Kelowna, BC
MARKET PROFILE
REGION DESCRIPTION
Kelowna is nestled in the center of the Okanagan Valley also amicably known as the Napa Valley of Canada. With a population of 109,500, Kelowna is the largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley as well as the largest city in the interior of BC. Bordering Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is well known for its hot summers and temperate winters.
Kelowna boasts 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, while several championship golf courses draw enthusiasts from all parts of the globe.
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 the lake offers wonderful opportunities for boating, swimming or fishing. The nearby mountains attract hikers, cyclists, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions. Three major ski hills are within a one-hour drive.
Quick Facts
Latitude: 45°50′00″
Longitude: 119°25′00″
NTS50: 082E14
Elevation: 344 metres (1129 ft) above sea level
Population: 109,500 (2004 – 105,621)
Size: Kelowna encompasses 214 km2 of land and 48 km2 of water area
Population Density: 504.1 persons per square kilometer
TRANSIT DISTRICT FACTS
The Kelowna Regional Transit System, is the main public transit provider for Kelowna and the surrounding municipal corporations. Funding for the Kelowna Regional Transit System is cost shared between the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District, District of Lake Country and BC Transit. Operated by Farwest Transit Services, inc. There are 22 routes that run throughout the Kelowna District and surrounding areas:
Route 1 – Lakeshore
Route 2 – North End Shuttle
Route 3 – Dilworth Mt.
Route 7 – Glenmore
Route 8 – University
Route 9 – Shopper Shuttle
Route 10 – North Rutland
Route 11 – Rutland
Route 12 – McCulloch
Route 14 – Black Mountain
Route 15 – Crawford
Route 16 – Southwest Mission
Route 97 – Express
Route 20 – Lakeview
Route 21 – Glenrosa
Route 22 – Peachland
Route 23 – Lake Country
Route 24 – Shannon Lake
Route 25 – East Boundary
Route 27 – Horizon
Route 28 – Smith Creek
Route 29 – Bear Creek
Regional Map for Kelowna & Area
Regional Map for Westside
Regional Map for Peachland
FLEET SIZE
Consists of 64 Buses;
28 Low Floor Flyer
9 Dennis Darts
16 Novas
2 GM
6 Double Deckers
RIDERSHIP STATISTICS
Transit ridership has been growing from just over 1 million passengers per year 10 years ago, to almost 3 million passengers in 2003, a growth of 10 – 12% per annum. A more modest growth of 4 – 6% per annum is projected over the next 10 – 15 years.
A number of rider surveys and interviews of staff at Kelowna Transit were undertaken to determine the performance of the existing system. With this information, it was concluded that:
The transit system achieves higher than average ridership compared to similar Canadian systems.
The transit system is at least as cost-effective as similar sized transit systems.
The transit operator has a high level of public acceptance and support.
AREAS SERVED
See Map for Coverage.
SHOPPING CENTER COVERAGE
Kelowna is home to the largest shopping mall in the interior of BC, Orchard Park Shopping Centre, which boasts over 170 stores. Add to that, Capri Centre Mall with over 40 stores, and you’ll find plenty of shops to explore
Orchard Plaza
Orchard Park Mall
Willow Park Mall
Capri Centre Mall
Spall Plaza
Mission Park Mall
INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS COVERAGE
Kelowna has been rated among the most cost competitive places to do business in the Pacific Region of North America. Kelowna has become the main marketing and distribution centre of the Okanagan Valley, with a flourishing tree fruit industry and a growing light industrial sector that competes on a world scale. Best known for forestry and the manufacture of boats, plastics, fibreglass, body armour and oil field equipment, Kelowna also has a growing high technology sector that includes aerospace development and service.
RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
Any time, any day, any season, Kelowna, and the Okanagan Valley, offers a world of things to do.There’s hiking and biking through glorious pine-scented mountain forests. You can also enjoy leisurely strolls and refreshing dips in our parks and beaches. With all the luscious fruit in our thriving orchards, as well as the award-winning wines, you’ll also want to treat yourself to the perfect picnic. Be sure to take in some great boating and water activities from swimming to windsurfing to fishing. Thanks to the mild climate and day and days of sun, golf enthusiasts can indulge themselves with a long season on scenic fairways. Get your adrenaline up with scuba diving, rock climbing and other thrilling adventure activities.
Warm months aren’t the only time to visit Kelowna, BC. The winter activities are every bit as exciting, and boundless. With its snow-capped mountains and awesome views, Kelowna, and the Okanagan Valley, is an exhilarating place for skiing and snowboarding. For those who love to explore lush, aromatic forests, just put on snowshoes or cross-country skis and prepare for miles of awe-inspiring trails. You’ll see wildlife, birds and amazing views all along the way.All year-round, festivals and events abound. To the delight of your family and kids, our many parks play host to musicians and entertainers. There’s indoor and outdoor theatre, symphonies, concerts and venues that provide a wide selection of the performing arts. Explore galleries and museums and enjoy the downtown cultural district. There are also harvest celebrations, as well as much-loved and very tasteful wine festivals. Kelowna’s at the heart of B.C.’s Okanagan wine region. It boasts a number of wineries that offer tours, educational seminars and, of course, samplings of internationally-acclaimed wines.
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITY COVERAGE
Academy of Learning
CanScribe Career Centre
Centre for Arts & Technology – Kelowna
Focus Training Institute
International Education Okanagan Collage
MC College Group
Okanagan Fashion Institute
Sprott Shaw Community College
St. John Ambulance – Kelowna Branch
Sylvan Learning Centre
UBC Okanagan
UBC Okanagan School of Nursing
Vancouver Career College-Kelowna Campus
HOSPITAL COVERAGE
KGH (Kelowna General Hospital)
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE (Population, Avg Household Income, avg age etc)
Population: 109,500
Median Age: 42.8
Median Household Income:
$38,363 (Median earnings – Persons 15 years and over who worked full year, full time ($)93)
Permitted Products
All Signature Products (with Window Coverage)
All Traditional Products
Restrictions
None
