:
www.orchardsprings.ca
Highrise Residential Development
Tri-Power Developments Inc. Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City). Proposed 19-storey highrise
development with retail space located on Bernard
Ave.
Status: Proposed
Start: Summer 2009
Finish: Late 2011
First Entry: Mar 2008
Last Update: Jun 2008
Project ID: 2124
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2012
Project ID: 2082
Tapestry Residential Development
Ledingham-McAllister Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna
City). Proposed 500-unit, 30-storey condominium
development with three, four-storey residential
buildings adjacent to the tower, located on
Springfield Road near Orchard Park Mall. The
project would include 80 subsidized rental units.
Development permit received.
Shelter Bay Residential Neighbourhood
Concord Pacific Ph: (604) 681-8882. Proposed
development for the west side of Okanagan Lake.
The developer is in negotiations with the Westbank
First Nations for a 125 year lease that would allow
for 1,500 condominium units, including highrise
towers and a marina.
Status: Proposed
Start: Spring 2009
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 2123
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2018
Project ID: 2084
Page:51
Pandosy 3000 Condominium Development
Fenwick Developments Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City). Proposed 11-storey highrise
development with 50 units on 9 floors and office
and retail space on the first 2 floors. 30 lowrise
townhouse units will be included in the project
located on South Pandosy street. Project will be
registered to meet Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Website:
www.3000pandosy.com
West Harbour Condominium Development
Troika Developments Ph: (250) 869-4945.
Proposed 1500-unit townhouse development in five
15 to 20 storey highrise towers and lowrise
condominiums on a 45 acre site. Project will include
retail and recreational amenities, including a marina
and amphitheatre. Rezoning application has been
submitted. Construction is expected to commence
in Jan 2009. An agreement is in place with Terasen
Energy Systems to design, build and manage a
renewable energy system for the project.
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2010
Project ID: 2034
Status: Proposed
Start: Jan 2009
Finish: Summer 2012
Project ID: 1977
Dilworth Mountain Estates
Dilworth Homes Ph: (250) 861-8969. Proposed
development to comprise phase 4 of the Selkirk
neighbourhood which will include 40 new
homesites, 60 townhomes in Wycliffe at Selkirk and
100 townhomes in Dilworth East.
Ellison Substation
Fortis BC Inc. Ph: (250) 368-0500. A new
substation to service the northern portion of
Kelowna is proposed. The project has received
British Columbia Utilities Commission approval.
Status: Proposed
Start: Summer 2008
Finish: 2009
Project ID: 1509
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2010
Project ID: 1981
South Slopes Neighbourhood
Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna City). Proposed
neighbourhood plan for 1,200 homes in the South
Slopes area has received preliminary approval. The
project will include a commercial centre, a school,
single and multi family dwellings. The plan to
redevelop an area, that was severely fire damaged
in the 2003 Okanagan fire, went to public hearing
in Apr 2007. Project will undergo provincial, city
and district approvals. Very preliminary.
Mixed Use Development
storey highrise located at Hwy 33 and Rutland
Road. Development will include commercial space
over a 2 level underground parkade, followed by 3
levels of office space and 9 floors with 54
condominium units. Rezoning has been approved.
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: Early 2009
Project ID: 1979
Status: Proposed
Finish: Not Available First Entry: Mar 2007
Project ID: 1920
Townhouse Development - 1967 Cross Road
Maxwell House Developments Ph: (250) 717-7262.
Proposed 88-unit townhouse development located
at 1967 Cross Road. Development permit has been
approved by Council.
Sundance Ridge Condominium
Renascence Development Corp. Ph: (250) 7624777. Proposed low-rise condominium
development to include 208-units in three storey
and townhouse buildings. Website:
www.renascencedevelopments.com
Status: Proposed
Start: Spring 2009
Finish: Late 2009
Project ID: 1978
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: Dec 2009
Project ID: 1924
Page:52
Lakeview Plaza Condominiums
City of Kelowna Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna
City). Proposed 100 unit condominium development
in four terraced buildings near Hwy 97.
Ethanol Plant
Okanagan Biofuels Ph: (250) 766-9044. Proposed
ethanol plant to produce 115 million litres of
ethanol annually on the Hiram Walker site on Jim
Bailey Rd. Funding and permits have been secured.
Status: Proposed
Project ID: 1854
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: Fall 2009
Project ID: 1331
Residential Tower - Springfield Road Star
Vista Developments Ph: (250) 469-8626 (Kelowna
City). Proposed redevelopment plans on the site of
the Elks Lodge includes a 12-storey tower with 72
condominium units on the 3rd through 12th floors,
and retail and office space on the first two floors.
Vintage Landing Resort
G Group of Companies Ph: (250) 763-4444. Plans
on a 351-hectare site include a 1000 residential
unit resort in the form of a boutique hotel and
bungalows, retail facilities, a health and wellness
centre, convention space, a 16 ha vineyard and
winery, 18-hole golf course, marina and beach club.
The first building, a five star hotel to start
construction in 2008. Agreements need to be
reached with the city for off-site improvements of
sewers and roads. The Thomas McBroom designed,
Kinnikinnik golf course is expected to complete in
2010 in McKinley Landing. The project is in permit
approvals.
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2010
Project ID: 1813
UBC - Okanagan Library/Learning Center
University of British Columbia Ph: (604) 731-3103
Proposed expansion of the existing library to add
100,000 sq ft.
Status: Proposed
Start: Spring 2009
Finish: 2017
Project ID: 1097
Status: Proposed
Project ID: 1666
Wood Lake Resort
Renascence Developments Ph: (250) 762-4777
Proposed resort development to be located at
Seymour and Woodsdale Rds. Phased development
will include 480 units in three 6-storeys buildings
and restoration of a lagoon. Rezoning has been
approved.
Okanagan Transmission Reinforcement
Fortis BC Inc. Ph: (866) 436-7847. Fortis has
proposed a plan for electrical expansion and
upgrades in the South Okanagan and Kelowna
areas in a series of public meetings. The project
includes upgrading of the existing line between
Oliver and Penticton, and the addition of a second
line from Vaseux Lake to Penticton. Received
approval from the British Columbia Utilities
Commission (BCUC). This project is part of their
long-term System Development Plan (SDP).
Website: www.fortisinc.com
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: Summer 2010
Project ID: 2065
Status: Proposed
Start: Spring 2009
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 1564
Page:53
Peachland
Lake Country
Reflections On The Lake Estates
Roy and Gloria Stewart Ph: (604) 864-8555
(Architect). Proposed residential development on a
2.09 acre site near Antlers Beach to include 112
units in a 10-storey building. Plans also include a
pool and exercise room, as well as a tunnel under
Hwy 97 to access a floating marina. Website:
www.reflectionsonthelakeestates.com
Woodsdale Ranch in Lake Country
Amadon Group Ph: (604) 688-1451 Proposed multiuse development on 1100 acres in Lake Country,
consisting of 750 units, including tourist
accommodation, multi-family and single family
units, two 18-hole golf courses, vineyards and other
components. Phase 1 includes a golf course and
some residential units. Currently in approvals stage.
Capital cost is for phase 1. Website:
www.amadongroup.com
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2010
Project ID: 1394
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2013
Project ID: 1679
West Kelowna
Hwy 97 Improvements: Winfield to Oyama
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure /
Government of Canada Ph: (250) 828-4297. 4 lane
realignment of the 9.0 kms of Highway 97 between
Winfield and Oyama. This project is funded by the
Province of British Columbia ($44.3M) and the
Government of Canada - Building Canada Fund
($33.6M).
The Heritage Condominium
EM Power Financial Services/Investicare Seniors
Housing Corporation Ph: (250) 763-4918 (Central
Okanagan Regional District) Proposed development
of 180 units in a 10-storey condominium tower and
160 units in a supportive living tower. Project also
includes an 8-storey commercial building and is
located on site of former packing plant on Brown
Rd.
Status: Proposed
Start: Spring 2010
Finish: Spring 2012
Project ID: 2248
Status: Proposed
Project ID: 2064
Sonata Ridge Condominiums
Medican Developments Ph: (403) 526-3477
Proposed residential development of 213 units in 3
phases and is located above the developers Sitara
on the Pond project.
Westbank 138 kV System Reconfiguration
BC Transmission Corp. Ph: (604) 699-7300
Reconfiguring and reinforcing 138 kV system in the
Westbank Area.
Status: Proposed
Start: 2009
Finish: Oct 2013
Project ID: 2103
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2010
Project ID: 1989
Copper Sky Condominiums Rempel
Copper Sky Development Ltd. Ph: (604) 850-8509
Proposed lowrise condominiums with 536 units in
10 buildings. Website: www.copperskyliving.com
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 2043
Page:54
Kelowna Downtown North
Canada Lands Corp. Ph: (250) 712-4216
Construction of a mixed use, multi-family
development on ten parcels of land to consist of
approx 1,700 dwellings for 3,500 residents on a
23.5 ha site bounded by Sunset Dr, Gaston Ave and
Ellis St. Project would include up to 880 homes in
up to 21-storey towers and 4-storey apartment and
condominium buildings, and renovation of the
existing CN Station. Parcels are being sold and
developed separately. Brandt’s Creek Crossing is a
neighbourhood section of Canada Land’s overall
development. Two parcels are on Bay Ave. and
three parcels are on Recreation Ave. A building
permit has been issued for 1147 Sunset Dr. to
Navigator Development Icon Corp. and a 21-storey,
94 suite tower called Lucaya at 1151 Sunset Dr is
on hold. Website: www.city.kelowna.bc.ca &
www.brandtscreek.com. (Also see Waterscapes,
Project id #1922)
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
Pheidias Project Management Ph: (250) 768-5189
3,800-bed ski hill development to include a hotel,
townhouses, single-family dwellings and condos,
18-hole golf course, day lodge, restaurants, and
conference centre. Proposal includes 11 new ski
lifts. Project has all provincial approvals. Regional
District of Central Okanagan review is progressing.
Website: www.crystalresort.com
Status: Proposed
Start: Early 2009
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 581
4.7.3
STATUS: ON HOLD
Status: On hold
Start: Late 2005
inish: 2012
Project ID: 363
Kelowna
Marriott Fairfield and Hampton Hotel
Marriott International Inc. Ph: (250) 469-8626
(Kelowna City) Two hotels will be located near the
intersection of Highways 97 and 33, with a total of
217 rooms. The Marriott Hotel at 2480 Hwy 97 will
be 4-stories with 117 rooms. The Hampton Hotel
will contain 94 rooms. The Marriot has completed
construction, and the Hampton is on hold.
4.7.4
STATUS: CONSTRUCTION STARTED
Kelowna
Status: On hold
Start: Spring 2006
Project ID: 1518
UBC - Okanagan Health Sciences Centre
New home or the Southern Medical Program, a
4,266 sq m facility, including high-tech classrooms
and lecture theatres, research facilities and faculty
offices which will all be interconnected to the 3
other UBC Medical Program facilities.
Lawson’s Landing Residential/Commercial
Development
Westcorp Properties Inc. Ph: (780) 431-3300
Proposed development on a 4 acre site to include
550 residential units in five condominium towers,
commercial space and a hotel located at Bernard
Ave, Mill Street, and Queensway. Architect: Kasian
Kennedy Architecture Inc. A new application will
likely be submitted after a complete redesign of the
development for the area within Harvey, Abbott,
Queensway and Water st reets.The new plan is
expected to define site as a comprehensive
development zone under new provincial legislation,
which allows costs and development rights to be
shared by property owners.
Status: Construction started
Start: Fall 2008
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 2275
Wastewater Treatment Expansion
City of Kelowna Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna City)
Proposed expansion of the wastewater treatment
facility to increase capacity and service area.
General contract of $37.5 mil was awarded to Maple
Reinders.
Status: On hold
Project ID: 1260
Start: Oct 2008
Finish: Spring 2010
Project ID: 2264
Page:55
Kelowna International Airport Expansion
Kelowna International Airport Ph: (250) 765-5125
Expansion of Kelowna International Airport includes
a new concourse, runway extension to 8,900 m in
length, gates and apron expanded to accommodate
larger aircraft. A larger 2-storey international
terminal and departure area planned for the
expected increase in passengers to 1.6 million by
2015. Contract for runway extension has been
awarded to EBA Engineering. Construction is
underway on parking and road improvements by
Peter Brothers Construction and contract for
improved parking has been awarded to Peter Bros.
($2.9m).
Chute Lake School
School District 23 Ph: (250) 491-4000. New 350student capacity elementary school on Lark Street
at Chute Lake Road. Greyback Construction has
been awarded tender. The project which is expected
to start construction in Jul 2008, will be built to
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) gold standards. Architect: KMBR
Architects/Bevanda Architecture Inc.
Start: Jul 2008
Finish: Sep 2009
Project ID: 2188
Start: Feb 2008
Finish: 2015
Project ID: 2035
Okanagan College Campus - Centre for
Learning
Okanagan College Ph: (250) 762-5445 5-storey,
6,819 sq m Centre for Learning expansion to the
Okanagan College will include 22 new classrooms
with technology, media and library facilities. The
project has received $23 million provincial funding
announced Nov 2007. Project is registered to meet
LEED Gold standards for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design.
UBC - Okanagan Engineering Management
Building
Cost-shared construction of a 15,700 sq. metre
building for the School of Engineering and the
Faculty of Management. The building includes a
large lecture theatre, smaller classrooms,
undergraduate teaching labs, research labs and
academic support space. The Provincial
government is contributing $35.1 million.
Start: Early 2008
Finish: Jun 2009
Project ID: 2071
Start: Sep 2008
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 1980
Yaletown Condominium Development
Troika Developments Ph: (250) 869-4945 122-unit
lowrise condominium development located in North
Glenmore. Construction is expected to complete in
Spring 2009.
Big White Casino and Convention Centre
Chateau Blanc Development Corp. Ph: (604) 4555000 6,000 sq m conference centre and casino
located in a new Big White village core. Architect:
Downs, Archembault & Partners. Plans also include
a Greg Norman signature golf course, developed
separately, Project has started construction and is
expected to complete in Summer 2010.
Start: Fall 2007
Finish: Spring 2009
Project ID: 2014
Start: Summer 2008
Finish: Sep 2009
Project ID: 1918
Centre Point at Summerfield Residential
Development
The Webster Group Ph: (250) 762-7770 Low rise
residential development in three phases located in
the South Glenmore area. Architect: Water Street
Architecture. Website:
www.centrepointkelowna.com
Start: Jan 2008
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 2032
Page:56
Waterscapes Neighbourhood
Ledingham McAllister Ltd. Ph: (250) 763-6011
(Kelowna City) The 776 unit, 9 building
development will include the Skye, a 183 unit, 26storey condominium tower under construction at
1089 Sunset Dr., the Herons, 8 lowrise townhome
buildings and the Osprey townhomes which have
started construction in May 2008. The project is
located in Brandt’s Creek Crossing (see project id
#363 Kelowna Downtown North). Website:
www.liveatwaterscapes.com.
Big White Substation
Fortis BC Inc. Ph: (866) 436-7847 Electrical
substation in the Black Mountain area to include a
transmission line along Highway 33 and
improvements to distribution lines at Big White
Village. The substation will serve the Big White, Bell
Mountain and Kirshner Mountain areas.
Start: Nov 2006
Finish: Dec 2008
Project ID: 1925
Start: Nov 2007
Finish: Oct 2009
Project ID: 1922
Invue Condominium
Rykon Group Ph: (250) 763-5541 Development of a
90-unit, 14 storey condominium tower located at
Springfield and Barlee Rd. is under construction.
