Kelowna hits the high note

Kelowna is turning up the volume! From September 10–13, the city will host for the first time ever the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards and the biggest week in Canadian country music. With artist activations, family-friendly events, and outdoor concerts set against Kelowna’s stunning backdrop, it’s a celebration not to be missed.

Curious how Kelowna landed the CCMAs? Let Chris Babcock, the City’s Event Development Manager, take you behind the scenes of a multi-year journey to bring this marquee event to our city. 

COSAR gets a new home

What began as a plan to replace an aging firehall has evolved into a $49 million investment in regional safety: the Glenmore Protective Services Campus (GPSC). This new multi-agency hub will soon be home to a new firehall, a training centre, and, for the first time, a permanent facility for Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR).

“This is probably the best thing that has happened in our 70 years of existence,” says Ed Henczel, COSAR’s Operations Manager.

Council Connect: Working together for a safer Kelowna

This summer I have had the chance to attend events all across our city. From neighbourhood park openings to community sporting events, I have spoken with families, students, seniors, business owners, and new residents who are proud to call Kelowna home. What I heard in these conversations was appreciation for the advancement in infrastructure projects and the need to continue focusing on public safety.

From the beginning, council and I made public safety our number one priority, and it remains our most urgent focus today. I would like to share some of the steps we have taken locally.

Read more headlines and stories in our City Newsroom.

Help shape Kelowna's online services

We are gathering insights from City of Kelowna customers, like you, to help shape a new customer service interface, currently named the City Services Hub. Our aim is to create a new web and phone experience that is accessible, easy to use and helpful.

Please take a few minutes to complete a short online survey and information grouping activities. And we'll give you a $30 gift card for your help.

A tree-mendous opportunity: Neighbourwoods is back!

Looking to ‘leaf’ a lasting legacy in your neighbourhood? The NeighbourWoods program is a tree-mendous opportunity for Kelowna residents to buy up to two trees per household for just $50 each (plus GST).

Since 2010, more than 8,300 trees have taken root across the city. Through NeighbourWoods, you're not just planting a tree, you’re growing shade, shelter, and sustainability.

Fall tree sales open from September 8-26 (or until sold out).

Parkinson Rec Centre closure

The Parkinson Recreation Centre pool and aquatics centre is closed for annual maintenance and cleaning, reopening Sept. 14. The gymnasium will also be closed from Sept. 15-19. This work is vital to ensure a clean and well-maintained facility.

City Fact

Did you know the City bought 36 acres of waterfront property in 1909 for $30,000? It was controversial at the time but the City still owns the land today — it’s now known as City Park.