Settlement in the Kelowna (an Interior Salish word meaning Grizzly Bear) area began in earnest in 1860 when Father Pandosy pre-empted land on the banks of L’Anse au Sable (Mission Creek). The remains of his Mission are now restored and are still attracting visitors to this Provincial Heritage Site in south east Kelowna. Once Father Pandosy was settled, others quickly followed his lead and took up similar pre-emptions along the creek. This was ideal pioneering country - just enough timber to build houses, barns and fences, open parkland vegetation for grazing livestock, and sufficient water in the Valley’s major creeks.

The district’s economy turned largely around cattle ranching and grain growing in the latter half of the last century. In the 1890’s however, the first efforts toward commercial fruit growing, combined with improvements in transportation, brought many new settlers to the area.

In 1892 the townsite of Kelowna was laid out by Bernard Lequime, and the town quickly became the economic hub of the Central Okanagan. The City was incorporated in 1905, just at the beginning of an orcharding land boom that transformed the entire Okanagan Valley. As irrigation systems were built, the bench and bottom lands turned from brown to green. By this time the population of Kelowna was around 600 people, and the first ferry boat was brought to allow for easy lake crossings - which also served to make Kelowna more accessible to B.C's coastal region. With the Canadian National Railway connecting Kelowna to the rest of the B.C. and Canada in 1925, our local fruit, produce, and lumber industries grew dramatically. However, it took the end of the Second Wold War and the Veteran's Resettlement Committee for Kelowna's growth in population to necessitate a new way to crossing Lake Okanagan.

Therefore, in 1958 the Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge was officially opened by Premiere W.A.C. Bennett and Princess Margaret - the City then began to change quickly. In fact, by the end of the next year Kelowna's population had grown to 10,000. In 1960, Kelowna's airport was opened and 30 years later - in 1990 - the Coquihalla Highway Connector allows for a three and a half hour drive to Vancouver.

Today, new economic challenges are being met, and the community now integrates both the orcharding, tourist, lumber, service, manufacturing and hi-tech industries.

Today the Central Okanagan Regional District includes the Communities of Peachland, Westbank, Kelowna, Winfield and Oyama. This region covers an area of 3,006 square kilometres and has a population density of 45.4 persons per square kilometre.

Kelowna is situated in the heart of the Okanagan Valley on the shores of Lake Okanagan. This lake is about 140 kilometres long and is known for its great fishing and relaxation. It is also the home of the legendary Ogopogo - our friendly lake monster.

The area offers year round activity, tourism, agriculture and recreation. In addition, with Kelowna being home to the largest Mall in the Interior of British Columbia, great shopping is a major attraction.

According to relocation experts polled nationally by Chatelaine magazine "No city on our list was recommended more enthusiastically than Kelowna." and the Financial Times of Canada reported in June 1991 that Kelowna has become the refuge for baby-boomers fleeing the stresses and costs of big city life.

Although the Central Okanagan is renowned for its livability and lifestyle, there are many other factors that make the area appealing for investors, businesses, industry and entrepreneurs.

The Third phase of the Coquihalla Highway - the Okanagan Connector - intersects Highway 97 just south of Westbank. The driving time between Kelowna and Vancouver is approximately 3.5 - 4 hours.

The Kelowna Airport is located 12 Kilometres (8 Miles) north of the downtown area. The runway is 7,300 feet and can handle a variety of aircraft including the wide-bodied Boeing 767 and the MD-80. Kelowna is designated as a point of entry into Canada and therefore has 24 hour Customs facilities. Connecting flights make access to international markets relatively easy.

The Region offers extensive health care services and facilities. The Okanagan’s desirability and lifestyle have been key factors in attracting many highly qualified specialists to the area.