Project will include some commercial and retail
space. A fire in the parkade level in Fall 2008 may
cause some delays. Website: www.invue.ca
Chateau Blanc Resort Hotel
Berezan Management Ltd. Ph: (250) 368-9148
(Regional District of Kootenay Boundary highrise
hotel, destination casino and convention centre
located at Big White’s current Ridge parking lot. The
project would include 400-plus rooms in a 17-storey
tower, a casino of up to 10,000 sq ft, a 10,000 sq ft
convention space, and 10,000 sq ft of commercial
space.
Start: Oct 2007
Finish: Summer 2009
Project ID: 1973
Start: Fall 2007
Finish: Fall 2009
Project ID: 1869
Snowbird Lodge Resort
Amadon Group Ph: (604) 688-145. 1 92 unit lodge
and 3,200 sq ft spa will be located in Silver Star
Village. Phase 2 is in the planning stages. Website:
amadongroup.com
Kelowna Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade
City of Kelowna Ph: (250) 469-8890 Upgrades have
commenced to the Kelowna Sewage Treatment
Plant. The expansion of the major components to
allow for a maximum capacity of 120 million litres
per day is expected to commence in Early 2009.
Start: Fall 2007
Finish: Early 2009
Project ID: 1951
Start: Apr 2008
Finish: Dec 2010
Project ID: 1874
UBC - Okanagan Arts & Science 2 Expansion
The project is a 7,850 sq. metre building that will
house a large lecture theatre, smaller classrooms,
undergraduate teaching labs, research labs and
academic support space. The Provincial
government is contributing $25.7 million.
Start: Sep 2008
Finish: Fall 2010
Project ID: 1926
Page:57
Project ID: 1433
Mission Meadows at Casorso Condominium
Development
Mission Meadows Development Corp.
Ph: (250) 860-2351
Condominium development of a potential 252 units
in four 4-storey condominiums located at Gordon
Dr. and Casorso Rd. Phases 1 and 2 (72 units) are
currently under construction with Building 1 and
clubhouse completed in Aug 2007 and Building 2
nearing completion. Phase 3 is at foundation stage
and has been put on hold due to lack of pre-sales.
Architect: Water Street Architecture Inc. Website:
www.missionmeadows.ca
UBC - Okanagan Campus Student Residences
Residences for the new UBC Okanagan campus to
meet commitments for added student spaces.
Phase I and Phase 2 have been completed, Phase 3
with five buildings started in Jul 2008 and are
expected to be completed in Sep 2009.
Start: Late 2005
Finish: Sep 2009
Project ID: 1454
Start: Summer 2006
Finish: May 2010
Project ID: 1816
Black Mountain Golf Community
Melcor Developments Ltd. Ph: (780) 423-6931
Major development on 385 acres to include approx
800 units of single-family homes, condominiums,
townhouses and quarter share villas to be built in
eight phases. Phase 1 consists of 17 single-family
lots on Henderson Dr. Phase 2 consists of 28
single-family homes, and three villa developments
containing single and semi-detached
villas/duplexes. Phase 2 also includes two multifamily condominium/ townhouse developments. The
Black Mountain Golf Course, an 18-hole course, has
completed construction. The Tuscan Sun Resort is a
hotel which will contain 100-suites, a conference
room, restaurant/pub, spa, gym, pool, retail space
and underground parking. The Rialto Plaza 1 and 2
will be two buildings with small retail shops, offices
and services with 5 residential units above each,
and underground parking. In Jun. 2005 the
developer changed to Melcor Developments Ltd.
Website: www.blackmountain.ca
Madison Residential Tower North Ellis Street
Developments Ltd. Ph: (250) 862-3339 (Kelowna
City) 15-storey, 57 suite, residential tower in
downtown Kelowna at Ellis Street and Doyle Ave.
City approval obtained. Construction underway.
Website: www.madisonkelowna.com
Start: Mar 2008
Est. Cost ($ million): 15 Finish:
Fall 2009
Project ID: 1668
UBC - Okanagan Student Association Building
Approximately 75,000 sq ft student association
building will include the J. Peter Meekison Student
Centre, theatre, cafeteria and multi-purpose space.
Start: Summer 2004
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 1280
Start: Sep 2007
Finish: Spring 2009
Project ID: 1665
Southwind At Sarsons
G Group of Companies Ph: (250) 861-5117 Threephased development at the corner of Sarsons Rd
and Lakeshore Rd in the Mission District will consist
of 11 town homes and 129 condominiums with a
total of 229,000 sq ft. The project includes a
ground loop and other heat recovery systems, and
other amenities. Phase 1 which will consist of 32
condominiums and 11 townhouses has been
completed, 60 units in Phase 2 are commencing
construction.
Start: Spring 2006
Finish: Summer 2009
Page:58
Kelowna General Hospital Expansion
Kelowna General Hospital Ph: (250) 979-7771 The
expansion at Kelowna General Hospital will include
360,000 sq ft Patient Care Tower and a 34,000 sq ft
expansion to accommodate the UBCO Clinical
Academic Campus. Infusion Health was awarded
the construction contract in Aug 2008 which
combines the capital costs of this project and the
Vernon Jubilee Hospital Expansion (see project ID #
1921 - the combined total capital cost of the two
projects is $432.9 million). The expansions have
been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
Central Okanagan Bypass
Kelowna City Ph: (250) 763-6011 (Kelowna City)
Construction is underway for the first phase of the
North End Connector, now referred to as the
Central Okanagan Bypass, between Ellis St. and
Spall Rd. Running along the existing Clement Ave.
from Gordon Dr. to High Rd., Clement Ave. will be
upgraded at intersections and along the frontage of
the new development. Further phases of the
bypass, which will include the new four-lane
roadway traveling underneath the bridge on
Bernard Ave. before intersecting with Spall Rd. and
extending to McCurdy Rd., are expected to be in
place within the next 20 years. The portion from
Gordon Dr. to Spall Rd. went to tender in Spring
2006, and construction completed in late 2006.
City council has given approval for design of Spall
Rd. to Hwy. 33 section.
Start: Sep 2008
Finish: 2012
Project ID: 685
Start: Fall 2005
Finish: 2025
Project ID: 1051
Glenmore Highlands Development
Wilden Glenwest Developments Inc Ph: (604) 7397526 (Ekistics) Development of 2,800 housing units
made up of single-family homes, townhouses, row
houses, including some 3 to 4-storey apartment
buildings, 10,000 sq. Ft. of convenience commercial
areas, an elementary school and a park between
Glenmore and Clifton Roads. Total area is 720 ha.
Phase 1, includes 450 single-family units and is
under construction, this phase will eventually
include a school, and a mixed-use village centre.
Phase 1A, included 45 single-family units plus a 14
unit townhouse made available in 2004. Phase 2,
Terrace Hill includes 65 single family units. Phase 3,
Still Pond included 24 single family units made
available the spring of 2005. Phase 4, Ledge View
includes 14 detached homes which opened in spring
2006. Rezoning for the balance of the property is
complete. Architect: Ekistics Town Planning Inc.
Mission Recreation Park Aquatic Centre
(formerly Legacy Aquatic Centre)
City of Kelowna Ph: (250) 862-3381 As part of the
Mission District Park, which has already completed
several recreation projects on a 42 ha site on
Gordon Drive near Mission Creek, the City is
currently proposing to develop an aquatic centre
with an indoor/outdoor waterpark, 50 m length
competition size pool, 1000 seat stadium, and a
major fitness centre. City Council has approved an
Alternative Approval Process for Oct. 2006 to seek
elector approval for partial financing of $29.5
million for the facility. An integrated design team
was formed by an Early Partner Agreement
between the City of Kelowna and PCL Constructors
Westcoast Ltd. in Jan 2006, to finalize design and
budget requirements for a fixed price design/build
proposal from PCL. The project has commenced
construction.
Website:www.missionrecreationpark.ca
Start: Summer 2002
Finish: 2020
Project ID: 267
Start: Fall 2007
Finish: Feb 2009
Project ID: 697
Page:59
Big White Ski Resort Expansion
Big White Ski Resort Ltd. Ph: (250) 765-3101 Longterm program of ongoing ski hill developments,
including a license to build up to 22,000 bed units;
presently there are approx 13,500 bed units
available. Construction in the 2004/2005 season
included 250 single and multi-family condo units
($100 million sale value), two new chair lifts,
terrain changes, and new grooming machines.
Firelights development has been discontinued; The
Edge condominium is currently being developed.
Renovations and improvements to nine ski runs
have now expanded to fourteen. Included in the
project is a $7-million Snow Ghost Express, sixpassenger chairlift. Construction has started on the
400-room Chateau Blanc hotel and convention
centre. Website: www.bigwhite.com
Lake Country
Lakestone Resort Development
Lakestone Developments Ph: (604) 639-4558
Resort development with a residential component of
1,350 units. Phase 1 - 17 vineyard villas, is
expected to begin construction in Spring 2008 along
with a golf course. A winery, hotel and 75-slip
marina will be built over a period of 10 years along
with the remaining residential phases. Golf course
is expected to be completed in 2010. Website:
www.lakestoneresort.com
Start: Jan 2008
Finish: 2017
Project ID: 1814
Start: Jun 1992
Finish: Summer 2009
Project ID: 283
Sitara on the Pond Condominium Development
Medican Developments Ph: (403) 526-3477 A fourstory condominium project developed in two
phases. Phase 1, the Lakes, located at 2611
Stillwater Way with 38 units, completed in Mar
2007. Phase 2 will include 82 units, located at 2551
Shoreline Drive.
Tower Ranch Golf Resort
IntraWest Developments Ltd. Ph: (604) 669-9777
Championship golf course, country club, hotel, 800
unit residential development and village centre will
proceed with construction. Dilworth Homes is to
build 238 single-family units, with the model homes
completed in Summer 2007. IntraWest plans
include a village centre and 562 multi-family units.
Development of the Thomas Broom designed golf
course was completed in Jun. 2008. Website:
www.mytowerranch.com
Start: May 2006
Finish: Early 2009
Project ID: 1622
Peachland
Start: Spring 2007
Finish: 2016
Project ID: 270
Trepanier Manor Hotel
Manor Developments Ltd. Ph: (250) 767-2647
(Peachland City) Five star, three-storey luxury hotel
($20 million) with 38 rooms, a spa, restaurants, a
conference centre, and 20 luxury homes on 25
acres are planned in the Trepanier Bench area.
Project has been approved by council. Construction
has started on the luxury homes.
Conservatory Towers
Vintage Properties Ph: (250) 869-1832 Four
structures on a 15 acre site at the corner of
Glenmore Rd and Summit Dr. Four structures of 8,
12, 16 and 20-storeys and 2-storey townhouses for
a total of 1.25 million sq ft will eventually house
1,200 people and include a 150-bed extended-care
facility, 2 acre tropical indoor garden, 40,000 sq ft
of commercial space and amenities. All permits
have been issued. A 91 unit condominium is the
first building under construction, expecting to
complete in late 2008. Construction will follow with
135 units in phase 2.
Start: Spring 2008
Finish: Fall 2009
Project ID: 1667
Start: Feb 2005
Finish: 2011
Project ID: 271
Page:60
Miravista Condominiums
Renascence Development Corp. Ph: (250) 7624777 Low-rise condominium development will
include 224 units in two phases. Website:
www.miravista.ca
West Kelowna
Lakewind Residential Development
Medican Developments Ph: (403) 526-3477
Westbank residential development project located
on Carrington Road will include 717 units overall
linked by pedestrian walkways. The Lakewind
project will be developed in 4 phases. Phase 1 and
2 will include Kaleido 1, 88 units and Kaleido 2, 93
units in 4-storey condominiums and an amenity
centre. Phase 3 will have 116 units in a 16-storey
tower (Lumina) and phase 4 will have 77 lowrise
units. The Galleria will have 11 and 18-storey
towers and The Encore will be a 10-storey tower.
Start: Nov 2006
Finish: Feb 2009
Project ID: 1923
4.7.5
Start: Late 2006
Finish: 2018
Project ID: 1988
STATUS: COMPLETED
Kelowna
Kelowna Road Improvements
City of Kelowna Ph: (250) 862-3381 Multiple road
improvement projects have been completed,
including the $7.2 million project to link Water and
Pandosy Streets, road widening at Richter Street,
the $6.8 million project to reconstruct Swamp Road
and replace Casorso Bridge across Mission Creek,
and numerous paving improvement projects.
Status: Completed
Start: Mar 2007
Finish: Late 2008
Project ID: 1919
Page:61
4.8
HOUSING
In 2006, there were 67,000 private dwellings. Of these, 57.6% were single detached houses which was a
significantly higher proportion than for BC overall (49.2%).
'Occupied private dwellings' refers to a private dwelling in which a person or a group of persons are permanently
residing. Also included are private dwellings whose usual residents are temporarily absent on Census Day.
2006 Occupied Private Dwellings by Structural Type 80
RDCO
BC
Total private dwellings occupied by usual residents
67,000
1,643,150
Single-detached houses
57.6%
49.2%
Semi-detached houses
4.6%
3.1%
Row houses
5.5%
6.9%
7.0%
10.0%
18.4%
20.9%
Apartments, duplex
Apartments in buildings with fewer than five storeys
Apartments in buildings with five or more storeys
1.2%
7.1%
Other dwellings
5.7%
2.8%
The Central Okanagan also has a higher proportion of owned dwellings (77.3%) than BC overall (69.7%).
Dwellings are typically new in the region with 48.6% having been constructed between 1986 and 2006, compared
to 38.1% for BC overall.
2006 Occupied Private Dwelling Characteristics 81
RDCO
BC
Percent
#
of Total
Percent
#
of Total
Total private dwellings occupied by usual residents
67,000
100.0%
1,643,150
100.0%
Number of owned dwellings
51,760
77.3%
1,145,050
69.7%
Number of rented dwellings
15,220
22.7%
493,995
30.1%
Number of dwellings constructed before 1986
34,415
51.4%
1,017,335
61.9%
Number of dwellings constructed between 1986 and 2006
32,580
48.6%
625,815
38.1%
-
0.5%
-
1.9%
6.9
-
6.4
-
Dwellings with more than one person per room
Average number of rooms per dwelling
80
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/data/profiles/community/Index.cfm?Lang=E (accessed April 15,
2009)
81
IBID
Page:62
4.8.1
NEW HOME MARKET 82
New home starts and sales of existing homes will moderate in 2008 and 2009, dropping back from 2007’s
record levels. Demand has softened in response to slower economic and employment growth and increased
costs of home ownership. Expect existing home prices to adjust downward in 2009. The outlook remains positive
despite fewer sales and housing starts.
Kelowna’s diversified economy and growing population together with rising wages and favourable interest rates
will help support demand for new and resale housing next year. Sales and housing starts are forecast to begin
picking up later in the second half of 2009 and stabilize at lower levels next year. Home buyers will benefit from
stronger price competition and better selection of existing homes.
