"A prosperous region, where smart growth complements its natural resources and amenities embracing new global economic and social change."

The Okanagan Valley runs north and south between high plateaus containing the sources for the many streams draining into the Okanagan Lakes.  Small lakes located on the surfaces of the plateaus act as storage reservoirs for the domestic and irrigation water systems throughout the Okanagan Region. 

The region is also known for its dry, sunny climate, dry landscapes and lakeshore communities and particular lifestyle. The economy is retirement and commercial-recreation based, with outdoor activities such as boating and watersports, snow skiing and hiking. Agriculture has been focused primarily on fruit orchards, with a recent shift in focus to vineyards and wine. The Okanagan Valley is one of five wine regions within B.C. designated as a viticultural area. 

The Central Okanagan region encompasses Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and West Kelowna near the midpoint of the Okanagan Valley.  The District stretches for 60 km along the shores of Lake Okanagan.   

The primary metropolitan area in the Okanagan is the City of Kelowna.  Its name derives from a native term for "grizzly bear".  It ranks as the 22nd largest metropolitan area in Canada.

Life in the Central Okanagan

The student population is approximately 22,000 served by 41 schools.  UBC Okanagan opened in September 2005 as a distinctive, small university campus.  It is destined to quickly become an important, respected centre of learning and research, enhancing knowledge creation and innovation in the Okanagan.  It is growing to serve the needs of the region, increasing access to the internationally recongized UBC degree. 

Okanagan College is a public, comprehensive, post secondary educational institution that offers a wide variety of career, continuing education, degree, developmental, trades and technologies, university transfer, and vocational programs.