Anywhere along the Okanagan stretch you will find a variety of lifestyles and neighborhoods. Whether education, work or recreational activities bring you to the Okanagan, a rich, flavourful experience is always guaranteed.
In order to help you unwind and understand the integral ingredients to our Okanagan culture, we recommend pairing one of our famous wines with a fruit platter while perusing the information below. Relax, have fun and we look forward to reading your buyer registration form.
EDUCATION CENTRAL OKANAGAN NEIGHBORHOODS
SHOPPING & SERVICES HEALTH CARE
RELIGION OKANAGAN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
OKANAGAN CLIMATE ARTS & CULTURE
UTILITIES & TELEPHONE BEFORE YOU MOVE CHECKLIST
OKANAGAN 3rd PARTY PROFESSIONALS
School District No. 23 Central Okanagan consists of 30 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 5 secondary schools. The school district also has a number of special programs available. These include a partnership with BCIT, information about the First Nations, French Immersion, and gifted programs. Their website provides detailed information regarding the academic programs offered, listing of elementary, middle, secondary schools and district services offered.
School District #23
http://www.sd23.bc.ca/
Education Facility Number of Students
Number of elementary schools 32
Number of senior middle schools 8
Number of senior secondary schools 5
Private school 11
University of British Columbia
http://web.ubc.ca/okanagan/welcome.html
Topic Statistic
Student Population 11,989
Faculty Population 668
Faculties 9
Size of Campus 516 acres
Central Okanagan Bursary And Scholarship Society (COBSS)
https://cobss.sd23.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx#/=
Central Okanagan Parent Advisory Council (COPAC)
https://copac.sd23.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx#/=
Central Programs & Services
https://cps.sd23.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx#/=
Visit Kelowna’s Centre for Arts & Technology Institute
www.digitalartschool.com/kelowna/
Visit Okanagan College
www.okanagan.bc.ca/site15.aspx
CENTRAL OKANAGAN NEIGHBORHOODS
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
The Central Okanagan is comprised of five separate areas: Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westside (including Westbank) and the Joe Rich/Ellison region. All have unique characteristics but are closely interrelated. The Community Profiles provide comprehensive information for each area.
Peachland
Eleven kilometers of beaches and home to over 5,000 people.
The District of Peachland is home to about 5,000 people, some of whose homes are nestled along the community’s eleven kilometers of shoreline. The remainder of more than 2000 households rest on hillsides overlooking Okanagan Lake. Considered a bedroom community, Peachland is just five minutes from Westbank and 20 minutes from Kelowna. Residents, therefore, enjoy the benefits of both a small people-oriented community and a thriving regional center.
Additional information on Peachland can be found on the Peachland website. http://www.peachland.ca/
Westside
Affordable housing, abundant recreational opportunities and home to over 30,000 people.
The Westside is often referred to as the “Key to the Okanagan”. It is the first community reached when traveling east to the Okanagan via the Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C), bordered by rolling mountains to the west and crystal clear waters of Okanagan Lake on the east. Westbank lies nestled in some of the best wine and fruit orchards in British Columbia
Westbank is a popular tourism, industrial and residential area and offers an enticing lifestyle. The area continues to grow at a rapid pace as people relocate from all over the globe to enjoy the quality of life offered.
Additional information on the Westside can be found on the Westside’s Regional District website. http://www.regionaldistrict.com/
Kelowna
Kelowna is a vibrant community with booming high tech, tourism and wine industries.
Kelowna enjoys a lifestyle second to none and has one of the most stable economies in Canada. With a population of over 143,000, Kelowna is the Okanagan’s largest community. Kelowna is the retail, education and health care hub for the region, and is home to over 200 high tech businesses and has been ranked the most cost effective place to do business in the Pacific Northwest.
Additional information on Kelowna can be found one the City website. http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx
Click here for Google Earth Map of neighborhoods within Kelowna.
Lake Country
Away-from-the-city feel offering the enjoyment of a rural lifestyle.
Lake Country is located in the heart of the Okanagan where sun, water, mountains, friendly people and fun all meet. The endless supply of recreation, scenery and quiet country life is home to over 10,000 people.
Lake Country is a municipality made up of four different constituencies: Winfield, the commercial centre of the area; Okanagan Centre, a residential community that lines Okanagan Lake; Oyama, located between and around both Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lakes; and Carr’s Landing along Okanagan Lake. As the name Lake Country indicates, the area is surrounded by many lakes. The larger lakes are: Okanagan, Kalamalka, Wood, and Duck, while in the hills to the east lie smaller fishing lakes named Beaver, Dee, Aberdeen, Oyama and many more.
