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Kelowna-Lake Country is an electoral district located in the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia's interior.
Boasting luscious orchards, stunning wineries, majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, first-rate golf courses, and a dynamic economy, Kelowna-Lake Country is one of Canada's finest locations for both work and play. Comprised of the City of Kelowna (pop. 105,000) to the south and the community of Lake Country (pop. 10,000) to the north, Kelowna-Lake Country is widely renowned for its world-class wineries, outstanding ski hills, and picturesque lakes. It is well served by Kelowna International Airport (one of Canada's busiest international airports) and the University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus (one of Canada's premier educational institutes).
Kelowna-Lake Country continues to be one of the fastest growing districts in British Columbia, with manufacturing, high technology and health care sectors in particular attracting new businesses and residents to the area. This is fuelled by the fact Kelowna has been identified as the most cost effective place to conduct business in the Pacific Region of North America in KPMG's 2004 Competitive Alternatives Study (Kelowna also ranked #1 in KPMG’s previous study). The study measured 27 cost components - such as labour, taxes and utilities -applied to business operations in a study of 121 cities in the 11 countries. The district's vibrant retail and commercial base attracts a trading area of over 450,000 residents, making it the largest centre for urban development, business, commerce, retail, and health care services between Greater Vancouver and Alberta.
Kelowna-Lake Country is also widely regarded as a burgeoning event community. Recently, Kelowna-Kelowna Lake Country successfully hosted the 2006 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, the 2004 Mastercard Memorial Cup, and the 2002 World Junior Curling Championships. Prospera Place, a 6,000-seat multi-purpose facility located in downtown Kelowna, is home to the Kelowna Rockets, one of the WHL's most successful franchises, and attracts performers such as Elton John, Rod Stewart, the Black Eyed Peas, the Tragically Hip, and the WWE. Recently, Prospera Place was named, "the top concert venue in Canada under 15,000 seats."
Kelowna-Lake Country is also home to a stellar cultural and festival scene. Kelowna’s growing Cultural District covers a six-block downtown area and features a concentration of galleries, museums, theatres, a casino, artists’ studios, fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant cultural life all year long. In addition, festivals, such as the Kelowna International Regatta, Wakefest, and the Okanagan Wine Festivals, make Kelowna-Lake Country an ideal spot year-round.
Kelowna-Lake Country is a year-round playground that is perfect for starting up a new business, relocating an old one, raising a family, relaxing at a winery, or enjoying the spectacular beaches! I heartily encourage you to vist Kelowna-Lake Country and to discover all that our incredible district has to offer.