New Home Market Starts 1990 to 2009
Median New
Year
Single Detached
Multi-Family
Total
House Price
1990
1,257
811
2,068
$124,428
1991
1,294
923
2,217
$135,030
1992
1,484
1135
2,619
$159,009
1993
1,149
822
1,971
$174,901
1994
918
576
1,494
$177,632
1995
776
429
1,205
$179,955
1996
859
523
1,382
$180,000
1997
988
748
1,736
$190,000
1998
751
88
839
$190,000
1999
675
204
879
$200,000
2000
602
327
929
$225,000
2001
625
486
1,111
$260,000
2002
987
603
1,590
$265,400
2003
1,290
848
2,138
$279,250
2004
1,341
887
2,228
$349,900
2005
1,205
1,550
2,755
$374,900
2006
1,122
1,570
2,692
$469,000
2007
1,130
1,675
2,805
$549,000
2008 (Forecast)
850
1,550
2,400
$605,000
2009 (Forecast)
750
1,050
1,850
$625,000
82
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Housing Market Outlook, Kelowna CMA, First Quarter 2009, March
2009, http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64183/64183_2009_M03.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:63
Growth in Median New House Price 1990 to 2009 83
4.8.2
HOUSING RESALE MARKET 84
Forecasts for MLS Sales were revised downwards for 2008 and 2009, while new MLS listings forecasts were
revised upwards, placing significant downward pressure on MLS average prices.
Resale Market – Kelowna CMA MLS® Sales 2005 to 2009
2005
2006
2007
2008
%
2009
%
Forecast
Change
Forecast
Change
MLS® Sales
5,256
4,790
5,584
3,800
-31.9
4,000
3.6%
MLS® New Listings
7,883
7,432
9,320
12,000
28.8
10,500
-9.1%
352,228
432,056
507,780
545,000
7.3
502,000
5.0%
MLS® Average Price ($)
83
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Housing Market Outlook, Kelowna CMA, First Quarter 2009, March
2009, http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64183/64183_2009_M03.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
84
IBID
Page:64
4.8.3
RENTAL MARKET 85
The Kelowna area vacancy rate edged up to 0.3 per cent in October 2008 from zero vacancy a year ago.
Sustained low vacancy rates have put upward pressure on both apartment and townhouse rents during the past
year. The Kelowna area vacancy rate is expected to increase to one per cent in 2009. Rents are forecast to
continue rising in 2009. Expect smaller increases as demand for rental homes eases slightly. Rental housing
starts have continued to lag behind growth in demand. Also, the stock of existing purpose-built rental housing
has declined, contributing to sustained low vacancy rates. High home prices have, for some renters, delayed the
move to home ownership.
Average Rents - All Private Apartments 1996 to 2008 86
Survey
Date
Bachelor Suites
# of
Avg.
Units
Rent
One Bedroom
% Chg
Two Bedroom
# of
Avg.
%
# of
Avg.
Units
Rent
Chg
Units
Rent
Three Bedroom
% Chg
# of
Avg.
%
Units
Rent
Chg
1996
101
$423
0.7
1,563
$523
0.2
1,822
$644
1.6
130
$707
0.7
1997
101
$418
-1.2
1,584
$521
-0.4
1,846
$640
-0.6
132
$706
-0.1
1998
94
$423
1.2
1,628
$510
-2.1
1,857
$638
-0.3
135
$706
0.0
1999
102
$425
0.5
1,651
$518
1.6
1,880
$642
0.6
133
$711
0.7
2000
103
$435
2.4
1,646
$523
1
1,861
$645
0.5
132
$718
1.0
2001
114
$464
6.7
1,737
$541
3.4
1,941
$663
2.8
121
$722
0.6
2002
116
$478
3.0
1,618
$559
3.3
1,955
$680
2.6
123
$736
1.9
2003
120
$483
1.0
1,710
$575
2.9
2,002
$697
2.5
128
$741
0.7
2004
120
$467
-3.3
1,708
$589
2.4
2,021
$723
3.7
130
$770
**
2005
131
$497
6.4
1,734
$616
4.6
2,034
$755
4.4
117
$781
1.4
2006
133
$524
5.4
1,744
$661
7.3
2,131
$800
6.0
136
$834
6.8
2007
135
$568
8.4
1,737
$715
8.2
2,042
$846
5.7
135
$953
14.2
2008
131
$624
9.8
1728
$803
12.3
1927
$967
14.3
118
$993
4.1
85
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report - Kelowna CMA, Fall 2008 release.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64395/64395_2008_A01.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
86
IBID
Page:65
4.8.4
AVERAGE RENTS – PRIVATE ROW (TOWNHOMES) 87
Average Rents - All Private Townhomes 88
One Bedroom
Survey
Date
Two Bedroom
Three Bedroom
# of
Avg.
%
# of
Avg.
%
# of
Avg.
%
Units
Rent
Change
Units
Rent
Change
Units
Rent
Change
1996
18
$419
2.4
377
$627
1
95
$703
0.7
1997
18
$413
-1.4
372
$623
1998
18
$412
-0.2
375
$615
-0.6
99
$701
-0.3
-1.3
105
$732
4.4
1999
18
$484
17.5
371
$618
0.5
103
$793
8.3
2000
19
$429
-11.4
396
$610
-1.3
107
$731
-7.8
2001
19
$425
2002
33
$489
-0.9
356
$612
0.3
109
$736
0.7
15
394
$631
3.1
114
$747
1.5
2003
32
$488
-0.2
392
$633
5.1
116
$744
-0.4
2004
2005
33
**
**
397
$680
2.6
110
**
**
**
$505
**
379
$732
7.6
109
$834
**
2006
30
$551
9.1
323
$768
4.9
93
$900
7.9
2007
24
$571
3.6
301
$834
8.6
94
$1,048
16.4
2008
25
$608
6.4
290
$920
10.3
86
$1,164
11.1
One
Two
Three
4.8.5
AVERAGE RENTS – SECONDARY SUITES
Average Rents – Secondary Suites 89
Bachelor
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Single Detached
Dwelling Type
# of Units
3,411
n/a
n/a
1,040
1,411
Semi Detached, Row and Duplex
2,574
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,039
Other Primarily Accessible Suites
1,649
n/a
n/a
868
n/a
Total
7,634
n/a
847
976
1,270
87
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Rental Market Report - Kelowna CMA, Fall 2008 release.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64395/64395_2008_A01.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
88
IBID
89
IBID
Page:66
4.9
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing activity in the Central Okanagan is extremely diversified and reflects the importance of
agriculture, mining and forestry as well as the arrival and growth of new industries such as metal product &
plastics manufacturing. Manufacturing is one of the largest contributors to job creation in the region, employing
6,945 or 8.1% of the labour force in 2006.
Manufacturing jobs are typically well paying jobs that are not seasonal in nature. Major employers in this sector
include Kelowna Flightcraft (525 employees) Tolko Industries (258 employees), and Sun-Rype Products Ltd.
(368 employees). The industry is also well represented by producers of fabricated metal products, food
manufacturers, wine producers, aerospace industries, and other value added manufacturing.
The Kelowna Flightcraft Group of Companies was founded in 1970.
Kelowna Flightcraft is an award winning
AMO and operates two full service MRO facilities in Kelowna, BC and Hamilton, ON Canada. These facilities are
powered by 900 skilled and experienced staff that fly, maintain, modify, engineer and paint aircraft. Kelowna
Flightcraft is a one stop-shop servicing the Aviation Industry worldwide. Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd. is
the exclusive air cargo carrier for Purolator Courier Ltd. They ship up to 600,000 lbs. of freight nightly on their
fleet of B727’s and CV580 with a staff of over 130 dedicated to flight operations. Kelowna Flightcraft’s
subsidiary, Allied Wings, operates the Canadian Forces Contracted Flying Training and Support program. This 20
year contract with the Government of Canada is located near Winnipeg, MB, Canada. 90
Tolko Industries is a manufacturer and processor of softwood veneer and plywood products which are sold into
the Canadian, American, Asian, Middle Eastern and European markets.
Other, secondary value added manufacturers include wood window and door manufacturers, prefabricated log
frame buildings, wood kitchen cabinets and counter tops as well as other furniture manufacturing. Norelco
Cabinets and Hilbrecht Fine Furniture are two of the larger manufacturers in the area.
A small but significant number of firms manufacture various chemical products (e.g. lubricants, health products,
plus soap and cleaning products), plastics (e.g. motor vehicle or truck accessories), and other moldings (e.g.
Kelowna Industrial Plastics and Whitewater Composites), computer electronics (e.g. aircraft management
systems and wireless communications products), as well as medical equipment and supplies.
Other examples of the diversity and strength of the manufacturing sector in the Central Okanagan include
Dopplymayr Lifts Ltd., a major supplier of ski lifts to mountain operations world wide; Western System Controls
who produce control panels, pneumatic systems and parts for aircrafts; and Campion Marine who have been
building boats in the Okanagan for over thirty years.
90
Kelowna Flightcraft website, homepage, http://www.flightcraft.ca/ (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:67
BC Manufacturer’s Directory - Firms by NAICS 2009 91
Description (NAICS) # of Firms Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (Machine Shops, Metal Window and Door Manufacturing, Percent 32 15% 30 14% Wineries and Distilleries 15 7% Wood Product Manufacturing 15 7% Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing 14 6% Transportation Equipment Manufacturing 12 5% Machinery Manufacturing 12 5% Non‐metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 11 5% Miscellaneous Manufacturing & Other Services 10 5% Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing 9 4% Printing and Related Support Activities 8 4% Chemical Manufacturing 7 3% Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing 7 3% Software Publishers & Computer Systems Design & Related Services 7 3% Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing 6 3% Sign Manufacturing 5 2% Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing 4 2% Periodical Publishers 4 2% Grain and Oilseed Milling 3 1% Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing 3 1% Paper Manufacturing 2 1% Dairy Product Manufacturing 1 0% Mining (except Oil and Gas) 1 0% Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing 1 0% 219 100% Metal Valve Manufacturing, Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating and Allied Activities, etc.) Food Manufacturing (Fruit and Vegetable Canning, Pickling and Drying, Rendering and Meat Processing from Carcasses, Commercial Bakeries and Frozen Bakery Product Manufacturing etc.) Total Note: Listing in the database is voluntary and not all firms in the sector are included in the database of firms by
industry classification.
91
British Columbia Manufacturer’s Directory, List by Regional District, http://www.made-inbc.ca/bcmd/servlets/bcmd.BcmdAdvSearchServlet, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:68
4.10 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE
4.10.1
RETAIL SALES
Retail sales are expected to be essentially flat in comparison to 2008. According to the Financial Post Sales
Survey, the total estimated retail sales for 2009 in the Central Okanagan were expected to be $2,516.8. This
represents a drop of 0.8% compared to a projected drop of 0.4% provincially.
Retail Sales ($ millions) 92
Central Okanagan
Year
(RD) Total Sales
% Change
BC Total Sales
% Change
1999
$1,401.4
27.5%
$34,881.8
6.2%
2000
$1,477.5
5.4%
$37,437.7
7.3%
2001
$1,845.9
25.0%
$36,141.4
-3.5%
2002
$1,761.3
-4.6%
$39,321.1
8.8%
2003
$1,904.0
8.1%
$42,184.2
7.3%
2004
$1,944.2
2.1%
$43,039.3
2.0%
2005
$2,009.8
3.4%
$45,035.0
4.6%
2006
$2,458.8
22.3%
$52,390.7
16.3%
2007
$2,706.7
10.1%
$55,506.5
5.9%
2008
$2,538.8
-6.2%
$57,263.7
3.1%
2009
$2,516.8
-0.8%
$56,986.8
-0.4%
Note: Retail sales estimates are based on Statistics Canada monthly survey
Note that the FP Markets no longer profiles retail sales by category at the sub-provincial level.
92
Financial Post, 2007, FP Markets Canadian Demographics 2008, 81st Ed.
Page:69
The Kelowna area is the largest retail and business centre in the interior of BC with a total of seven shopping
centres. Orchard Park Shopping Centre is the largest shopping centre between Calgary and Vancouver and has
recently undergone a major expansion. Most major chain stores are represented locally, including Wal-Mart,
Costco, The Brick, The Bay, Sears, Zellers, London Drugs, Superstore, Home Depot, Rona, and Chapters.
Largest Stores in the Kelowna Area (Square Footage) 93
Store
Square
Footage
Wal-Mart Supercentre (Westbank)
178,000
Real Canadian Superstore (Westbank)
175,000
Rona Home and Garden
140,000
Wal-Mart (Kelowna)
135,000
Home Depot (Kelowna)
130,000
The Bay
127,000
Zellers (Westbank)
118,000
Costco
117,250
Real Canadian Superstore
115,000
Canadian Tire (Kelowna)
104,000
Sears
95,000
Home Depot (Westbank)
85,000
Canadian Tire (Westbank)
58,000
93
Economic Development Commission of the Central Okanagan, 2008
Page:70
4.11 AGRICULTURE
In 2006, there were 1,285 farm operators in the Central Okanagan representing $1.2 billion in total farm capital
on 1,580 square kilometres of land. Gross receipts for farm operations in 2006 were $72.2 million. The bench
lands within and surrounding the City of Kelowna and extending to Peachland yield a large portion of the apples
grown in the province, as well as increasing quantities of grapes, and a significant amount of cherries, prunes,
plums, peaches, apricots and vegetables.
Beef cattle range over much of the surrounding hillside and range land. Dairy farming is also important in the
area, however, most dairy production has been converted to more intensive agriculture or to non-farm uses.
There are a small number of newer poultry farms as well as some farms growing nursery products and
producing greenhouse crops. The head office of BC Tree Fruits Ltd., which handles the marketing of most fresh
tree fruits in the BC Interior is located in Kelowna, as well as the headquarters of Sun-Rype Products Ltd.
Sun-Rype Products Limited is a major Canadian fruit processor located in Kelowna. In 1946, the BC Fruit
Growers Association, who had already been in the apple business for over 50 years, created BC Fruit Processing
Ltd. to produce and sell a pure 100% apple juice. This company later became Sun-Rype and is now the largest
juice manufacturer's marketer in Canada. Sun-Rype now employs over 365 people in the Kelowna area. By
maintaining its head office in the Central Okanagan, the company draws attention to one of the area's best
known industries.
4.11.1
AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE 94
The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) in the Regional District of Central Okanagan was designated on July 24,
1974 and today accounts for 9% of the Regional District’s overall area.
94
Regional District of the Central Okanagan, Agricultural Overview, February 2009.
Page:71
Selected Farm and Farm Operator Statistics 95
Central Okanagan
Subdivision
Subdivision
A
B
Central
Thompson-
Okanagan
Okanagan
(RDCO)
(DR)
Farm and farm operator statistics
Total population in 2006 1
122,214
40,062
162,276
491,479
Total number of operators
1,285
205
1,480
8,555
55.3
56.8
55.5
54.5
820
135
955
5,400
Average age of operators
Total male operators
Total female operators
460
65
525
3,155
Total number of farms
876
141
1,017
5,700
1,580
1,324
2,904
94,308
23,407
3,794
27,201
713,986
27
27
27
125
$72.2
$14.1
$86.2
$450.2
$1,239.5
$170.2
$1,409.7
$6,496.3
5,350
1,490
6,840
83,502
Apples
1,683
853
2,536
x
Alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures
Land statistics
Land area (km2) 1
Total area of farms (hectares)
Average area of farms (hectares)
Farm finance statistics
Total gross farm receipts (excluding forest
products sold) ($ Millions)
Total farm capital (market value $
Millions)
Crop and horticulture statistics
Land in crops (hectares)
Top crops (hectares)
1,313
123
1,436
x
Total area of nursery products
459
99
558
x
All other tame hay and fodder crops
371
46
417
x
Sweet cherries
295
35
330
x
4,281
135
4,416
217,269
x
x
204
5,984
Livestock statistics
Total cattle and calves
Total pigs
Note that farm receipts breakouts by category have not been released by Statistics Canada at the sub-provincial
level since 2005 (reporting for fiscal 2003). As such, the BC Regional Index tables have been withdrawn as they
no longer meet the expectations of users for current information.
