Kelowna / Okanagan Valley
Quick Facts
Province: British
Columbia
Kelowna Population: 116,479
Okanagan Population: 176,227
The Kelowna/ Okanagan Valley area, one of the fastest growing areas in Western Canada, is the place to experience the good life. The city’s location as the gateway to B.C.’s southern interior and the largest trading centre between Greater Vancouver and Alberta gives it a great business advantage. A strong aviation sector, innovative R&D facilities, expanding post-secondary educational programs, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country are just a few reasons to invest in this prosperous valley community.
Key Advantages
- New businesses are attracted by one of the most diverse economies in British Columbia which includes high technology, advanced manufacturing, aviation and agriculture
- Okanagan region wine industry and wine-centered tourism is rapidly expanding, accounting for about 80% of all British Columbia wine production, with over $220 million in revenue and 5% growth rate.
- Okanagan valley is home to 135 wineries including Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Mission Hill Estates Winery, Quails' Gate Estate Winery, Summerhill Estate Winery and the BC Wine Institute.
- Over 200 high tech firms, including Walt Disney’s Club Penguin, the largest tech employer with over 200 workers and Rackforce, who will be hosting all of IBM’s Western North American data traffic
- Home to various research centers such as the Okanagan Research Innovation Centre and Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre who partner with local vintners, orchardists, farms and businesses to develop innovative, leading-edge agricultural technology and cultivation practices
- Kelowna International Airport is the 2nd fastest growing airport in North America, 10th busiest airport in Canada and is a vital part of the region’s prosperity, serving over one million passengers and contributing $310 million in economic activity annually
- Kelowna Flightcraft—region’s largest private employer— delivers advanced aircraft maintenance training at the airport through British Columbia Institute of Technology
Sector Strengths
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Viticulture
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Information Technology
- Tourism
- Forestry
