Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide

Transcription

Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Kelowna, British Columbia
RELOCATION GUIDE
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www.WelcometoKelowna.com
Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Inside the Guide
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About Kelowna ............................................................................... 02
Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, boasting all the
amenities of a major city.
Traveling To and From Kelowna ............................................... 04
Kelowna is located in the interior of British Columbia and is accessible by land, air and boat.
Quincy Vrecko & Associates
Shopping ........................................................................................... 05
Fine Homes & Luxury Properties
Kelowna is home to extensive shopping choices.
1391 Ellis Street
Kelowna, BC
Canada V1Y 1Z9
Arts, Culture and Entertainment ............................................ 06
Phone 250.863.8810
Kelowna: A Four Season Playground ..................................... 08
[email protected]
Kelowna is a truly a four season playground; you can golf, ski, snowmobile, go boating, tour wineries, hike, fish and more!
QuincyVrecko.com
Kelowna offers many choices for those seeking the Arts, Culture or
Entertainment.
Educational Services .................................................................... 10
Kelowna boasts many educational opportunities ranging from preschools to several post secondary options.
Health Care ......................................................................................
Welcome to Kelowna
Your Community Portal
#206–1441 Ellis Street
Kelowna, BC
Canada V1Y 2A3
Kelowna has a wealth of quality health care available.
Media Serving the Area .............................................................. 13
Kelowna has radio stations, local TV stations, newspapers and an
online community highlighted by WelcometoKelowna.com.
Moving and Utilities ..................................................................... 14
Before and after relocating to the area there are calls to be made.
Phone 250.862.8010
Protective Services .......................................................................
[email protected]
Kelowna is policed by the RCMP throughout the city.
WelcometoKelowna.com
11
15
Business and Industry ................................................................. 16
Kelowna is a prosperous region, where smart growth complements
its natural resources and amenities.
Real Estate Report ........................................................................
17
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
About Kelowna
Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, boasting all
the amenities of a major city - fine dining, unique shops and a
vibrant cultural life - yet orchards and vineyards thrive within a
10 minute drive of the downtown core. Spectacular vistas await
those ready to explore; a delightful day can be spent sampling
the award-winning wares of our numerous internationally-acclaimed wineries, or you may wish to visit one of several championship golf courses in the area.
Situated on the eastern shore of
Okanagan Lake mid-way between
Penticton in the south and Vernon
in the north, Kelowna residents
and tourists alike find that the
lake offers wonderful opportunities for boating, swimming or
fishing. The nearby mountains
attract hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions. There are three major ski
hills within a one hour drive - Big
White, Silver Star and Apex.
Kelowna has become the main
marketing and distribution centre of the Okanagan Valley, with a
flourishing tree fruit industry and
growing light industrial sector
that competes on a world scale.
Best known for forestry, boats,
plastics, fibreglass, body armour
and oil-field equipment, Kelowna
also has a growing high technology sector that includes aerospace development and service.
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multipurpose facility that’s home
to the Kelowna Rockets of the
Western Hockey League, and attracts major entertainers and
events to the heart of our Cultural
District.
The Rotary Centre for the Arts is
a significant feature of the district, which was named a Cultural
Capital of Canada in 2003.
Waterfront Park is a showcase
of the area with lagoons, an outdoor amphitheatre and a wooden boardwalk that links Tugboat
Beach and the residential area to
the north with the Delta Grand
Hotel and the downtown.
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History
Kelowna was incorporated in May
1905 when the population consisted of 600 people and farming
was the economic mainstay of the
region. Today, more than 118,500
people call Kelowna home and
we’re considered by many to be
one of the most liveable cities in
Canada. Visit the Kelowna City
Heritage web site at www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page1795.aspx for more
information on how Kelowna is
preserving our Historical buildings and culture.
Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Quick Facts
Kelowna is one of the most liveable cities in Canada. In the recent Canada Pulse survey, 90% of
residents reported “My city is a great place to live.”
Download the Canada Pulse 2011 Survey (Ipsos Reid - Global News) at www.ipsos-na.com/
download/pr.aspx?id=11033
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Traveling To and From Kelowna
Kelowna is located in the interior of British Columbia and
is accessible by land, air and boat, should you be traveling
from Penticton, Summerland, Peachland, West Kelowna or
Vernon, BC.
By air:
By land:
Kelowna International Airport is one of the top ten airports in Canada,
serving over one million passengers annually.