95
Statistics Canada, 2006 Census of Agriculture, Selected variables,
http://www26.statcan.ca:8080/AgrProfiles/cp06/TableList.action?prov=59&geog_id_amal=590335020&tab_id=
1&search=search&loccode=52629&placename=central+okanagan&placestart=0&geog_id=590335020&offname
=Central+Okanagan+G (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:72
4.11.2
FRUIT 96
Farm revenues from apple and other tree fruit crops are slowly shrinking as older orchards are being converted
to more profitable uses, including grape growing, hobby farms, and non farming uses. However, revenues from
tree fruit crops remains moderately high and is likely to remain so over the next several years.
The Central Okanagan is a participant in the Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program (SIR). The
goal of SIR is to control the codling moth, a tree fruit pest, to the point where no control interventions are
required in commercial orchards and their surrounding areas in the participating fruit growing regions of the
Okanagan, Similkameen, Creston and Shuswap Valleys.
SIR is a highly successful area-wide community initiative that applies nature-friendly technology to the control
of codling moth, the BC tree fruit industries most damaging and costly pest. Prior to SIR, azinphos-methyl, a
highly toxic organophosphate spray was the primary method used to manage the codling moth. It has been
necessary for some growers to spray up to five applications of this product per year. This is an ongoing health
concern, especially to growers who work on trees directly in the sprayed areas.
Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program Facts and Figures for 2008 97
Area
Belgo
# of Traps
Wild CM
Fruit
Injured
for 2008
Sampled
Fruit
Apples
Pears
184
970
61,000
110
418.83
0.1
54
204
16,750
16
21.78
100.75
East Kelowna
429
1,897
136,150
430
1,050.12
16.39
Ellison
155
107
54,415
47
389.94
3.34
Glenmore
135
674
46,200
39
261.55
71.48
Okanagan Mission
13
119
6,000
8
17.7
6.34
Peachland
18
16
4,500
0
40.82
0
Rutland
185
1,171
58,550
82
470
5.26
South Kelowna
207
1,672
72,500
174
462.27
17.22
Benvoulin
West Kelowna
TOTAL ZONE 2
85
2,857
30,250
131
169.92
9.52
1,465
9,687
486,315
1037
3,302.93
230.40
96
Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program, http://www.oksir.org/about.htm, (Accessed June 11,
2008)
97
Okanagan Kootenay Sterile Insect Release Program, by e-mail, March 19, 2009
Page:73
4.11.3
WINE AND GRAPE PRODUCTION
Grape production in BC occurs in the Okanagan Valley, the Similkameen Valley, the Fraser Valley, and on the
coastal islands. The majority of grape acreage is planted in the Okanagan/Similkameen region. The
Okanagan/Similkameen Valleys are located in the rain shadow of the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges; the
region is an ideal site for grape production. Long, hot summers are followed by cool nights and warm days in
the fall which provide perfect conditions for ripening wine grapes. Winter temperatures are usually mild with
little snow cover. However, some winters can be cold and winter injury of the vines is probable from time to
time.
Ice wine is the product that distinguishes BC from most other wine growing areas of the world. BC is famous for
its ice wine and while not a major portion of the crop is harvested as ice wine, it brings excellent publicity to the
industry. Approximately 1.5% of the crop is harvested as ice wine. Temperatures must be at least -8°C for a
period of several hours before harvest can begin. The berries must be frozen solidly and often the crop is picked
during the night under lights and with frozen fingers. Some years, the crop is not harvested as ice wine as the
winter is too mild. 98
4.11.4
BRITISH COLUMBIA WINE INSTITUTE 99
The British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI) was created by an act of the provincial legislature, the BC Wine Act,
in 1990. It was conceived as a component of a strategic plan of industry and government to create an
internationally competitive wine industry. The strategy included the removal of labrusca and hybrid grape
varieties and replanting vineyards to vinifera varietals, establishing an industry based on premium wine
production.
The BCWI plays a key role in the growth of BC’s wine industry. Their 66 winery members and 15 grape grower
partners represent 95% of BC VQA sales, 95% of the province’s total wine production and produce 88% of
100% BC grape wine production.
BC VQA wines are now the second-largest category (behind only non-VQA Canadian wine) in BC sales and these
sales continue to grow. BC VQA wines now dominate the quality wine market in BC – meaning British
Columbians choose BC VQA wines over imported wines from any other region or country.
The BCWI works to build and market the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA) wine brand, creates the business
climate that allows members to prosper, liaises with government and stakeholders on key business and
regulatory issues and promotes the industry to key wine, food and travel media.
98
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, An Overview of the British Columbia Grape Industry, 2004,
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/grape/publications/documents/overview_grapes_dec2004.pdf (Accessed April 15,
2009)
99
British Columbia Wine Institute Website, About Us, http://www.winebc.com/aboutus.php (Accessed April 15,
2009)
Page:74
4.11.5
WINERIES 100
According to the BC Wine Institute, there are currently 144 licensed grape wineries in B.C. and 20 more
proposed grape wineries with licenses pending. 66 are members of the BCWI. BCWI membership represents
95% of BC VQA sales, 95% of the total wine production in the province and produce 88% of 100% BC grape
wine production. 63.1 % of wine grape acreage is winery owned or controlled.
There are 710 vineyards in B.C.
(both winery and independently owned), with acreage distributed as follows:
•
84.3 % in the Okanagan Valley
•
6.4 % in the Similkameen Valley
•
7.3 % in the Coastal Areas
•
2.0 % in Other areas of B.C.
4.11.6
GRAPE PRODUCTION
Most of the BC grape acreage is planted to wine grapes (approximately
Harvest and Estimated Production (Historical)
9,100 acres in 2008.) 101
102
Harvest
Year
(short tons –
Production
2,000 lbs)
(litres, est.)
2008
22,200
14,996,100
2007
19,777
13,394,757
2006
20,369
13,802,563
2005
14,084
8,450,400
2004
16,642
9,985,200
2003
16,897
10,138,200
2002
15,523
9,313,800
2001
14,137
8,482,200
2000
10,022
6,013,200
1999
10,957
6,574,200
1998
10,188
6,112,800
1997
6,603
2,961,800
1996
6,102
3,661,200
1995
8,108
4,864,800
100
BC Wine Institute, B.C. GRAPE ACREAGE REPORT, August 2008,
http://www.winebc.com/library/reports/2008_Grape_Acreage_Report.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
101
British Columbia Wine Institute Website, Quick Facts, http://www.winebc.com/quickfacts.php (Accessed April
15, 2009)
102
IBID
Page:75
4.12 TOURISM
The Kelowna area has developed into an international destination that attracts tourists year round from all over
the globe. As a result, tourism is now a major employment and economic contributor to the Central Okanagan.
Okanagan Lake and the abundant and accessible beaches, water recreation and parkland have provided the
primary draw for summer vacationers for many years. In addition, the Kelowna area is truly a golf destination
with 14 quality golf courses, and more under construction. Dotting the surrounding countryside are 13 wineries
where visitors can sample the renowned of the Okanagan Valley throughout the year. In Kelowna’s Cultural
District, a wide range of galleries, museums, theaters, fine dining restaurants, and unique shops are poised for
discovery. Lake City Casino, numerous festivals and cultural events add to the vibrancy of the area. During the
winter months, skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities are available at nearby Big White and Silverstar
Ski Resorts and other wilderness lodges.
Meetings, conventions and sporting events play a vital role in supporting the local tourism industry. Kelowna
has become a desirable destination for these activities, which are expected to grow due to the continued
improvement in the region’s air access.
There are a number of dimensions to the economic impact of tourism in the Central Okanagan.
These include:
Accommodations: There are over 45 hotels, motels and resorts, and over 100 bed and breakfasts in the
region, as well as nearby campsites, supplying a large number of jobs and tax revenue for the local economy.
Attractions: The world renowned wineries, golf courses, ski resorts, galleries, museums and other attractions
in the region also generate a significant number of employment opportunities.
Kelowna International Airport: Kelowna International Airport is Canada’s largest municipally owned and
operated airport. YLW has over 30 departures per day with non-stop service to Calgary, Edmonton, Las Vegas,
Prince George, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria on five air carriers; Air Canada, AC Jazz, Central
Mountain Air, Horizon Air and WestJet. Seasonal charter service is also offered to Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto
Vallarta.
Other business benefit from tourism: Tourist spending benefits a wide range of businesses, including retail,
food and beverage providers, and ground transportation (taxis, buses etc.).
4.12.1
TOURIST VISITOR SPENDING
Statistics Canada estimates that there were a total of 1.2 million person visits to the Kelowna area in 2004 by
non-local residents. Of the 1.2 million visitors, 1 million (83%) stayed overnight in the Kelowna area, with the
remainder being day visitors.
Each visitor to the Kelowna area spent an average of $425 during their stay on accommodation, retail, food and
beverage, attractions, and other expenditures. In total, it was estimated that visitors to the area spend
approximately $346 million per annum.
Page:76
4.12.2
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TOURISM
Tourism in the Kelowna area generates 6,900 direct jobs, equal to 5,100 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Total
wages associated with tourism related employment are $130 million.
Including multiplier impacts (direct and induced), a total of 9,800 jobs (FTEs) may be generated across BC by
the region’s tourism industry.
In addition to employment, the region’s tourism industry generates roughly $220 million in direct Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and $390 million in direct economic output.
Including indirect and induced impacts, tourism in the region generates $320 million in GDP, and $610 million in
economic impact for the province.
4.12.3
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TOURISM 103
Total Impacts
Employment
Jobs
Wages
FTEs
GDP
Output
Direct
6,900
5,100
($ millions)
130
($ millions)
220
($ millions)
390
Indirect
2,100
1,600
30
70
160
Induced
800
600
10
30
60
9,800
7,300
170
320
610
Total
4.12.4
ACCOMMODATION SECTOR 104
The accommodation sector experienced a difficult year in 2008 compared to the past decade. Room revenues
remained essentially flat with economic conditions placing downward pressure on both business and leisure
travel, particularly in the latter half of the year.
Accommodation Room Revenue 2008 105
Revenue
Properties
% Change
2008
Central Okanagan
Rooms
# Change
from 2007
2008
from 2007
# Change
2008
from 2007
95,336
1.6
59
4
3,934
49
Hotels
61,162
2.0
22
2
2,114
173
76-150 Rooms
34,968
6.7
11
1
1,186
99
13,325
-5.6
19
0
896
0
82,618
0.0
49
3
3,307
35
Motels
City of Kelowna
Note: Significant revision to past data make the 2008 data incompatible for comparison with previous releases.
103
Tourism Kelowna, November 2006, The Economic Impact of Tourism in Kelowna
Tourism Sector Monitor, March 2009, http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/tour/tsmdata.pdf (Accessed April
15, 2009)
105
IBID
104
Page:77
4.12.5
SEASONALITY 106
The accommodation sector in the Central Okanagan exhibits significant seasonality. Roughly two thirds of room
revenue is earned in the middle quarters of the year (spring, summer and fall). July and August are the key
revenue months.
Central Okanagan Quarterly Room Revenue 2004 to 2008
Year
Total
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2004
68,490.7
12,684.4
16,481.2
28,144.8
11,180.2
2005
75,118.5
15,744.7
17,429.4
29,610.0
12,334.5
2006
80,372.7
15,215.0
20,014.2
31,568.2
13,575.3
2007
93,864.2
18,568.3
22,949.8
37,722.8
14,623.3
2008
95,336.1
19,015.2
24,864.6
36,639.9
14,816.3
2007-2008 Central Okanagan Quarterly Room Revenue
106
BC Stats, Quarterly Regional Statistics, Central Okanagan, First Quarter 2008,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/pubs/qrs/rd35.pdf (Accessed June 16,2008)
Page:78
4.13 FORESTRY
Forests in the Central Okanagan are part of the Okanagan Shuswap Forest District, which is one of 29 Districts
in the Province. Fifty-seven Ministry of Forests staff located in Vernon, Penticton and Salmon Arm provide
stewardship over diverse forest and range ecosystems in the Okanagan, Lower Similkameen and Shuswap
drainages.
The area is one of the most ecologically complex areas in the province and covers approximately 2.25 million
hectares. The area is approximately 320 km long by 140 km wide and stretches from the U.S. border in the
south to Seymour River/Shuswap Lake in the north. The area consists of roughly 1.4 million hectares of forest
land, of which 73% is available for harvest.
Vegetation ranges from wet interior hemlock/cedar forests to semi-arid sagebrush. Lodgepole Pine and
Douglas-fir are the dominant tree species. The area has seven biogeoclimatic zones and is home to numerous
endangered, threatened or vulnerable species.
The forest products industry continues to face a challenging year in 2009. Reduced demand for softwood lumber
south of the border, low lumber prices, high Canadian dollar and supply issues stemming from the pine beetle
epidemic have led to some job losses at Okanagan operations. 107
4.13.1
ANNUAL ALLOWABLE CUTS (AAC)
z
Okanagan TSA has an AAC of 2,655,000 m3/year.
z
TFL 49, Riverside Forest Products Ltd, has an AAC of 580,000 m3/year.
z
TFL 33, Federated Co-operatives Ltd, has an AAC of 21,000 m3/year.
z
TFL 15, Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd, has an AAC of 70,000 m3/year.
4.13.2
MAJOR LICENSES IN THE OKANAGAN TIMBER SUPPLY AREA 108
Approximately 93% of the cut is held in replaceable forest licenses and BC Timber Sales.
Allowable Annual Cut by Company
Company
AAC
Location
Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd
330,031 m3/yr
Okanagan Falls
Tolko Industries Ltd
783,497 m3/yr
Lavington, Kelowna, Armstrong
Gorman Brothers Ltd
228,119 m3/yr
Westbank, Lumby
Louisiana-Pacific Canada Engineered Wood Products Ltd
111,539 m3/yr
Malakwa
Federated Co-operatives Ltd
303,060 m3/yr
Canoe
Bell Pole Ltd
45 286 m3/yr
Lumby
BC Timber Sales
516,122 m3/yr
Throughout the TSA
107
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Housing Market Outlook, Kelowna CMA, Second Quarter 2008
BC Ministry of Forests and Range, Okanagan Shuswap Forest District, Quick Facts,
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/dos/dist_qik_facts.htm, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
108
Page:79
4.14 TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY
The high technology industry is not a standard industry defined in the North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) used by Statistics Canada. High technology, along with tourism and secondary manufacturing
are specially defined sectors and are composites of smaller parts of traditionally defined industries under NAICS
The industry-based definition of the high tech sector includes manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and other
chemicals, computers and other electronic products, aerospace products and parts, and medical equipment and
supplies. Also included are service industries such as engineering, computer services, motion picture and video
production, surveying and mapping, scientific and technical consulting, telecommunications, and research and
development. For a list of NAICs codes included in the high technology industry see:
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/bus_stat/busind/hi_tech/htii2008.pdf
The Thompson-Okanagan Development Region accounts for approximately 8% of technology firms in the
Province. Over one third of those businesses are located in the Central Okanagan. The high-tech sector in the
Central Okanagan, as it is provincially, is dominated by service sector firms with 85% of high technology firms
in the service sector. The Central Okanagan Valley has gained recognition as an expanding high technology
centre and is considered the third largest technology zone in British Columbia, following Vancouver and Victoria.
