Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna (2005 population 105,621 metropolitan population 165, 221) is a city on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. It is the seat of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, and the third-largest metropolitan area in British Columbia (aside from Vancouver and Victoria). Kelowna is one of the fastest growing cities in North America and is considered by some to be one of the most desireable cities in the world in which to reside. The appropriate management of such rapid development (and its attendant consequences) is a source of significant debate within the community. It is the fourth most expensive housing market in Canada behind Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria.

Events of Significance

• On Aug. 6, 1969, a sonic boom from a nearby air show produces an expensive broken glass bill while at least 6 people were injured.http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-75-246-1220-11/that_was_then/science_technology/kelowna_sonic_boom
• In August 2003, a nearby wildfire destroyed over 200 homes and forced the temporary evacuation of approximately 30,000 residents.
• During the 2003 fire, many trestles of the historic Kettle Valley Railway were destroyed. One of the trestles, Trestle 18, has been rebuilt, and other trestles are planned to be reconstructed as well.
• In May 2005, Kelowna celebrated its Centennial.
• 2005, A new bridge to replace the Okanagan Floating Bridge has begun construction, being part of a plan to try and alleviate the severe traffic problems experienced during the summer months (the height of tourism season)