Kelowna is located on Highway
97, a short 3.5 hour drive
to Vancouver, BC along the
Okanagan Connector and the
Coquihalla Hwy. To the east you
will be able to reach Calgary, AB
within 6.5 hours along Hwy 97
until you connect to Canada’s #1
highway in Sicamous.
Kelowna International Airport (YLW) plays a vital part in the economic
development and prosperity of the Okanagan Valley. YLW’s total economic impact in 2010 included 2,730 jobs, representing $140 million in
wages and $610 million in total economic output to the province of BC.
Serving 1.39 million passengers annually, YLW offers 62 daily non-stop
commercial flights with Air Canada, WestJet, Alaska Airlines, Central
Mountain Air and Northwestern Air with daily service to Vancouver,
Calgary, Toronto, Seattle, Victoria, Prince George, Edmonton, and Red
Deer, plus seasonal service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Cabos, Puerto
Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cancun. YLW truly is your Link to the World.
The main terminal building, located at the south-end of the airport
property, boasts numerous amenities for passengers. On ground
side, there are long-term and short-term parking options available
food and beverage services, a gift shop and a brand-new well-wishing
area that features local artwork. The new screening area, opened in
May 2008, features four fully-operational screening lines and the expanded departures lounge amenities include a full service White Spot
restaurant, gift shops, cafe, and a wine shop which sells local vintages.
The terminal building is open 24 hours every day.
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Shopping In Kelowna
Quick Facts
Kelowna is home to more
than 118,500 people. The
Central Okanagan Regional
District has a population of
167,000.
Kelowna is home to a considerable amount of shopping choices. Orchard Park Mall is the
largest shopping center between Vancouver, BC and Calgary, AB. Kelowna is also home to a
vibrant downtown core that offers many shops and dining opportunities. You will find the big
names here including RONA, Home Depot, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Future Shop and so much
more.
Grocery stores range from many specialty stores to the big box stores, such as Costco,
Superstore and Save On Foods. And don’t forget about the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’
Market which runs from spring to fall at it’s outdoor location and indoors throughout the
winter months. The market features all locally produced items ranging from arts and crafts
to produce and food items.
To begin your shopping experience in Kelowna visit WelcometoKelowna.com for a comprehensive
online directory of stores and businesses in the area.
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Kelowna offers a wide variety of choices for those seeking the Arts, Culture or Entertainment.
Kelowna’s Cultural District is located in downtown Kelowna and was
once the centre of the Okanagan
Fruit Packing industry. Now home
to artists and performers, the
Cultural District offers a variety
of activities and experiences for
residents and visitors alike.
The Kelowna Community Theatre,
Kelowna
Art
Gallery,
Rotary
Centre for the Arts, the main
branch of the Kelowna Library
(Okanagan Regional Library system), all four Kelowna Museums
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Cultural District. The area also
houses an assortment of private
galleries, restaurants and unique
shops. The Cultural District promises experiences that appeal to
every age and interest.
Kelowna also boasts a 6,000 plus
seat arena that is home to the
WHL, Kelowna Rockets and many
concerts throughout the year.
Welcome to Kelowna website at
w w w.welcometokelowna.com/
events.
For an extensive listing of the
Arts, Theatres, the Symphony,
the Ballet and more, visit the listings with links to their websites
at www.welcometokelowna.com/
business_directory/listings/FineArts-Culture-Entertainment.
An extensive Kelowna events
calendar can be found on the
6
Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Quick Facts
The Rotary Centre for the
Arts is a significant feature
of the district, which was
named a Cultural Capital of
Canada in 2003.
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Kelowna: A Four Season Playground
Kelowna is truly a four season playground. You can golf, ski, snowmobile, go boating, tour wineries, hike, fish, ride your off-road motorbike, mountain bike, or play in one of the many beautiful
parks all on the same day.
Renowned as a popular ski destination, Kelowna draws locals
and tourists alike to its world
class ski resorts all within a short
drive. Big White is the largest resort offered in the region with
16 lifts, 8 runs and 7355 acres of
resort area. With an average annual snowfall of 750 cm they live
up to their motto “It’s the Snow!”
Silver Star is located just an hour
drive from Kelowna International
Airport with ski-in ski-out accommodation and a variety of terrain,
featuring 115 marked trails, a progressive park and the renowned
backside. Apex Mountain is approximately 95 km south of
Kelowna and boasts 2 Terrain
Parks, a World Cup Aerial Site and
Mogul Course, a Lift Accessed
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Size Hockey/Skating Rink and a 1
km Adventure Ice Skating Loop.