According to an Okanagan Science and Technology Council (OSTEC) survey conducted in 2006, the bulk (81%)
of technology firms in the Okanagan are located in Kelowna. In total, 85 OSTEC member companies were
surveyed. 109
High Technology Sector Establishments, by Development Region and Regional District, 2003-2006 110
2003
Mfg
Service
2004
Total
Mfg
Service
2005
Total
Mfg
Service
2006
Total
Mfg
Service
Total
Thompson/Okanagan
78
563
641
75
557
632
86
595
681
80
641
721
35 Central Okanagan
43
223
266
41
214
255
48
221
269
45
247
292
Shuswap
4
58
62
3
61
64
3
66
69
2
66
68
37 North Okanagan
9
72
81
10
81
91
12
90
102
11
97
108
8
69
77
7
62
69
8
71
79
7
77
84
14
141
155
14
139
153
15
147
162
15
154
169
39 Columbia-
07 OkanaganSimilkameen
33 Thompson-Nicola
109
Okanagan Science and Technology Council, The Present State Of High Technology Businesses In the
Okanagan Region 2006, January 2007, http://siliconvineyard.com/uploadedFiles/images/ThePresentStateOfHiTechnologyBusinessesIntheOkanaganRegion2006.pdf
110
BC Stats, Profile of the British Columbia Technology Sector, 2007 Edition,
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/bus_stat/busind/hi_tech/HTPcurr.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:80
Based on the BC Manufacturers Directory, industries represented in the high technology sector in the Central
Okanagan include: 111
NAICS Description Firms 339110 Medical Equipment and Supplies 5 511210 Software Publishers 4 334512 Measuring, Medical and Controlling Devices 3 336410 Aerospace Products and Parts 2 333310 Commercial and Service Industry 2 541510 Computer Systems Design and Related 2 334220 Radio, Television Broadcasting & Wireless Communications Equipment 2 335990 All Other Electrical Equipment and Component 1 325189 Other Inorganic Chemicals 1 325410 Pharmaceutical and Medicine 1 335315 Switchgear and Switchboard, and Relay and Industrial Control Apparatus 1 334210 Telephone Apparatus 1 The following list contains a selection of high technology firms in the Central Okanagan. It is not intended to be
a comprehensive list, but demonstrates the breadth of technology companies in the region.
4.14.1
SELECTED HIGH-TECHNOLOGY FIRMS 112
Company
Description
Club Penquin (Disney Online
Virtual world website for kids ages 6 ‐ 14 which was acquired by The Employees
Studios Canada Inc.)
Walt Disney Company in August 2007. Disney Online Studios is one of 292
the key firms credited with Canada being well represented in the global gaming production network. Quantum Windpower
Designing, Developing, prototyping and engineering industrial, Manufacturing Corp.
commercial and residential wind turbine systems
Northern Airborne Technology
Manufacturer of specialized communication equipment for helicopter Ltd.
and fixed wing aircraft, including audio, FM, intercoms, P/A, data 27 150
interface accessories, and satellite communications systems. Vadim Software
Provider of fully integrated, innovative software designed specifically 51
for municipalities, local government, and utility companies. MK Technologies Ltd.
Designs, prototypes and manufactures items from the high technology 6
sector to production runs of standard items. Market their own line of scale platforms, alignment gages, and support equipment for the motorsport industry. Identec Solutions, Inc.
Active RFID (RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION) systems with 12
read/write range of 100 metres to track high‐value assts from raw material through assembly and finished goods management. Waterplay Manufacturing Inc.
Design and manufacturing of aquatic playground equipment for use in hotels, resorts, daycares, public parks and backyards. 111
112
BC Manufacturer’s Directory, http://www.made-in-bc.ca/ (Accessed April 15, 2009)
IBID
Page:81
30
The number of high tech companies in the Central Okanagan has increased from 266 in 2003 to 292 in
2006.
Growth in Technology Sector Establishments – Central Okanagan 2003 to 2006
Okanagan Science and Technology Council
www.ostec.ca
Two major research institutions provide a focus for research and development in the area. The Pacific Agri-Food
Research Centre located just outside of Summerland, south of Kelowna, combines leading-edge technology with
the study of agriculture to benefit the area’s diverse economy. Here, scientists partner with local orchardists,
vintners, farms and private enterprise to develop innovative practices.
Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre
http://res2.agr.ca/parc-crapac/
The National Research Council’s Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory near Penticton offers antenna and
radio frequency engineering services, including training, graduate student programs and industry consultation.
Part of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, this 25,000 square foot facility performs specialized research and
development using wireless technology that has been applied by local companies.
National Research Council
www.drao.nrc.ca
Page:82
ORIC™ is an Applied Research & Innovation Organization with it’s headquarter located in the Industry
Partnership Facility of National Research Council of Canada Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (NRCDRAO) near Penticton, B.C., Canada. The mission of the Okanagan Research & Innovation Centre (ORIC)™ is to
create high-tech jobs and sustainable economic value for the Okanagan Valley and beyond. ORIC and its client
companies have access to the extensive equipment and know-how of NRCs world-class facility for radio
astronomy.
ORIC’s new Innovation Centre in Kelowna opened in November, 2008. The Innovation Centre is a hightechnology business incubator aimed primarily at nurturing the development and sustainability of start-up, high
growth technology companies. ORIC Kelowna also hosts a full staff of the National Research Council of CanadaIndustrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) and the Okanagan Innovation Fund (OIF) / Southern
Interior Innovation Fund (SIIF). The facility offers 7,500 square feet available for high-tech start-up companies
as well as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Several offices for rent with different sizes.
A large board room (seats 18 persons) and two smaller meeting rooms
Hot-desking for visitors
Wired and wireless internet access
Receptionist
Snail mail address
VOIP telephone system
Plaza with water cooler for networking
Pre-incubation area
ORIC
www.oric.ca
In addition, Okanagan College offers its Research Services/Technology Access Centre in support of research
partnerships with industry and college projects.
Okanagan College
www.okanagan.bc.ca
Page:83
4.15 INDUSTRIAL LAND
4.15.1
REGIONAL DISTRICT
Land uses within most of the Regional District of Central Okanagan are regulated by Official Community Plans
and Zoning Bylaw No. 871. Zoning Bylaw No. 871 applies to the Regional District except for incorporated towns
and cities (Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna and Lake Country), First Nations Reserves, and the area covered
by the Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw. On April 1, 2005, in accordance with the Westbank First Nation SelfGovernment Agreement, Westbank By-Laws in force prior to April 1st became Westbank Laws under selfgovernment.
Zoning Bylaw No. 871 can be viewed, or obtained for a nominal cost at the Development Services Department
(Planning) of the Regional District of Central Okanagan in Kelowna and the Westbank Chamber of Commerce,
2375 Pamela Rd, Westbank.
Relevant bylaws are available on line at the following locations:
RDCO Bylaw No. 871:
www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/planning/planning_bylaw871.aspx
Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw: www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/planning/planning_joerichbylaw.aspx
City of Kelowna:
www.city.kelowna.bc.ca/CM/Page70.aspx
Peachland:
www.peachland.ca/council/bylaws/bylaws.htm
Lake Country:
www.lakecountry.bc.ca/Documents/Bylaws/
Westbank Fist Nation:
www.wfn.ca/lands/wfnlaws.html
There are currently 1,405 acres of industrial zoned land able to be freely developed (this does not include
Westbank First Nation). Four out of the five areas in the Central Okanagan accommodate industrial
development. The Central Okanagan East (formerly Joe Rich-Ellison) region has no industrial areas defined,
while the City of Kelowna contains the majority.
The Central Okanagan (RDCO) has several zoning classifications for industrial land. Lake Country, Electoral Area
I (Central Okanagan East) and Central Okanagan J (excluding West Kelowna) are covered by the following
industrial zoning:
I-1: Light Industrial
I-2: Heavy Industrial
I-3: Forest Industrial
I-4: Gravel Extraction Industrial
I-5: Rural Industrial
Page:84
4.15.2
CITY OF KELOWNA
There are 1320.2 acres of existing zoned industrial land (including gravel extraction). Gravel extraction
accounts for 71.3 acres of that total. There has been recent conversion of some gravel extraction sites to other
industrial/business park uses. There are currently 1721.5 acres of land that, although not currently zoned
industrial, is designated for future industrial uses in the Official Community Plan.
4.15.3
WEST KELOWNA
Six percent of the total area of currently zoned industrial land in the Central Okanagan is located within West
Kelowna, where industrial land use has become increasingly diversified. In addition to wine manufacturing
(wineries), industrial activity in West Kelowna is focused in areas located north of Highway 97 in the vicinity of
Stevens Road and at Gorman’s Mill. While the amount of currently zoned industrial land is limited in West
Kelowna, the current industrial area north of Highway 97, between Daimler and Westlake Roads is one of the
largest contiguous intact industrial areas in the Central Okanagan (including the City of Kelowna), and provides
a source of employment and local diversity as well as opportunities for new industrial growth.
West Kelowna Council’s 2009 Strategic Priorities identify the following industrial related priorities:
•
Promote more industrial/commercial land
•
Identify light industrial park in Official Community Plan (to be completed by end of 2009)
•
Investigate Stevens Rd./Hwy 97 opportunities/enhancements
•
Re-development and clean up of industrial park – investigate opportunities for Eco-Industrial Park
•
Undertake a light industry strategy to identify strategies to promote further development and
redevelopment of light industrial land.
4.15.4
PEACHLAND
The District of Peachland (incorporated in 1909) has evolved into a "hillside" community due to the combination
of geographical location and terrain of the area. Bordered by Okanagan Lake, Mount Drought and Mount
Coldham, Peachland has developed into a linear community. Lands of 20-30% slopes dominate the area, while
critically steep (40% and greater) slopes form the hill above the downtown core as well as other areas.
Due to the physical profile of the area, only a small pocket of industrial development has occurred in the
uppermost part of Peachland at the upper end of Princeton Ave. A total of six parcels constitute this area’s
industrial supply, of which all are greater than four acres in size. The combined area of these properties is 46
acres, which is 3% of the total area of zoned industrial land in the Central Okanagan. The entire industrial area
of Peachland is zoned I-1 for light industrial uses and warehousing. With the exception of resource
extraction/gravel processing associated with specific development projects, the District does not have land
suitable for heavy industrial activity.
Only 33% of the area’s industrial zoned land is developed and occupied. The high vacancy rate is attributed to
not only the location of these areas, but also to the fact that limited services to these sites have afforded little
development. The OCP promotes the location of appropriate clean industrial activity in the industrial
designation. In so doing, roadway access and water service will be improved, and ultimately sanitary sewer
extended to this area. Should a high-level bypass road be constructed, regional access into this industrial site
will be facilitated.
Page:85
The District of Peachland has completed the installation of new sewers; all lakefront properties from north to
south of Peachland’s downtown area now has sufficient sewage treatment, which alleviates pollutants from
entering the Okanagan Lake.
For more information: Peachland www.peachland.ca
4.15.5
LAKE COUNTRY
Of the lands not in the Agricultural Land Reserve, 66 acres are zoned for industrial use in Lake Country, which is
4% of the total amount of industrial land zoned in the Central Okanagan. Four parcels that are 10 acres and
larger account for 54% (30 acres) of the area’s industrial land supply, and 36% of the number of industrial
parcels belong in the 1 to 5 acres size range (even though the total amount of acreage in this range only
accounts for 5% of Lake Country’s industrial land supply). Light industry is the most prevalent use in this area
since just over half (55%) of the non-ALR industrial zoned land is classified I-1.
Future plans for industrial development in Lake Country are extensive. A 495-acre creation of an industrial area
is proposed to occur at the southeast end of the area, along the City of Kelowna – District of Lake Country
municipal boundary. Development is planned to be in conjunction with the City of Kelowna/Winfield Beaver Lake
Rd. and industrial area. Two industrial business parks are also proposed: one in the area between Glenmore
Road and Okanagan Centre Road, and the second just north of the City’s new 60 acre industrial development in
the Beaver Lake Road area. These business parks will accommodate retail and service uses developed to high
standards, while forming an important component of the smaller, more land efficient businesses. It is the intent
of the District of Lake Country to service these proposed industrial areas with municipal water and sanitary
sewer.
4.15.6
WESTBANK FIRST NATION
Land uses within Westbank First Nation lands are regulated by Westbank First Nation Land Use Law No. 200701. The WFN Land Use Plan which is Schedule "A" to the WFN Land Use Law, designates land that could be
zoned to accommodate industrial uses.
There are approximately 51 acres of existing Light Industrial zoned land on WFN Tsinstikeptum I.R.#9. Of this
land base, approximately 16.5 acres is currently developed with light industrial uses, approximately 4.5 acres
currently has a residential non-conforming use, approximately 15 acres is in the development process with light
industrial proposed uses, and approximately 15 acres is vacant and available for development.
WFN and the landholders are willing to consider all types of business relationships, including co-business
ventures, partnerships, etc. WFN is self-governing under federal legislation and has assumed full jurisdiction
over its lands, including lease registration . There are no Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) restrictions. Prime
consideration will be given to manufacturing, industrial, first-class business office parks, commercial ventures
and hotel and tourism related facilities.
Economic Development Officer
Page:86
Westbank First Nation
http:// www.wfn.ca.
5
Infrastructure
5.1
5.1.1
TRANSPORTATION
AIR
Kelowna International Airport is the gateway into B.C.’s southern interior and a vital part of the economic
prosperity of the Okanagan Valley. Along with aerospace businesses and world class education facilities,
Kelowna International Airport represents an employment cluster of nearly 2,000 jobs and $310 million in
economic activity annually.. 113
The Kelowna International Airport is investing $36 million to expand facilities to meet the growing demand as
passenger numbers are forecast to grow to 1.6 million passengers by 2015. These include a new international
arrivals concourse capable of handling 250 passengers per hour and a runway extension from 7300 feet to 8900
feet completed in November 2008. A new screening area, opened in May 2008, features four fullyoperational screening lines and the expanded departures lounge amenities, including a full service White Spot
restaurant, a gift shop, cafe, children's play area and a wine shop which sells local vintages.
113
City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport, About YLW,
http://www.city.kelowna.bc.ca/CM/Page135.aspx, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:87
5.1.2
AIR TRAFFIC
The first three quarters of 2008 proved to be the busiest in the history of Kelowna International Airport, with
March being the busiest month ever. The economy downturn in the latter half of 2008 had a negative impact on
passenger volumes in the final quarter of 2008 which were down modestly from 2007.
A total of 1,387,043 passengers used the Airport in 2008, compared to 1,363,391 in 2007, an increase of
23,652 passengers or 5%.
Kelowna International Airport Facts and Figures 114
2005
2006
2007
2008
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Total-to-Date
Passenger
Passenger
Passenger
Passenger
Passenger
Volumes
Volumes
Volumes
Volumes
Volumes
January
89,656
104,256
120,075
125,448
125,448
February
90,229
100,113
113,013
124,644
250,092
March
95,961
110,771
128,040
128,999
379,091
April
74,718
88,067
106,406
106,532
485,623
May
82,202
93,049
109,572
110,622
596,245
June
83,228
92,936
106,583
107,133
703,378
July
August
92,439
105,744
113,575
116,638
820,016
101,521
112,087
122,397
124,214
944,230
September
85,470
98,538
106,129
108,081
1,052,311
October
90,488
101,526
109,093
111,757
1,164,068
November
86,948
98,955
103,101
102,006
1,266,074
December
105,792
120,400
124,851
120,969
1,387,043
Year Total
1,078,652
1,226,442
1,363,391
1,387,043
114
City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport, Facts and Figures,
http://www.city.kelowna.bc.ca/CM/Page182.aspx, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:88
Major Routes 115
Kelowna International Airport services nine non-stop destinations and 372 worldwide destinations with one-stop
connections.
