Kelowna is recovering quicker
Kelowna is pretty amazing.
It has not been as medically, socially, and economically devastated by COVID as other cities and will recover from the pandemic faster than most other jurisdictions.
“To say Kelowna and the Central Okanagan weathered the COVID-19 store well would be an understatement in many ways,” Andrew Ramlo said during a recent webinar for members of the Okanagan branch of the Urban Development Institute.
“Our outlook for the Kelowna and Central Okanagan region is positive.”
There is long-term demand in Kelowna for all types of homes in all price ranges – low rise and high rise and condominiums, townhouses and single family homes. “Class =” img-responsive “src =” https: / /www.kelownanow.com/files/files /images/Kelowna%20skyline%20(with%20One%20Water%20towers).JPG “style =” margin: 5px; “/>
“Strong international flows (of immigration and) the influx of smart children and retirees westward to more favorable climates are expected to encourage population growth in high-quality areas like the central Okanagan,” said Ramlo.
His forecast is that the Central Okanagan, with a current population of 223,000, will grow by 80,000 over the next two decades.
And that’s on top of the 70,000 growth over the past 20 years.
The region’s 2% growth in 2029-20 was the fastest in the province.
Ramlo made a pink drink pun, pointing out that in wine country, not everything is rose.
“From a housing perspective, Kelowna and Central Okanagan are suffering from a housing availability and affordability crisis, problems that will only increase if supply of new housing does not keep pace with expected demand,” he said.
“From a justice, equality and equality perspective, the city and the wider region also suffer from diversity and inclusion challenges, growing income inequalities, and a growing homeless population, all of which require careful attention and engagement.”
Ramlo concluded his presentation by calling on everyone – developers, planners, politicians, and the general public – to seize the opportunities and use them to address the challenges.
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