Crystal Mountain is known for
being an ideal place to learn to
ski with ski schools in a protected
learning environment. Besides
the 18 runs down the mountain
there are also cross country and
snowshoeing trails. Visit the ski
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guide at www.welcometokelowna.
com/business_directory/ski_okanagan_guide.
When the snow is gone, out come
the golf clubs! Kelowna is an incredibly picturesque setting in
which to play one of the oldest
sports in the world. There are
many world class golf courses
here and Kelowna is known to
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
have the longest, driest golf season you can find. With over 2000
hours of sun annually, you can
often play for 7-8 months out
of the year. Gallagher’s Canyon
and the Harvest were ranked as
two of the top 15 courses in BC
by SCOREGolf and the other 17+
courses are no slouch either. You
can find more info about them,
including contact and booking information at www.welcometokelowna.com/business_directory/
golf_guide.
herbal – sage, clover, honey and
elderflower; tree fruit – apple,
pear, peach and apricot; red fruit
– plum, cherry, raspberry and
blackberry; and earthy – stone,
gravel, mineral and dust. Pair
a vintage with locally-sourced
dishes at a winery restaurant
in an idyllic setting, or with artisan cheeses on an impromptu
winery picnic. Complete winery
listings can be viewed at www.
welcometokelowna.com/busi ness_directory/winery_guide.
Kelowna is the birthplace of BC
wine. Kelowna (and its surrounding area) features three separate
wine-making regions, currently
with 25 wineries. Most wineries are open year round for tasting and tours, while some are
seasonal or by appointment. In
Kelowna’s wine-making regions,
expect to find solid table wines
and internationally recognized
distinctive reds, whites, rosés,
sparkling wines, and ice-wines.
You can experience the aromas
and flavours of the Okanagan:
Nothing says summer quite like
soaking up the sun and surf at
one of Kelowna’s many popular parks and beaches. All along
the lakeshore there are beautiful beach areas frequented by
thousands of people throughout
the summer. Kelowna is known
for it’s beach culture and the city
has done a good job of protecting
the natural setting with bird sanctuaries and walking trails. If the
beach isn’t your flavour, then try
bicycling, hiking or walking along
the Mission Creek Greenway that
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runs through town or head up to
Myra Canyon along the trestles
of the old Kettle Valley railroad.
There are activities and places for
all ages throughout the city with
many playgrounds and areas to
sit and take it all in. For a listing
of parks and beach access points
go to http://www.welcometokelowna.com/business_directory/
listings/Accommodations-TravelTourism/Beaches-Parks.
For those looking for opportunities to enjoy some fun and exercise year round, Kelowna also
houses many recreational facilities. The Sunplex is an indoor
arena; the only of its type, custom
built for indoor floor sports such
as ball hockey and futsal. There
are also swimming and workout
facilities, indoor training areas for
hockey, figure skating, lacrosse
and soccer. For recreational facilities information visit www.
welcometokelowna.com/busi ness_directory/listings/SportsRecreation/Recreation-Centres.
Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Educational Services
Kelowna boasts a whole host of educational options ranging
from preschools to several post secondary institutions to trade
schools and flying schools.
The Central Okanagan School District (SD No. 23) governs the districts
public elementary, middle and secondary schools. There are many
private schools in Kelowna as well, including those geared towards
special interests such as Christian, Montessori, or the Arts.
Two of Kelowna’s largest post secondary institutions are The University
of BC - Okanagan (UBC-O) and Okanagan College.
Okanagan College
Kelowna’s major post-secondary educational institution, Okanagan
College is known for the excellent standard and variety of course material provided with options for technical training as well as supplementary courses, adult education, continuing education and diploma
programs available in many different industries.
UBC-O
The University of BC – Okanagan
Sciences buildings, Engineering
provides world-class educational
and management building and
opportunities and sees many stu-
a medical school building were
dents arriving each year from all
recently completed. The library
over the world to pursue higher
at UBC-O also received a major
education. UBC-O has been ex-
upgrade, thanks to a $1.4 million
panding in order to keep up with
makeover. The upgrade includes
the growing student body. In the
increasing student seating by 25
past couple of years, it has been
percent and the addition of new
undergoing a rapid $450 mil-
amenities designed to enrich the
lion expansion. A new science
student learning experience. In
building (The Charles E. Fipke
addition to all this, there are stu-
Centre for Innovative Research),
dent residences in various stages
University
of construction.