Non-Stop Destinations
Calgary - Air Canada, WestJet (seven days a week)
Edmonton - Air Canada, WestJet (seven days a week)
Kamloops - Central Mountain Air (Sundays)
Toronto - Air Canada, WestJet (seven days a week)
Las Vegas - WestJet (Thursdays and Sundays)
Prince George - Central Mountain Air (Monday-Friday)
Seattle - Horizon Air (seven days a week)
Vancouver -Air Canada and WestJet (seven days a week)
Victoria- WestJet (seven days a week)
Seasonal Non-Stop Flights to Sunny Destinations December - April
Cancun - Sunwing Vacations, Transat Holidays
Los Cabos - Sunquest
Puerto Vallarta - Sunquest, Transat Holidays
Customer Satisfaction
YLW has been participating in an independent national customer satisfaction survey by InterVistas Consulting
Inc since 2003. 2008 results indicated an impressive level of satisfaction with Kelowna International’s facilities
and services among passengers. YLW received an overall high rating. In 2008, YLW saw an increase in
passenger satisfaction to 96 per cent, up from 92 per cent in 2007. Increased marks in the 2008 survey
included areas of safety and security, terminal cleanliness, staff courtesy and access for the disabled. Areas for
improvement included food and beverage facilities; however to address this, branded restaurants such as the
WhiteSpot and Tim Horton’s were installed at the airport in 2008. 116
115
City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport, Destinations, http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page1343.aspx,
116
Airport News, ACI-NA, Another record breaking year at Kelowna International Airport, http://acina.org/index/todaysnews_012609e (Access April 15, 2009)
Page:89
5.1.3
ROAD
Highway 97 is the Okanagan Valley’s key north-south highway with connections to several east-west highways,
including the Trans Canada Highway and Highways 3 (Crowsnest or Southern Trans Provincial Highway), 3A, 6
and 97C (Okanagan Connector). Highways 97A, 97B and 33 are north-south routes that parallel various sections
along the Highway 97 spine. However, none of these routes provides a continuous connection between the
communities in the north and the south.
Okanagan Valley Road Network Map
West Kelowna
Page:90
5.1.4
TRAFFIC VOLUME 117
Traffic measurement site P25-1NS-N monitors traffic on Highway 97, at the south end of the William R. Bennett
Bridge. The TRADAS (TRAffic DAta System) has been used since 2004 to monitor traffic volume from 120
permanent and 550 occasional sites around the province. 65 of these measurement sites also provide
information on vehicle length and speed. The TIG (Traffic Information GIS), used from 1994-2003, employed
permanent traffic counters and short seven day counts along with mathematical modeling to approximate
average numbers of vehicles at sites along the provincial highway system.
Both the TRADAS and TIG systems use common road-count terms in reports that display Annual Average Daily
Traffic (AADT), Annual Average Weekday Traffic (AAWT), Summer Average Daily Traffic (SADT), and Annual
Average Weekend Traffic (AAWET).
Below are summaries of traffic counts for Route 97 at the south end of the William R. Bennett Bridge.
Traffic Data for: William R. Bennett Bridge – P25-1NS-N 1997 - 2005
Year
AADT
AAWDT
AAWET
1997
41,595
44,476
35,488
1998
43,006
46,017
36,697
1999
43,989
46,889
37,824
2000
43,701
46,701
37,256
2001
43,809
46,616
37,772
2002
45,292
48,239
39,186
2003
45,992
49,098
39,498
2004
46,514
48,705
39,699
2005
46,786
49,132
39,604
117
Ministry of Transportation, Traffic Volumes Data, Traffic Data For: Okanagan Lake Bridge - P-25-1NS – N,
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/trafficData/index.asp, (Accessed June 24, 2008)
Page:91
5.1.5
TRAFFIC SEASONALITY
Traffic volumes on Highway 97 are highly seasonal. Peak months for travel volumes peak in July and August
and are lowest in January.
2005 - Traffic Data for: William R. Bennett Bridge – P25-1N S-N 118
Month
MADT
MAWDT
MAWET
Jan
37,786
41,237
28,758
Feb
43,401
45,322
36,342
Mar
45,551
48,516
38,082
Apr
48,097
50,200
40,750
May
49,999
51,664
43,572
Jun
50,739
53,348
42,890
Jul
52,744
55,118
46,836
Aug
52,265
53,940
46,215
Sep
48,159
49,670
41,866
Oct
46,898
48,688
40,216
Nov
43,898
47,038
36,237
Dec
41,901
44,840
33,490
2005 - Traffic Data for: William R. Bennett Bridge – P25-1NS-N
118
Ministry of Transportation, Traffic Volumes Data, Traffic Data For: Okanagan Lake Bridge - P-25-1NS – N,
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/trafficData/index.asp, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:92
Definitions:
Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT): A calculated annual estimate of the average number of vehicles
traveling thorough a traffic monitoring (TM) site during a midnight-to-midnight period on any day of the year.
Annual Average Weekday Traffic (AAWDT): A calculated annual estimate of the average number of vehicles
traveling through a TM site for each weekday (Monday through Friday).
Annual Average Weekend Traffic (AAWET): A calculated annual estimate of the average number of vehicles
traveling through a TM site for each day of the weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
Monthly Average Daily Traffic (MADT): A calculated estimate of the average number of vehicles traveling
through a TM site in the course of a calendar month.
Monthly Average Weekday Traffic (MAWDT): A calculated estimate of the average number of vehicles
traveling through a TM site for each weekday (Monday through Friday) in the course of a calendar month.
Monthly Average Weekend Traffic (MAWET): A calculated estimate of the average number of vehicles
traveling through a TM site for each weekend day (Saturday and Sunday) in the course of a calendar month.
Page:93
5.1.6
OKANAGAN LAKE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (WILLIAM R. BENNETT BRIDGE) 119
The William R. Bennett Bridge has replaced the old three-lane Okanagan Lake Bridge in Kelowna. This corridor is
the most congested stretch of highway outside the Lower Mainland accommodating an average of 46,000
vehicles per day. By 2017, more than 69,000 vehicles are expected to use the new bridge each day.
The William R. Bennett Bridge (Okanagan Lake Bridge), was completed in May 2008, and is the centerpiece of a
revitalized road network in the Okanagan.
The five-lane structure will relieve congestion along Highway 97, ensuring the safe, efficient movement of
people and goods through this growing corridor. It will play a pivotal role in growing the regional economy,
particularly the Okanagan’s signature tourism industry.
119
Ministry of Transportation, William R. Bennett Bridge Project.
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/WilliamRBennettBridge/index.htm (Accessed June 24, 2008)
Page:94
5.2
FREIGHT
Over 15 truck lines, 10 freight forwarders, and three provincial and three inter-provincial freight forwarders
service the area.
5.2.1
RAIL
For passenger transportation, both BC Rail and VIA Rail offer passenger stops in Kamloops, however they do not
pick up and deliver passengers in Kelowna. BC Rail runs north/south between North Vancouver and Prince
George, while VIA Rail serves communities moving eastward from Vancouver towards Alberta. The Okanagan
Valley Railway provides rail service to and from CPR’s east-west main line at Sicamous. The Kelowna Pacific
Railway has recently taken over as the short line operator of the Canadian National line with rights over the 77kilometers (40-miles) between Kamloops to Kelowna and Vernon to Lumby.
To date, the Okanagan Valley Railway has transported a wide variety of products, including forest products,
grain and industrial products. The entry of Kelowna Pacific Railway provides more options in getting products to
markets.
Canadian Pacific, Canadian National and Burlington Northern Railway services interconnect across North
America.
5.2.2
BUS
The Central Okanagan is served by Greyhound Lines of Canada Ltd., which provides a network to all Canadian
and US destinations.
Page:95
5.3
COMMUNICATIONS
The Okanagan Valley is well served by state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities and high-speed networks.
Firms moving to the area have a choice of competing suppliers of fibre optic networks at virtually any desired
bandwidth. High-speed connectivity is also available from cable suppliers, DSL services, or wireless connections
from local ISP’s.
Following are the major newspapers, radio stations and television stations based in the Central Okanagan.
5.3.1
NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES
Publication
Website
Circulation
The Kelowna Daily Courier
www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Daily 18,023
Events Magazine
www.eventpub.com
Wednesday circulation 55,000 plus
Westside Weekly
None
Biweekly circulation of 12,159
The Kelowna Capital News
www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_s
Sunday circulation 50,637;
imilkameen/kelownacapitalnews
Wednesday circulation 50,699;
Weekend 27,800
Friday circulation 49,231-household only
The Lake Country Calendar
www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_s
Weekly circulation of 3,000
imilkameen/lakecountrycalendar
Okanagan Business
www.bclocalnews.com/businessex
Monthly circulation free to 17,000 businesses in the
Journal
aminer/thompson_okanagan
Thompson/Okanagan
Peachland Signal
None
Weekly circulation of 1,400
Okanagan Life Magazine
www.okanaganlife.com
Monthly circulation of 25,000
5.3.2
RADIO STATIONS
Branding
FM Frequency
Call Letters
ERP
Format
Power 104
104.7 FM
CKLZ-FM
36 kW
Active rock
The Juice
103.9 FM
CJUI-FM
5.2 kW
Adult hits
B103
103.1 FM
CKOV-FM
11 kW
Country music
Silk FM
101.5 FM
CILK-FM
11 kW
Adult contemporary
Sun FM
99.9 FM
CHSU-FM
10 kW
Hot adult contemporary
K963
96.3 FM
CKKO-FM
7.1 kW
Classic Rock
The Bull
92.9 FM
CKBL-FM
10 kW
Country music
CBC Radio 1
88.9 FM
CBTK-FM
5.2 kW
Public Broadcasting
AM 1150
1150 AM
CKFR
10 kW
News / talk
5.3.3
TELEVISION STATIONS
•
CHBC TV - CHBC News - Canwest Media, Inc.
•
Shaw Cable 11 – Local Cable - Shaw Communications
Page:96
5.4
5.4.1
UTILITIES
ELECTRIC POWER
FortisBC 120
FortisBC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc. - a diversified, international electric utility holding company
based in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fortis Inc.'s entry into BC began with its purchase of Aquila Networks
Canada on May 31, 2004.
The Company serves approximately 110,000 customers directly in communities throughout south central British
Columbia, including Kelowna, Osoyoos, Trail, Castlegar, Princeton and Rossland and approximately 47,500
customers through the wholesale supply of power to municipal distributors in the communities of Summerland,
Penticton, Kelowna, Grand Forks and Nelson.
FortisBC provides the following services:
•
Generating and distributing electricity to homes and businesses in the southern interior of British
Columbia
•
24-hour outage repair and emergency response
•
Building, maintaining and upgrading power lines and facilities
•
Installing and reading meters
•
Providing electrical safety education in the community
BC Hydro 121
BC Hydro is a commercial Crown corporation owned by the Province of British Columbia and regulated by an
independent body, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). BC Hydro is one of North America’s
leading providers of clean, renewable energy, and the largest electric utility in British Columbia, serving
approximately 95 per cent of the province’s population and 1.7 million customers.
BC Hydro’s mandate is to generate, manufacture, distribute and sell power, upgrade its power sites, and to
purchase power from, or sell power to, a firm or person under the terms of the Hydro and Power Authority Act.
BC Hydro owns the majority of the transmission and distribution systems that deliver electricity in the province.
120
FortisBC, About FortisBC, 200, http://www.fortisbc.com/about_fortisbc/company/our_vision.html (Accessed
April 15, 2007)
121
BC Hydro, 2007 Annual Report
http://www.bchydro.com/about/company_information/reports/2008annualreport/letters/mcpc.html (Accessed
April 15, 2009)
Page:97
5.4.2
NATURAL GAS
Terasen Gas 122
Terasen Inc. is a Canadian corporation headquartered in British Columbia and the parent company of the
Terasen Gas companies, the principle natural gas distributor in the province of British Columbia. It is a direct
wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc.
Terasen Gas delivers natural gas and piped propane to approximately 920,000 customers in 125 communities
throughout British Columbia. Terasen Gas provides service to 95 per cent of BC's natural gas customers and is
one of the largest natural gas utilities in Canada.
More information:
http://www.kindermorgan.com/
www.terasen.com
5.5
5.5.1
EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT, HEALTH AND BUSINESS SERVICES
EDUCATION
Diverse educational opportunities exist for children, including French immersion programs. Specific customdesigned career and technical training are available in addition to traditional university programs. For more
detailed information on School District 23, the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, and Okanagan College,
please refer to Section 6 of this document.
5.5.2
HEALTH
The aging population of the Central Okanagan is expected to generate more health care jobs. In addition to the
public sector jobs, there are opportunities in the private sector with companies that manufacture and sell
medical devices, equipment and supplies, health informatics, tele-health, pharmaceuticals and other
biotechnology products.
In the Central Okanagan as in other areas, self-employment is expanding within many health care occupations –
in addition to physicians, dentists, psychologists and other professionals who are traditionally self-employed. A
major retirement community, the Central Okanagan is home to a greater proportion of seniors. Considerable
opportunities lie in identifying innovative new niche markets within the home-care market, particularly care for
seniors.
5.5.3
INTERIOR HEALTH 123
Interior Health was established as one of five geographically-based health authorities in 2001 by the
Government of British Columbia. It is responsible for ensuring publicly funded health services are provided to
the people of the Southern Interior.
Interior Health serves a large geographic area covering almost 215-
thousand square kilometres and includes larger cities such as Kelowna, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Penticton and
Vernon, and a multitude of rural and remote communities.
122
Tarasen Gas, About Terasen Inc., http://www.terasen.com/default.htm (Accessed April 15, 2009)
123
Interior Health, About Interior Health, http://www.interiorhealth.ca/information.aspx?id=566 (Accessed April
15, 2009)
Page:98
5.5.4
KELOWNA GENERAL HOSPITAL 124
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) is the Central Okanagan’s primary acute care health facility and one of two
Interior Health tertiary referral hospitals in the region that offers high-level, specialty medical care. Kelowna
General Hospital operates 372 acute care beds, 320 extended care beds and 20 bassinets.
Kelowna General Hospital's services are grouped into three main categories:
•
Medical/Surgical Services - Emergency medicine, family practice, geriatrics, obstetrics and pediatrics,
psychiatry and surgery.
•
Ambulatory Care and Outpatient Clinics – Cardiac, chemical dependency, day care surgery, GI lab, EEG,
ENG, EMG, hemodialysis, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatric chemotherapy, peritoneal
dialysis, pulmonary function, rehab day program, respirology/allergy program and urology.
•
Diagnostic/Paramedical Services - Diagnostic imaging, laboratory, pharmacy, nutrition, counseling,
occupational therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, drug counseling, physiotherapy, psychology, and speech
pathology.
The Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior (CCSI), located in Kelowna, is the centre for cancer research,
education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the southern interior of British Columbia. The CCSI is part of
the BC Cancer Agency.
Kelowna General Hospital Expansion Project 125
In 2005/06, KGH provided 68,137 outpatient visits and 109,019 outpatient diagnostic procedures.
These numbers are expected to continue to grow by nearly 50 per cent through 2024.