Additional information on Lake Country can be found on the District website. http://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/
Central Okanagan East
(Joe Rich/Ellison)
Known for its natural beauty and open landscape.
Joe Rich is ranch country while Ellison is a bedroom community with a country feel. Ellison predates Kelowna as the first major settlement in the area. Among its most desirable new properties are the homes surrounding The Bear and Quail courses at Okanagan Golf Club.
Additional information on Joe Rich and Ellison can be found on the Regional government website. http://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/
SHOPPING & SERVICES
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
Kelowna is the central hub in the Okanagan for major retail and business centers. Virtually every type of retail experience is offered – from boutique specialty stores to franchise chains. Orchard Park Shopping Centre is the largest shopping center between Calgary and Vancouver offering over 150 shops and services.
Most chain stores are represented locally including Wal-Mart, Costco, Winners/Home Sense, Home Depot, Pier One, Chapters. Home Outfitters, BCBG & the list continues to grow!
Additional Information can be browsed on the Orchard Park Shopping Centre website.
http://www.orchardparkshopping.com/
HEALTH CARE
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
The provincial Ministry of Health provides a vast amount of information regarding our provincial health care system including how to apply for coverage to our medical services plan, PharmaCare, Home and Community Care, and even Surgical Wait List Registry. Visit website http://www.gov.bc.ca/health/
British Columbia has established five health service regions in the province. Interior Health is responsible for the Interior of British Columbia including Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Their website has a variety of information including a searchable database for finding a physician, specialist, dentist or chiropractor, home and community care information. Visit website http://www.interiorhealth.ca/
Kelowna General Hospital is Kelowna and the Central Okanaga’s primary acute care health facility. It operates 337 beds – 12 intensive care, 8 coronary care, 139 medical, 1 obstetric, 10 pediatric,24 psychiatric, 38 rehabilitation, 88 surgical and 20 nursery.
The Centre for the Southern Interior Cancer Clinic is located in Kelowna. This Center is the nucleus for cancer research, education, prevention, diagnosis and treatment in the southern interior of British Columbia. Their website provides information regarding cancers, treatments, visiting the center and resources in the community. Visit website http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/RS/CentrefortheSouthernInterior/default.htm
For those of you wanting to be in close proximity to your place of worship, please read up on the following list. Our apologies if we’ve missed one. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll track it down!
http://www.welcometokelowna.com/directoryListings.php?categoryID=346
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
There are a variety of community services and clubs in the Central Okanagan. Be sure to visit the following websites to learn more about your favourite activities.
Kelowna Sports & Recreation Book
http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page172.aspx
Kelowna’s Event Calender
http://www.tourismkelowna.com/visitors/eventscalendar/
Westbank’s Leisure Guide
http://www.cord.bc.ca/departments/parks/westside/default.aspx
Active Communities of Peachland
http://www.peachland.ca/
CLIMATE
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
Kelowna and the rest of the Central Okanagan are known for their hot summers and mild winters. The temperature is best described as being a mild continental type. The summers are warm with hot days but do cool off sometimes in the evenings. Winters, are occasionally cold but much milder than areas north and east of the Valley. In Kelowna the mean maximum temperatures vary from about zero degrees Celsius in January to 27.9 degrees Celsius in July; thus, about one third of mid-summer is tropical in nature.
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 Kelowna and the Central Okanagan are just under 2000 hours. Pack Your Bags!
Check the weather in Kelowna today http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71203.html
ARTS & CULTURE
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
Arts and Culture play a large part in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. The industry continues to evolve and entertainment is frequently paired with the natural beauty of Okanagan offerings, such as Shakespearean products at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery and, “Mozart in the Park,” classical music performed lakeside in Kelowna’s City Park.
The Rotary Arts Centre, in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District, opened in the fall of 2002. This multi-purpose facility accommodates a wide range of performances and resident artists can also be watched while they work.
Historical attractions such as the BC Orchard Industry Museum and Wine Museum in Kelowna, showcase the agriculture history of the area in authentically restored buildings. Numerous galleries feature the work of local artists and festivals and events are held throughout the year.
The Spring and Fall Okanagan Wine Festivals held in May and October have become major tourism draws for visitors throughout North America.
