The primary business cores within West Kelowna are Westbank Centre (photo), and Boucherie Centre.
|
|
|
|
Business Development Officer (BDO) John Perrott's objectives are to foster economic growth in the District of West Kelowna (DWK) and implement recommendations made in the District of West Kelowna's Economic Development Strategy, which Council adopted on August 17, 2010. To read more about the BDO please click on the Quick Link to the right.
To contact John Perrott, please click here.
The Economic Development Strategy's goals are to improve the local business climate, increase local job opportunities, expand the business tax base, provide vibrant town centres and gateway presence and ensure a productive partnership with the Westbank First Nation.
The strategy's recommendations included:
-
Establishment of a business development resource to work with key partners
-
Hiring of a business development officer
-
Provide a $180,000 annual budget, $150,000 of which would come from DWK
Council also amended the 2010 Financial Plan to include funding in 2010 and 2011 to implement the strategy.
BUSINESS ATTRACTION
West Kelowna is a visually stunning community in all seasons; its physical landscape still dotted with evidence of its rich agricultural history. Vineyards, orchards and farming industries operate throughout the community. The District is nestled on the gently sloping hills on the central west shores of Okanagan Lake and each of its many neighbourhoods boast unique and breathtaking vistas.
The District of West Kelowna is the second largest municipality in the Central Okanagan, with an estimated population of 30,892 (2011 Census). The total land area of the District of West Kelowna is 121.4 square kilometres.
The primary business areas within the District are Boucherie and Westbank Centres. Residential neighbourhoods, some with smaller commercial centres, include: Casa Loma, Glenrosa, Lakeview Heights, Rose Valley, Shannon Lake, Westbank and West Kelowna Estates. West Kelowna surrounds two self-governing reserves of the Westbank First Nation.
ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
Photo: Wineries such as Mission Hill Family Estate are major contributors to West Kelowna's economy.
|
|
West Kelowna has a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, retail and construction. West Kelowna has a labour force of 14,395 (as per 2006 census). The largest segment of the labour force is in retail trade (13.2%) and construction (12.4%). There are proportionately more people in the construction industry in West Kelowna (12.5%) than in the province overall (7.6%).
Most new employment is created by small and medium sized business. The proportion of self-employed people in West Kelowna (17.6%) was slightly higher in 2006 than in BC overall (14.1%).
HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Updated November 6, 2012
According to the 2011 Census, 11,803 households are located in West Kelowna, up from 10,205 in 2006. The average household size was 2.6 people in 2011, down slightly from 2.7 people in 2006. The BC average of persons per household was 2.5 persons in 2011, unchanged from 2006. Two person households were the most common household type in West Kelowna in 2011 (55.4%). Two person households are also most common in the province overall (52.1%).
The following information is from the 2006 Census: The proportion of owned dwellings was higher for West Kelowna (88.0 %) than for the province overall (69.7%). West Kelowna has a higher than average proportion of single-detached housing (75.3%) than BC overall (49.0%).
PERSONAL INCOME
The median income of persons 15 years and over in West Kelowna for 2005 was $26,442 compared to $24,867 for BC overall. The average income in West Kelowna was $34,951 compared to $34,519 for BC overall, the median income of households in West Kelowna was $60,639 compared to $52,709 for BC overall.
POPULATION
Updated: November 5, 2012
The population of West Kelowna was 30,892 (Statistics Canada, May 2011 Census), compared to 27,214 at the time of the previous national census in 2006. Between 2006 and 2011, the municipality grew by 13.5%, recording one of the largest growth rates in Canada. West Kelowna is the 27th largest community in British Columbia and ranks 139th nationally (2011 Census). West Kelowna’s estimated population density is 250 persons per square kilometre (2.5 persons per hectare), compared to the provincial average of 4.8 persons per square kilometre.
The largest number is in the age group of 40 to 59 years, with 9,375 people (30%). More than 83% of the population is aged 15 and over. The municipality's median age was 43.5 in 2011, compared to 42.7 in 2006. The median age in BC was 41.9 in 2011, compared to 40.8 in 2006.
CONTACT US
If you would like more information on economic development in the District of West Kelowna, please contact Business Development Officer John Perrott at: