West Kelowna businesses and residents invited to help shape first Economic Development Strategic Plan

Community survey open until December 21, 2026

WEST KELOWNA, B.C. — The West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation (WKEDC) invites local businesses, investors, residents and community partners to help shape the organization's inaugural Economic Development Strategic Plan. A survey will be open until Dec. 21.

Community feedback will help inform the plan, which will serve as the WKEDC's foundational roadmap to 2030. The plan will help identify opportunities and challenges and establish the organization's vision, mission, goals and priorities. It will play a critical role in guiding decision-making, investment priorities, partnerships and economic development initiatives.

“WKEDC was created to give West Kelowna a community team dedicated to business growth, investment and prosperity,” said Collin Crabbe, chair of the WKEDC board of directors. “We really need to hear from the community about the hurdles and opportunities they see in their everyday business operations. Every response will help us invest our time and effort where they will make the biggest impact.”

"As West Kelowna approaches its 20th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to define what comes next," said Ryan Malcolm, Chief Executive Officer of WKEDC. "This inaugural Strategic Plan is about building on the strengths that have brought us here. We are fortunate to share this region with Westbank First Nation, whose leadership, entrepreneurship and partnership continue to play an important role in shaping the Greater Westside economy.  We stand on the shoulders of multi-generations of farmers, foresters, entrepreneurs, WFN partners, rotorcraft pioneers, world class wineries and tourism operators.

“Understanding this phenomenal history, we can continue building on our established strengths while identifying new opportunities that will drive future prosperity for the generations in front of us. The residents of West Kelowna and the people who own, operate, invest and work in businesses across our community understand better than anyone, and this process gives you the opportunity to have your voices at the centre of this inaugural economic development strategic plan," said Malcolm.

Share your vision with us! The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Anyone who lives, works, owns property or runs a business in West Kelowna can take part. Anyone who completes a survey can enter their email address for an opportunity to win one of three local gift baskets. Learn more by visiting the project webpage:OurWK.ca/wkedc.

WKEDC will also hold individual and group interviews with key interested parties in diverse industries. A public open house will be held in the new year to ensure the priorities and actions shaping the draft strategic plan reflect community feedback and needs.

WKEDC is committed to engaging Indigenous partners and incorporating the principles and values of economic reconciliation into the development of the inaugural strategic plan. Engagement activities will include opportunities for dialogue with our neighbours Westbank First Nation and other regional partners.

Next Steps

• Winter 2026-2027
  • WKEDC will share what we heard and how the input will shape the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
  • The project team will weave together all inputs to help draft the plan.
  • Once the draft plan is complete, we will ask the public and business community for review and feedback. 
• Spring 2027
  • The final Economic Development Strategic Plan will be presented to the WKEDC Board of Directors and West Kelowna Mayor and Council for review and endorsement.

If you would like project updates and to receive WKEDC news and alerts, sign up at the end of the survey.

About the West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation

The WKEDC’s mandate is to advance economic development strategies and to foster a vibrant, resilient and prosperous community. It strives to lead business growth, retention, investment attraction and community wealth-building on the Westside. The WKEDC works with businesses, investors, First Nations, non-profits, educational institutions and governments to support sustainable growth.

The City of West Kelowna established the WKEDC as an arm’s-length corporation in March 2026. It is an incorporated non-profit and the City of West Kelowna is its sole shareholder.