To find out what other cultural events are happening in our region. Click here. http://www.eventpub.com/
The Kelowna Childcare Society provides a listing of licensed childcare facilities in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Their program is funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. See the list http://www.kelownachildcare.com/
This Ministry has developed a childcare subsidy program to assist British Columbia families with low incomes to meet the costs of child care. Full information on the program can be found on their website. Read more at http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm
Utilities & Telephone
BC Hydro http://www.bchydro.com/
Telus http://www.telus.com/cgi-ebs/jsp/selectRegion.jsp?rd=http://www.telus.com/cgi-ebs/jsp/homepage.jsp%3f
Terasen Gas http://www.terasen.com/
Shaw Cable http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca
Starchoice http://www.starchoice.com/english/default.asp
Fortis BC http://www.fortisbc.com/index.html
Garbage Collection
City of Kelowna http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx
Waste Management http://www.wm.com/
BFI Canada http://www.bficanada.com/
Irrigation Districts
Black Mountain Irrigation District http://mypage.direct.ca/b/bmid/index.htm
Glenmore Ellison Improvement District http://www.glenmoreellison.com/
City of Kelowna, Works & Utilities http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx
British Columbia Utilities Commission http://www.bcuc.com/
Vehicle Insurance
ICBC http://www.icbc.com/
BEFORE YOU MOVE CHECKLIST
(Information provided by Invest Kelowna)
Moving can be extremely stressful. Keep yourself on track with this list and make sure you’ve taken care of everything on time! http://www.investkelowna.com/pdf/living_kelowna/moving.pdf
CENTRAL OKANAGAN THIRD PARTY PROFESSIONALS
Mortgage Broker
Mortgage Alliance Homeline (Located Inside Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty in Kelowna)
Brenda Dilley Cell (250) 808-1000 dilley@telus.net
Mortgage Specialist
Royal Bank of Canada ~ Mobile Okanagan Mortgage Specialist
Julie Weimer Cell (250) 864-5349 julie.weimer@rbc.com
Bank of Montreal – Kelowna Capri Centre Branch
John E. Phillips Cell (250) 864-8851 johnE.phillips@bmo.com
Toronto-Dominion Bank [TD] – Mobile Okanagan Mortgage Specialist
Christine Dawson Cell (250) 864-8521 christine.dawson@td.com
Bank of Nova Scotia – Mortgage Specialist
Lin Diamond Cell (250) 718-0130
Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada [CIBC] – Mortgage Specialist
Get Pre-Approved Call 1-866-525-8622
Scotia McLeod ~Wealth Advisor
Shannon Jones Call 250-868-5535 shannon_jones@scotiamcleod.com
World Financial – Senior Associate
Richard Bullock Call 250-899-1451 RBULLOCK57YLFC@wfgmail.ca
LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Solicitors
BASSET SPAGNUOLO – Real Estate Lawyers
260-2300 Carrington Road Westbank / Kelowna
(250) 768-5152
BEAIRSTO & Co – Barrister & Solicitor
201 1940 Kane Kelowna V1V 2J9
(250) 762-6111
BERGE HORN
200 – 215 Lawrence Avenue Kelowna
(250) 762-4222
BISHOP & Co – Barristers & Solicitors
206 347 Leon Kelowna V1Y 8C7
(250) 861-4022
BURGESS & Co
202 2365 Gordon Kelowna V1W 3C2
(250) 861-5533
CRONQUIST Bradley C – Lawyer
200 215 Lawrence Kelowna V1Y 6L2
(250) 762-4222
DOAK Shirreff
200 537 Leon Kelowna V1Y 2A9
(250) 763-4323
GLAZIER POLLEY
1674 Bertram Kelowna
(250) 763-3343
HORN J T F – Lawyer
1737 Pandosy Kelowna V1Y 1R2
(250) 762-2011
HUMPHRIES John E – Barristers & Solicitors
6078 Beatrice Peachland V0H 1X4
(250) 767-2221
KIMMITT & Co – Barristers & Solicitors
(250) 763-6441
MCALLISTER Law Office
201 540 Cawston Kelowna V1Y 6Z2
(250) 763-6776
PORTER Ramsay – Lawyers
200 1465 Ellis Kelowna V1Y 2A3
(250) 763-7646
PUSHOR Richard J – Lawyer
1665 Ellis Kelowna V1Y 2B3
(250) 762-2108
SHIRREFF Grant E – Lawyer
200 537 Leon KelownaV1Y 2A9
(250) 763-4323
WILKINSON & Co – Donald L Wilkinson
210 347 Leon KelownaV1Y 8C7
(250) 717-1615
Notaries
Janzen – Langstaff
103-1912 Enterprise Way Kelowna V1Y 9S9
(250) 763-1923
Franks, Douglas M
212 1980 Cooper Kelowna V1Y 8K5
(250) 868-8268
Holt P M
105 3140 Lakeshore Rd Kelowna V1W 3T1
(250) 763-8506
Langstaff, Carmen
103-1912 Enterprise Way, Kelowna BC, V1Y 9S9
(250) 868-2232