Centre,
Arts
and
Along with the physical expansion of the campus, the campus’
Collegia program has gained national attention as a home-awayfrom-home for its large commuter population.
Future plans include a multi-use
pathway to span the highway and
provide direct pedestrian and cyclist access to the University, providing support and encouraging
safe pedestrian and cycling, while
reducing vehicle dependency and
green house gas emissions.
You can find an extensive listing of educational resources at
WelcometoKelowna.com/business_directory/listings/Education-Employment
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Health Care
Kelowna has a wealth of quality
health care available. Residents
have access to hospitals, clinics
and pharmacies that provide services to suit everyone’s needs. A
variety of alternative medicine
such as aromatherapy, holistic
medicine, and chiropractic care
can be found as well.
Kelowna has many dentists in
the area specializing in cosmetic
dentistry, orthodontics, sedation
dentistry, root canals, pediatric
dentistry, oral surgery and periodontal care. The area also offers
a wide variety of health care services for seniors, including nursing homes and community based
residential facilities.
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)
has been undergoing a major
transformation since the Fall of
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square-foot Centennial Building.
KGH is also the site of a 34,000
square foot Interior Health
and UBC Faculty of Medicine
Clinical Academic Campus. The
Centennial Building consolidates,
expands and modernizes outpatient services and programs
currently dispersed throughout
KGH into one facility. These new
facilities will help Interior Health
provide enhanced patient care
for a growing population. Service
efficiency and patient flow will improve the patient experience.
Taken together with the new
Interior Health and UBC Faculty
of Medicine Clinical Academic
Campus, it is the equivalent to
the combined size of Kelowna’s
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Home Depot, Walmart and RONA
stores.
KGH is the Central Okanagan’s
primary acute care health facility and one of two Interior Health
tertiary referral hospitals that offer high-level, specialty medical
care. It is the only hospital that
provides full, specialty surgical
programs such as neurosurgery,
vascular surgery, advanced plastic surgery and thoracic surgery.
The final phase of the Interior
Heart and Surgical Centre (IHSC)
Project includes renovations to
the existing hospital and additions to the new Centennial
Building. These renovations and
additions will be ongoing, and will
be complete in 2017.
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Places of Worship
Kelowna is an inter-denominational community with locations to suit almost any religious or personal belief. Kelowna is home to more than one hundred churches, temples, synagogues, faith
centres and organizations.
To find yours visit:
WelcometoKelowna.com/
business_directory/listings/
Government-CommunityMunicipal-Organizations
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Media Serving the Area
Kelowna is currently served by
10 radio stations with everything from classical to classic
rock. There are 9 FM stations
(including 2 CBC) and an AM
station dedicated solely to
talk programming. All of the
Kelowna Rockets games are
broadcast live on AM 1150
along
with
Okanagan
Sun
(football) and Kelowna Falcons
(baseball) games.
CHBC Global is Kelowna’s local TV
channel, broadcasting local news,
sports and weather as well as national and world coverage. CHBC
has a strong community involvement including contests, events
and charity work. Shaw TV also
offers local broadcasts featuring some interest stories around
the city and occasionally broadcasting WHL and college football
games.
Kelowna also has two print
newspapers: the Kelowna Daily
Courier and the Kelowna Capital
News. The Kelowna Daily Courier
has been a favourite newspaper
of the Central Okanagan and
the rest of the Okanagan Valley
since 1904 making it one of
British Columbia Canada’s longest running daily newspapers.
The Courier covers local news,
sports, business, community
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news, weather and more. Inside,
there are also some national and
international news stories, along
with what’s going on in the world
of sports. The Kelowna Capital
News has been landing on the
doorsteps of Kelowna for many
years as well, dating back to 1930.
The Kelowna Capital News is published on Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday of each week.
Kelowna’s online media is
highlighted by Welcome to
Kelowna, Kelowna’s premiere
online
community
resource.
WelcometoKelowna.com is a
community portal with many
useful features including a free
13
Events Calendar, free Classifieds,
Kelowna’s most viewed Business
Directory as well as news and local
columnists on a variety of topics
including: Kelowna Business, Arts,
Social Media, Health and Fitness,
Medical, and much more. Add to
this many tools and resources to
help you throughout your day and
guides for Attractions, Weddings,
Ski, Golf, Dining and more and
you get a one-stop solution to all
your local online needs.