The new KGH outpatient hospital and expanded emergency department is a 16,600-square-metre
(approximately 180,000-square-foot) facility to be located on the northeast corner of the KGH site. The
project will modernize and quadruple the size of the emergency department from 7,000 to 30,000
square feet. The project will also consolidate outpatient services and programs currently dispersed
throughout KGH into one facility, and expand the existing emergency department. A new state-of-the-art
emergency department will meet the most current standard of care for the delivery of emergency medicine and
will ensure patients get the appropriate level of care in the most timely manner possible. Expansion and a total
redesign will provide: a trauma area, minor treatment unit and crisis intervention centre.
The procurement process for the KGH and VJH projects were completed in 2007, construction started in 2008
with expected completion in 2010.
As part of the strategy to address existing and projected congestion at the KGH emergency department,
Interior Health is planning to establish a Community Health Centre in West Kelowna. Services planned for the
Westside Community Health Centre include an outpatient care treatment clinic, laboratory services, day
procedures, group rehabilitation, community health, public health, mental health and addictions, nurse
practitioner, aboriginal health liaison, group elder services and a health resource centre.
Interior Health
www.interiorhealth.ca
BC Cancer Agency
www.bccancer.bc.ca
124
Ministry of Health, Interior Health, Regional Hospitals, Kelowna General, http://www.interiorhealth.ca/healthservices.aspx?id=280 (Accessed April 15, 2009)
125
IBID
Page:99
6
Life in the Okanagan
6.1
6.1.1
EDUCATION
SCHOOL DISTRICT 23
The Central Okanagan School District serves 162,276 citizens living in four communities (Kelowna, Peachland,
Lake Country and West Kelowna), near the midpoint of the Okanagan Valley. The District stretches for 60 km
along the shores of Lake Okanagan.
The student population is 21,850, served by 41 schools. Although the regional adult population is growing, the
number of new students entering the School District in Kindergarten has shown a slight decline over the past 10
years. There is significant movement of families to new developments at the edges of the immediate region
which creates some challenges for the District. 126
In School District No. 23, the Board is comprised of seven elected citizens. Trustee elections are held every
three years in conjunction with municipal elections. The next election is in November 2011.
School District 23 Quick Facts 127
Educators
1,447 HC
Non Teaching Staff
1,164 HC
Operating Budget
$ 157 Million
Capital Budget
$ 26 Million
Special Purpose
$ 5 Million
126
Ministry of Education, District Review Report 2007/08, School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan), November
2007, http://www.sd23.bc.ca/PDF/SD23_DistrictReviewReport.pdf, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
127
School District 23, Budget Planning for 2007/2008
http://www.sd23.bc.ca/FinancialReports/Presentations/2007-2008BudgetPresentation.pdf, (Accessed April 15,
2009)
Page:100
School District 23 Student Statistics
Student Headcount - Headcount Each Grade 128
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
Kindergarten
1,247
1,353
1,333
1,327
1,326
1,389
Grade 1
1,431
1,308
1,401
1,400
1,390
1,379
Grade 2
1,452
1,458
1,338
1,444
1,441
1,449
Grade 3
1,547
1,504
1,517
1,422
1,494
1,488
Grade 4
1,624
1,591
1,545
1,593
1,455
1,538
Grade 5
1,631
1,646
1,625
1,590
1,644
1,478
Grade 6
1,694
1,664
1,716
1,686
1,626
1,698
Grade 7
Elementary
Ungraded
1,773
1,743
1,727
1,743
1,732
1,669
-
-
-
-
-
-
Grade 8
1,861
1,786
1,840
1,778
1,802
1,809
Grade 9
1,935
1,898
1,827
1,880
1,828
1,838
Grade 10
2,021
2,030
1,975
1,904
1,956
1,906
Grade 11
2,149
2,252
2,094
1,943
1,929
1,977
Grade 12
Secondary
Ungraded
2,049
2,002
2,154
2,167
2,039
2,028
Masked*
Masked
7
12
15
61
22,418
22,236
22,099
21,889
21,677
21,737
Total
*Note: Masked - Fewer than five students fall within the category described and cannot be identified to protect their
privacy.
Headcount: Selected Programs 129
Career
Prep
#
Career
Technical
#
School
Apprenticeship
#
Cooperative
#
Continuing
2003-04
3,135
31
103
-
162
2004-05
3,282
-
274
-
189
2005-06
3,289
178
85
-
140
2006-07
2,862
136
36
-
107
2007-08
3,251
115
19
-
70
2008-09
3,212
166
1
-
74
School
Year
#
128
DISTRICT DATA SUMMARY 2003/04 - 2007/08, 023 Central Okanagan, March 2009,
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reports/pdfs/sd_perf/023.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
129
IBID
Page:101
Headcount: Selected Student Groups 130
Aboriginal
Special Needs
Headcount
#
Proportion
of
District
%
9.3
1,830
2,047
9.2
2005-06
2,097
2006-07
ESL
French Immersion
Headcount
#
Proportion
of
District
%
Headcount
#
Proportion
of
District
%
8.2
322
1.4
1,505
6.7
1,807
8.1
328
1.5
1,590
7.2
9.5
1,726
7.8
361
1.6
1,614
7.3
2,062
9.4
1,546
7.1
343
1.6
1,662
7.6
2007-08
2,032
9.4
1,554
7.2
279
1.3
1,757
8.1
2008-09
2,079
9.6
1,600
7.4
318
1.5
1,801
8.3
Headcount
#
Proportion
of
District
%
2003-04
2,077
2004-05
School
Year
130
DISTRICT DATA SUMMARY 2003/04 - 2007/08, 023 Central Okanagan, March 2009,
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reports/pdfs/sd_perf/023.pdf (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:102
6.1.2
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus (UBC – Okanagan)
131
UBC Okanagan opened in September 2005 as a distinctive, small university campus. UBC – Okanagan is
destined to quickly become an important, respected centre of learning and research, enhancing knowledge
creation and innovation in the Okanagan. UBC Okanagan is growing to serve the needs of the region, increasing
access to the internationally recognized UBC degree. As our student numbers increase and the campus master
plan becomes reality, UBC Okanagan will continue to feature small class sizes, experiential learning, community
involvement, and direct access to research activity.
Student Population:
5,325
Faculty Population:
353
Faculties:
7
Campus Housing:
1,078 single-student spaces
Size of Campus:
260 acres
Buildings:
46,400 sq. m (0.5 million sq. ft.) in 2005, expanding to 139,000 sq. m.
(1.5 million sq. ft.) by 2010
UBC Okanagan is a regional economic driver:
•
Impact of 4,500 more students, new faculty and staff
•
New research infrastructure
•
Annual economic impact: $300 million
•
$350 million in new construction anticipated by 2009
UBC Okanagan offers:
•
Distinctive programs
•
Irving K. Barber School of Arts
•
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
•
Faculty of Education
•
Faculty of Science
o
School of Engineering
o
Viticulture
•
Faculty of Health and Social Development
•
Faculty of Management
•
Post-graduate programs
•
Integrated region-wide college transfer
•
One world-class UBC degree
•
An independent Okanagan Academic Senate
•
Global linkages by technology
131
University of British Columbia, 2008, – Okanagan, About UBC-Okanagan,
http://web.ubc.ca/okanagan/about.html, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:103
Okanagan College 132
Okanagan College is a public, comprehensive, post secondary educational institution that was established under
the provisions of the College and Institute Act (2004). Okanagan College offers a wide variety of career,
continuing education, degree, developmental, trades and technologies, university transfer, and vocational
programs. The region served by Okanagan College covers 37,750 square kilometers, and extends from Osoyoos
and Princeton in the south and west to Mica Creek and Revelstoke in the north and east.
Quick Facts 133
Campus
Continuing Studies Centres
Trades Training Centres
Kelowna
Revelstoke
Salmon Arm
Vernon (Kalamalka)
Summerland
Vernon (Kalamalka)
Penticton
Oliver
Kelowna
Salmon Arm
Penticton
Student Full Time Equivalents by Campus (2007-08 Enrolment Year) 134
Kelowna
4,067
Penticton
648.4
Vernon (Kalamalka)
620.5
Salmon Arm
393
Distance
184.1
Total
5,913
132
Okanagan College, 2008, Okanagan College Fact Sheet – 2007,
http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Assets/Departments+(Administration)/Finance+$!26+Corporate+Services/IR/Quick
+Facts+2007.pdf?method=1, (Accessed April 16, 2008)
133
IBID
134
IBID
Page:104
6.2
6.2.1
TAXATION
MARGINAL TAX RATES FOR SALARY
Provincial
BC Individual Marginal Tax Rates for Salary 135
Year
2009
Year
2008
Year
2007
Year
5.06% on the
7.7% on the
10.5% on the
12.29% on
14.7% on the amount
first
next
next
the next
over
$35,716
$35,717
$10,581
$17,574
$99,588
5.24% on the
7.98% on the
10.5% on the
12.29% on
14.7% on the amount
first
next
next
the next
over
$35,016
$35,017
$10,373
$17,230
$97,636
5.7% on the
8.65% on the
11.1% on the
13% on the
14.7% on the amount
first
next
next
next
over
$10,190
$16,925
6.05% on the
$34,397
9.15% on the
$34,397
11.7% on the
13.7% on the
14.7% of taxable
$95,909
first:
next:
next:
next:
income over:
2006
$33,755
$33,756
$10,000
$16,610
$94,121
2005
$33,061
$33,062
$9,794
$16,268
$92,185
2004
$32,476
$32,478
$9,621
$15,980
$90,555
2003
$31,653
$31,655
$9,377
$15,575
$88,260
2002
$31,124
$31,125
$9,221
$15,315
$86,785
Federal
Federal Individual’s Marginal Tax Rates for Salary 136
Year
15% on the first:
22% on the next:
26% on the next:
29% of taxable
income over:
2009
$38,832
$38,832
$48,600
$126,264
2008
$37,885
$37,884
$47,415
$123,184
Year
2007
Year
15.5% on the first:
$37,178
16% on the first:
22.0% on the next:
$37,179
22% on the next:
26.0% on the next:
$46,530
26% on the next:
29.0% of taxable
income over:
$120,887
29% of taxable
income over:
2006
$36,378
$36,378
$45,529
$118,285
2005
$35,595
$35,595
$44,549
$115,739
2004
$35,000
$35,000
$43,804
$113,804
2003
$32,183
$32,185
$40,280
$104,648
2002
$31,677
$31,677
$39,646
$103,000
135
Canada Revenue Agency: Federal and provincial/ territorial tax rates, 2008 http://www.craarc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/fq/txrts-eng.html, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
136
IBID
Page:105
2009 Regional Property Tax Rates
Real Property Tax Rates: $ per $1000 of Assessed Property (Land/Buildings) 137
Municipality
Business
Light Industry
Major Industry
Residential
Kelowna
17.5457
18.2170
22.4399
5.8896
Lake Country
18.3756
23.9426
24.2351
5.3632
Peachland
16.5344
22.0027
n/a
6.2241
West Kelowna
RDCO – Rural Tax*
16.07103
15.4603
16.3023
5.6338
14.2 to 15.8
19.7 to 22.0
19.7 to 22.0
5.8 to 6.5
* Note: Rural tax rates presented are estimates only. To determine the exact rate including local
services you need to be familiar with the area or specific property. You can estimate rural property
tax for specific locations using the on-line tax calculator at
http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/applications/rpt/tax_calc/online_calculator.asp
6.3
6.3.1
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
FIRE DEPARTMENT 138
In 2008, fire departments responded to 239 fires, including structural, vehicle and chimney fires; 1,043 motor
vehicle accidents; 4,751 medical first responder calls; and a number of rescue and hazardous material incidents.
Below is a breakout of the type of responses by each fire protection area:
Statistical Report from January 1 to December 31, 2008
Fire
Motor
Protection
Structure
Vehicle
Chimney
Vehicle
First
Other
Hazardous
Other
Area
Fires
Fires
Fires
Accidents
Responses
Rescues
Materials
Incidents
Kelowna
Total
83
50
10
529
3,015
13
1
5,612
9,313
21
32
3
333
1,258
2
0
643
2,292
Country
8
12
2
101
263
5
0
268
659
Peachland
4
6
1
36
151
11
0
145
354
West
Kelowna
Lake
Joe Rich
0
1
1
37
10
1
0
25
75
Ellison
3
2
0
7
54
0
0
54
120
119
103
17
1,043
4,751
32
1
6,747
12,813
Total
The Kelowna Fire Department’s full-time personnel promote public safety year-round through fire inspections
and public education programs. Trained volunteer firefighters contribute greatly to emergency efforts in outlying
areas of the city.
137
By phone and e-mail from: City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, RDCO, June
2009
138
By e-mail, City of Kelowna, April 2009
Page:106
City of Kelowna:
•
7 fire stations (4 manned and 3 volunteer)
•
84 professional firefighters and 18 support staff
•
74 trained volunteers
•
29 pieces of mobile equipment (including 1 – 100 ft aerial ladder, 9 pumpers, 2 tankers, 1 minipumper, 3 bush trucks, 1 HazMat truck, 1 marine rescue boat and 12 others)
Region:
8 volunteer fire stations located in main centres:
•
Ellison Fire Department
1 hall
•
Joe Rich Fire Department
2 halls
•
Kelowna Fire Department
7 halls
•
Lake Country Fire Protection District
3 halls
•
North Westside Road Fire Protection District
1 hall
•
Peachland Fire Department
1 hall
•
Westside Fire Protection District
4 halls
•
Wilson’s Landing Fire Department
1 hall
Outlying Areas:
•
6.3.2
BC Ministry of Forests
POLICING 139
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provides services for the Central Okanagan. The RCMP is a national,
federal, provincial, and municipal policing body which is separately accountable to the public at each of these
levels through existing legislation and agreements with contracting partners. The RCMP currently provides
community policing services to the populations of eight provinces, two territories, and 200 municipalities and 52
First Nation communities.
RCMP local policing services are maintained 24 hours a day and are currently handled by 214 officers. In
addition to the main police office situated in Kelowna, the City has three Community Policing Offices in operation
in the neighbourhoods of the Mission, Glenmore and Rutland. The municipalities of West Kelowna, Peachland
and Big White ski resort also have Community Policing Offices in operation. The success of Community Policing
can be attributed in a large part to the more than 300 highly skilled and trained community volunteers.
Policing Resources are distributed as follows:
Municipalities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Lake Country
139
•
214 Regular Members
•
20 Traffic Members
•
10 Public Servants
•
64 Municipal Employees
•
Regional District of the Central Okanagan Employees
By e-mail, RCMP Community Policing, June 25, 2008
Page:107
RCMP Southeast District Headquarters Staff Resources:
•
87 Regular Members
•
26 Public Servants
•
10 Technical Support-Civilian RCMP Employees
•
146 Dispatch/ 911 Staff (93 Civilian RCMP Employees, 12 Regional District Employees, 1 Public
Servant, 40 Temporary Civilian RCMP Employees)
•
10 Civilian RCMP Employees
•
1 Special Constable
In addition to the Members of the RCMP, the staff/volunteers at the five Community Policing Offices work in
partnership with the police community and other agencies to prevent or resolve problems that affect comminity
safety and quality of life. Operational support for the Community Policing is provided by the Community
Operational Support Unit (COSU).
The policing services provided throughout the province by the Kelowna Detachment have been a model for
addressing issues related to crime. The creation of specific units formed to deal with community/businessidentified problems has been key in the reduction of crime.
