About West Kelowna

West Kelowna is a thriving city that has a rural sophistication appeal and is a haven for outdoor recreation. Sun-soaked lakeshores, agricultural charm, and access to urban jobs and living have made West Kelowna the place to be. We maintain a deep connection with our agricultural roots andwe celebrate the one-of-a-kind character of our community.

The City of West Kelowna is gathered on the traditional territory of the syilx/Okanagan people.

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Find us

West Kelowna is located on the central, western hillsides of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia's beautiful Southern Interior Region, at the junction of Highways 97 and 97C. The community is the main gateway to the Okanagan from the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the US Pacific Northwest.

Economy

West Kelowna has a diverse economy, which includes agriculture, construction, finance, food and retail services, light industry, lumber manufacturing, technology, tourism and world-renowned wineries.

The City of West Kelowna is part of the Greater Westside, which includes Westbank First Nation, District of Peachland and the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.

The Greater Westside is part of the larger Central Okanagan Regional District economic development area. To learn more, visit the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.

Neighbourhoods

Are you thinking of moving to a particular neighbourhood? Do you want to know more about the neighbourhood in which you already live? Are you looking for a map of our various neighbourhoods? Check our statistics page for more information.

Population

West Kelowna has an estimated population of 38,311 residents (BC Stats, 2021), living in more than 12,500 homes located within an area of 123.53 km2 (Stats Canada). The municipality is the third largest city by population in the Okanagan. The community continues to grow rapidly with a population increase of 17.3 per cent between the 2016 and 2021 censuses (Stats Canada).

The City of West Kelowna serves more than 56,500 people, providing arenas, indoor pool, parks and recreational programs and RCMP detachment to neighbouring jurisdictions. The City of West Kelowna's fire department also provides response and prevention services to Westbank First Nation.

The City of West Kelowna is a partner in regional services with Westbank First Nation, District of Peachland and Regional District of Central Okanagan including regional parks, transit, the Waste Transfer Station on Asquith Road and Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant on Gellatly Road.

Schools

The City of West Kelowna is located within School District 23. We have eight elementary schools, two middle schools and currently one high school. Learn more about School District 23’s catchment areas.

For more information, visit the West Kelowna Schools page.