For a complete listing of media
and media-related companies go
to WelcometoKelowna.com/business_director y/listings/MediaAdvertising-Communications.
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Moving and Utilities
Utilities
After relocating to the area and finding a place to live, there are numerous calls to be made to the
various utilities.
Water in Kelowna is served by
5 main water purveyors. Find
out more information about
each at www.kjwc.org as well as
which one serves which address.
Electricity is provided by Fortis
BC. Gas Services are also provided by Fortis BC (formerly Terasen
Gas).
Additional and contact information about the each of the utilQuincy Vrecko & Associates
Call us at 250.863.8810 ities can be found by visiting the
directory at WelcometoKelowna.
co m / b u si ne s s _ d i rec to r y/ l i s tings/Government- Communit yMunicipal-Organizations/UtilitiesTelephone.
The
Kelowna
Chamber
of
Commerce is proud to have many
members who are “thinking
green”. From coaching and consulting to environmentally and
14
economically efficient products,
Kelowna has many businesses
that are making active steps to
improve efficiency for others.
Find out how you can reduce your
carbon footprint and reduce your
fixed costs by contacting one of
the Chamber’s many environmentally friendly members. You’ll
be glad you did.
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Protective Services
Kelowna is policed by the RCMP with 3 main policing stations
throughout the city.
Of course, in an emergency you should call 9-1-1, but not every issue
should be referred to the police and not every situation warrants an
emergency call.
Some other numbers to call include:
RCMP Police Non-Emergency
Call 24-7
Phone: 250-762-3300
Kelowna Bylaws Office
Phone 250-469-8686
Graffiti Hotline
Phone: 250-469-8600 Option 7
Crime Stoppers
Direct: 250-470-6347
TIPS Line: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Health Link BC
Call 24-7 to talk to a nurse directly:8-1-1
Moving and Storage
As an attractive and enjoyable
place to live, Kelowna continues to increase in size each
year.
If you're moving to Kelowna from
another location, you might want
to visit WelcometoKelowna.com/
business_directory/listings/RealEstate/Movers/ to look up movers and storage options to help
make your transition as smooth
as possible.
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Business and Industry
Kelowna has been described as “A prosperous region, where smart growth complements its natural resources and amenities embracing new global economic and social change.” As such, it has
become an inviting environment for prospective businesses. The Central Okanagan Economic
Development Commission provides many resources including some targeted specifically to younger entrepreneurs.
Kelowna has also attracted some high profile companies such as
Disney (Club Penguin), Shaw (call centre) and Walmart recently built a
second location (a Supercenter) in West Kelowna.
Some of the main employers in the region include:
•
Interior Health Authority
•
Walmart
•
Kelowna Flightcraft
•
Overwaitea Food Group
•
Big White Ski Resort
•
Shaw Cablesystems
•
Sun-Rype Products Ltd.
•
Disney Online Studios Canada
•
Tolko Industries Ltd.
•
The Grand Okanagan Resort
For a complete business directory and much more we invite you to
visit WelcometoKelowna.com.
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Welcome to Kelowna
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Kelowna, British Columbia Relocation Guide
Real Estate
Quincy Vrecko
Quincy Vrecko is the founder of Quincy Vrecko and Associates, as well
as the company’s Luxury Estate Agent, specializing in the sale and purchase of properties valued at $1 million or more. Quincy has played a
large part in the sale of Kelowna’s waterfront properties, selling over
20% of the entire single family residential waterfront market for the
period January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012.
With a reputation for being hardworking, outgoing, and assertive,
Quincy is sure to provide you with the excellent service and results
that you rightfully expect.
Tracey Vrecko
Tracey Vrecko began her career in real estate in Calgary, Alberta, and
has continued her success in the Kelowna market. Tracey’s focus is on
finding value for the first time home-buyer, those looking to downsize,
as well as clients looking to move up the property ladder.
With knowledge spanning all levels of the Kelowna market and a passion to succeed, Tracey has been awarded sales achievements with
the prestigious Million Dollar Club. The Million Dollar Club acknowledges RE/MAX agents who demonstrate commitment and dedication
to success within their profession.
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Kelowna, British Columbia
RELOCATION GUIDE
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