2000 - 2007 Year End Police Activity Statistics 140
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Police Strength
156
156
156
157
157
172
181
184
Case Load
Population Served Per
Member
102
101
105
121
146
126
109
104
963
983
996
1,010
1,020
956
935
957
Violent Crimes
1,551
1,638
1,699
1,959
2,177
2,118
2,062
2,494
Property Crimes
9,016
8,100
8,590
10,795
12,287
11,952
10,535
9,447
Other Crimes
Total Criminal Code
Offences
5,278
6,095
6,091
6,218
8,389
7,594
7,089
7,275
15,845
15,833
16,380
18,972
22,853
21,664
19,686
19,216
Drug Crimes
Assault: Level 1
Motor Vehicle Theft
675
708
750
965
1,428
1,311
901
981
1,181
1,193
1,230
1,397
1,574
1,480
1,444
1,832
815
821
867
1,075
1,412
1,661
1,250
1,164
140
Police Services Division, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, British Columbia, Regional Profile
2007, Released September 12, 2008
Page:108
6.4
LOCATION AND CLIMATE
The Okanagan Valley runs north and south between high plateaus containing the sources for the many streams
draining into the Okanagan Lakes. Small lakes located on the surfaces of the plateaus act as storage reservoirs
for the domestic and irrigation water systems throughout the Okanagan Region. Agricultural areas are located
on the valley floor and the irrigated terraces and benches.
The climate of the Okanagan Basin is somewhat less continental than the rest of the interior of the province.
The warm summers with fairly low humidity and relatively mild winters provide an excellent environment for
agriculture and recreation.
The temperature is best described as being of the mild, continental type. The summers are warm, with hot
days, but the nights are cool and sometimes cold. Winters, occasionally cold, are much milder than areas north
and east of the Valley. In Kelowna, mean maximum temperatures vary from about 0C in January to 27.9C in
July. About one third of midsummer is tropical in nature (maximum temperature greater than 30C), and thaws
occur at valley bottom on about half of the days in January.
The Okanagan is characterized by cool, humid air and cloudy skies in winter, and by dry air with bright skies in
summer. The mean annual hours of bright sunshine in the Central Okanagan is just under 2,000 hours.
Major Centre Climate Comparison 141
Average
City
Altitude
Kelowna
Vancouver
Calgary
Winnipeg
Toronto
Montreal
141
Rainfall
Avg. Annual
Frost Free
Record
Record
Annual
June - Sept.
Precip.
Days
High Temp
Low Temp
Temp
354 m
107.2 mm
318.6 mm
1161 ft
4.2 in
12.5 in.
3m
185.4 mm
1112.6 mm
9 ft
7.2 in
43.7 in
1084 m
248.4 mm
423.8 mm
3555 ft
9.7 in
16.6 in
239 m
284.5 mm
525.5 mm
783 ft
11.1 in
20.6 in
173 m
278.8 mm
761.5 mm
567 ft
10.9 in
29.9 in
36 m
325.5 mm
946.2 mm
118 ft
12.8 in
37.1 in
140
216
112
121
149
157
39.0C
-36C
9C
102.0F
-33F
48F
33.3C
-17.8C
9.8C
87.1F
-19.4F
52.3F
36.1C
-45.0C
3.4C
94.4F
-41.2F
18.1F
40.6C
-47.7C
2.2C
106.2F
-43.7F
11.7F
40.6C
-32.8C
7.3C
106.2F
-30.1F
38.9F
36.1C
-37.8C
6.2C
94.4F
-34.7F
33.1F
Environment Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000,
http://www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html, (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:109
6.5
6.5.1
RECREATION
SUMMER RECREATION
Water Activities
The beaches in Kelowna, BC are outstanding, and the activities are endless. Families can enjoy children’s water
parks, water slides and swimming. For the more adventurous, there’s jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding,
windsurfing and parasailing. With boats, canoes and kayaks, you can enjoy being on the water as much as you
love being in it. Kelowna has miles of beautiful parkland, much of which is located along sandy beaches. Grassy
picnic areas, playgrounds, washrooms and concession stands are all standard facilities at our many beaches.
For more information and listings visit:
http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/thingstodo/boating.php
http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/thingstodo/parksbeaches.php
http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/thingstodo/rentals.php
Field Sports
Field sports, including soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, lawn bowling, and riding (English
and Western) are popular within the valley.
Golf 142
With an average of 2,000 hours of sun every year, the Okanagan offers one of the longest, driest golf seasons in
Canada.
With orchards over desert terrain, rolling hills and expansive lakes, it also offers the most scenic
views. How could your game get any better?
The Kelowna area boasts over 18 quality golf courses, including
Predator Ridge, host of the prestigious PGA Skins Game in 2000 and 2008, the Okanagan Golf Club - the Quail
and the Bear Courses, The Harvest Golf Club, and Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club. An abundance of
courses, along with natural grass putting courses, are available for all levels in the immediate Kelowna area.
Waterparks
The Central Okanagan has a number of excellent waterparks for the amusement of old and young alike. In
Kelowna, there is Children’s Water Park in City Park and Ben Lee Park in Rutland and the Kettle Valley
Playground in the Upper Mission.
Tennis
There are multiple active community tennis clubs with both private and public facilities.
Hiking
A wide selection of hiking trails throughout the Okanagan allows for enjoyment by all levels of fitness and
inclination.
For information on Regional Parks, please visit www.regionaldistrict.com.
142
Tourism Kelowna, Skiing and Snowboarding, http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/thingstodo/golf.php
Page:110
6.5.2
WINTER RECREATION
Skiing 143
The nearby Monashee Mountains boast consistent amounts of light, dry powder snow that challenge every level
of downhill enthusiast. Four ski resorts within a short drive from the City (Big White, Silver Star, Crystal
Mountain and Apex) offer a wide selection of amenities beyond the major attractions of skiing or snowboarding.
Big White is the closest to Kelowna and is considered by residents to be the local mountain.
Apex Mountain 144
Big White 145
Silver Star 146
Crystal Mountain 147
Season:
Nov - Apr
Nov - Apr
Nov - Apr
Dec - Mar
Annual Snowfall
600 cm
750 cm
700 cm
310 cm
Base Elevation
1,575 m
1,508 m
1,155 m
1200 m
Summit Elevation
2,180 m
2,319 m
1,915 m
1400 m
Vertical Rise
605 m / 2,000 ft.
777 m / 2,550 ft.
760 m / 2,500 ft.
200 m
Terrain (Patrolled)
450 hect. / 1112 acr.
1,147 hect. / 2,765
1,240 hect. / 3,065
Acr.
Acr.
Number of Trails
67
112
115
21
Longest Run
5.0 km / 3.0 miles
7.2 km / 4.5 miles
8.0 km / 5.0 miles
1.6 km / 1.0 miles
16%
18%
20%
30%
48%
54%
50%
50%
36%
28%
30%
20%
Terrain Parks
2
2
2
0
Half Pipes
1
2
1
0
Lifts
4
16
12
3
8,030
28,000
14,000
3,000
35 minutes west of
45 minutes southeast
30 minutes north east
25 minutes west of
Penticton
of Kelowna
of Vernon
Kelowna
www.apexresort.com
www.bigwhite.com
www.skisilverstar.com
www.crystalresort.com
190 hect. / 470 acr.
Trails
Lift Capacity
(riders/hour )
Location
Website
143
Tourism Kelowna, Skiing and Snowboarding,
http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/thingstodo/skiingboarding.php, (Accessed June 25, 2008)
144
Apex Mountain Resort, Homepage, http://www.apexresort.com/ (Accessed June 25, 2008)
145
Big White Ski Resort, Fast Facts,
http://www.bigwhite.com/index.php?fuseaction=home.showSection&ID=10, (Accessed June 25, 2008)
146
Silver Star, Fast Facts, http://www.skisilverstar.com/mountain_showSummerReport.html, (Accessed June
25, 2008)
147
Crystal Resort, History, http://www.crystalresort.com/expand/history/index.html (Accessed June 25, 2008)
Page:111
Nordic Skiing
The Okanagan Valley has extensive Nordic ski facilities that have an excellent reputation. A number of foreign
national teams regularly come to train on the trails in the region. Many of these areas have chalets in addition
to extensive groomed trail systems.
Nordic ski facilities and trails are located at Big White, with 15 kilometres
of maintained trails as well as Sovereign Lake Nordic area near Silver Star Mountain with 60 kilometres of
maintained trails. Adjacent to Crystal Mountain, above West Kelowna, is the Telemark X-C Ski Club. All of
these Nordic areas also offer backcountry and snowshoe trails.
Curling
There are 12 sheets of ice for curling in Kelowna and four sheets of ice in Winfield.
Skating
Skating is available at Prospera Place, Kelowna Memorial Arena, Mount Boucherie Recreation Centre (West
Kelowna), Rutland Arena, Capital News Centre Arena and Winfield Recreation Centre.
6.5.3
YEAR ROUND RECREATION
Swimming Pools
In Kelowna, there are three swimming pools: the H2O Adventure Centre, Athens Pool-YMCA-YWCA and
Parkinson Recreation Centre. In West Kelowna there is the Johnson-Bentley Memorial Pool.
Mission Recreation Park Project 148
The H20 Adventure and Fitness Centre comprised of an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool, two whirl pools,
a children’s play area, a fitness centre and a large water park, the 8,920 sq m (96,000 sq ft) facility, opened in
April 2009. The 8-lane 50-metre tank can be converted into a 25 metre pool allowing simultaneous activities
such as length swimming, synchronized swimming and water polo. With movable bulk heads and a 12.5 metre
adjustable floor, the facility will also be able to accommodate kayaking, scuba and springboard diving. The
indoor water park is the largest in B.C. and the second largest in Canada. Features include:
•
A 3-metre wide River Run (with vortex pool and adjustable water flow)
•
Canada’s first Flowrider with a standing wave that simulates an ocean wave for surf enthusiasts
•
A wave pool capable of generating waves up to 1.5 meters (5 feet)
•
Three slides, including a tube ride
•
One family and one “adults only” whirlpool
•
Children’s play area with water jets and other interactive water toys
Bowling Lanes
There are five pin and 10 pin bowling alleys in Kelowna, and five pin alleys located in West Kelowna, Winfield,
and Peachland.
Other Recreation Services
Judo and karate clubs, fitness centres and senior citizen activity centres are also located throughout the region.
148
Mission Recreation Park, Homepage, http://www.missionrecreationpark.ca/ (Accessed April 15, 2009)
Page:112
Parks
A list of parks in the region can be found on the following websites:
City of Kelowna:
www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page845.aspx
West Kelowna
www.districtofwestside.ca
Regional District
Kelowna offers recreation programs through the Parkinson Recreation Centre, and the Regional District offers
programs through various venues; a recreation brochure is available online.
6.6
6.6.1
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL AMENITIES
LIBRARIES
The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) is a public library system established in 1936 to serve people in the
regional districts of Columbia Shuswap, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen. The
Board is made up of 22 representatives from the constituent regional districts and municipalities. With
headquarters in Kelowna, the ORL serves over 300,000 people through its 29 branches from Golden to Osoyoos
and Princeton. In the Central Okanagan, there are six branches - Kelowna, Rutland, Mission, West Kelowna,
Peachland and Winfield.
Every library branch has a wide range of print and non-print materials available for circulation or use in the
branch. The Kelowna branch has a broad range of reference materials and serves as the reference resource
centre for all other branches. All branches carry both large print and taped books to meet the needs of people
with visual disabilities, and Kelowna has an Optolec Reader which allows those with low vision to access
materials in the branch. All branches in the Central Okanagan have public access catalogues.
6.6.2
CHURCHES
There are 132 churches in the Regional District of Central Okanagan. All denominations are represented.
6.6.3
ARTS AND MUSIC
Theatre: Kelowna Community Theatre: Rotary Centre for the Arts, Mary Erwin Theatre, Theatre Kelowna
Society, The Sunshine Theatre, Dreamnasium and Foot Lights Play House.
Music: Okanagan Symphony Orchestra by Special Appearances and Kelowna Philharmonic Festival Society.
Art Galleries: The Evans Gallery, Freeman Galleries, Peachland, Hambleton Galleries, Kelowna Art Gallery, R.
Dow Reid Gallery, Tutt Street Gallery, Blueberry Hill, Geert Mass Sculpture Gardens and Gallery, Art Ark,
Alternator Gallery and Bronze Rooster Gallery.
6.6.4
MUSEUMS
Kelowna Centennial Museum, BC Orchard Museum, The Wine Museum, Okanagan Military Museum, Peachland
Museum, and The Westbank Museum.
Page:113
6.6.5
SERVICE CLUBS
Practically all the better-known service clubs are represented; some have three or four chapters within the
Region.
Ethnic Community: With representation by most ethnic groups, all can experience and share cultural
backgrounds.
Senior Citizens: There are Senior Citizens Activity Centres in the region with other clubs and associations
providing programs and activities for the seniors.
To find out what cultural events are happening in our region, additional information can be found at the
individual chambers:
Downtown Kelowna Association:
www.downtownkelowna.com/
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce:
www.kelownachamber.org/index.php
Lake Country Chamber:
www.lakecountrychamber.com/
Peachland Chamber:
www.peachland.ca/
Tourism Kelowna:
www.tourismkelowna.com/
Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce: www.westbankchamber.com/
Additional information on events can be found in the Kelowna Capital News - Showcase Magazine
(www.kelownacapnews.com/) and Kelowna’s Daily Courier Event Magazine (www.eventpub.com/)
Page:114
6.7
6.7.1
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna BC, V1W 3Z4
Contact: Harold Reay, Chief Administrative Officer
Main Switchboard:
Tel:
(250) 763-4918
Fax:
(250) 763-0606
Engineering Department
Tel:
(250) 469-6241
Finance Department
Tel:
(250) 469-6242
Inspection Services
Tel:
(250) 469-6211
Human Resources Department
Tel:
(250) 469-6249
Planning Department
Tel:
(250) 469-6227
Regional Parks
Tel:
(250) 469-6232
CENTRAL OKANAGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONToll Free: (877) 332-2673
1450 KLO Road
Tel:
(250) 469-6280
Fax:
(250) 868-0512
Kelowna BC, V1W 3Z4
Contact: Robert Fine, Manager of Economic Development
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.investkelowna.com
6.7.2
CITY OF KELOWNA
1435 Water Street
Kelowna BC, V1Y 1J4
Tel:
(250) 469-8500
Contact: Ron Mattiussi, City Manager
Fax:
(250) 861-7412
Mount Boucherie Municipal Facility
Tel:
(250) 707-2999
West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2T6
Fax:
(250) 707-2997
www.kelowna.ca
6.7.3
DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA
Contact: Jason Johnson, CEO
www.districtofwestside.ca
6.7.4
THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF PEACHLAND
5806 Beach Avenue
Peachland BC, V0H 1X0
Tel:
(250) 767-2647
Contact: Elsie Lemke, Administrator
Fax:
(250) 767-3433
www.peachland.ca
Page:115
6.7.5
THE DISTRICT OF LAKE COUNTRY
10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road
Tel:
(250) 766-5650
Lake Country BC, V4V 2M1
Fax:
(250) 766-0116
Contact: Randy Rose, Administrator
www.lakecountry.bc.ca
6.7.6
WESTBANK FIRST NATION
301 – 515 Hwy 97 South
Kelowna BC, V1Z 3J2
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web site:
www.wfn.ca
Page:116
Tel:
(250) 769-4999
Fax:
(250) 769-4377

2008 Economic Profile - Regional District of Central Okanagan

Transcription

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