Welcome Home
Whether it was the mountains or the tech community that brought you to the Okanagan, adventure, opportunities and friendships await.
The Central Okanagan
As Canada’s fastest-growing census metropolitan area, the Central Okanagan has become one of the most desirable places to live. The appeal of Okanagan Lake, the natural beauty of the surrounding hillsides and the fragrant orchards and vineyards continue to draw people to the valley.
Quick Facts
A region with endless opportunities, here are a few things you should know about the Central Okanagan:
- The Central Okanagan is the fastest growing region in Canada and the third largest urban area in BC.
- It is home to more than 222,162 people.
- Our citizens are young: the median age is only 44.4 years.
- The region encompasses over 314,000 hectares of diverse topography straddling the shoreline of Okanagan Lake.
- Warm summers characterized by low humidity and mild winters, with an average temperature of 28° Celsius in the summer and an annual minimum temperature of 2° Celsius.
Interested in what community is right for you?
For more information on arts, culture, entertainment, recreation and local events in the region visit:
Our Communities
The Central Okanagan is home to over 222,000 residents and seven distinct but closely related communities: District of Lake Country, City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, City of West Kelowna, District of Peachland, and Central Okanagan West and Central Okanagan East Electoral Areas.
Make Connections and Uncover Opportunities
You’ve moved to a breathtaking region to enjoy the lifestyle, and now you’re ready to develop a network and create equally amazing professional opportunities.
- OYP Collective
The Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Collective is a program of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. We are a hub of resources to attract and retain talent in the region by helping build community and create opportunities for young people.
There’s no membership and we don’t sell anything – other than why it’s so great to live here! All are welcome to join in to connect with other awesome young professionals in our community.
- Connector Program
The Connector Program is a formalized community networking/integration initiative designed to broaden a job seeker’s network through one-on-one in-person meetings with established business leaders in the community.
- Kelowna Newcomers Club
The Kelowna Newcomers Club (KNC) is a non-religious, non-political, activities-based club, run entirely by volunteers.
Their membership is open to individuals aged 19 and over who moved to the City of Kelowna or surrounding areas — West Kelowna and Westbank, Peachland, or Lake Country — within the past three years.
The mission of the KNC is to help newcomers to the area learn about their community and make new friends.
Job Search
Kick-start your career in the Central Okanagan with the below job boards:
Employment Resources
Take a look through our list of employment support organizations to help you establish your career!
- YMCA of Southern Interior BC
Discover your career potential, supported by employment experts with 20 years’ experience in coaching young adults ages 16-30 in self-discovery and job training. Explore the YMCA of Southern Interior BC‘s diverse range of employment programs and training opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment.
- KCR Community Resources – Employment Services
KCR’s Employment Services helps unemployed and under-employed individuals identify career and educational goals, navigate the job search and develop essential job skills. Collaborating with employers in the Central Okanagan to more easily recruit quality applicants.
- WorkBC
WorkBC Centres support you in finding a job and keeping it. Services are available to all unemployed or precariously employed B.C. citizens legally eligible to work in B.C.
WorkBC Centres will work with you to learn more about you, such as your strengths, needs, and interests, to assist you in finding a good job that pays a living wage.
WorkBC is fully funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. Their services are available at no cost to you.
WorkBC Centres: Kelowna, West Kelowna, Rutland
- UBCO Academic & Career Development
UBC students and alumni are recognized globally for their academic excellence, leadership, ability to take initiative, and diversity, making them valuable employees in your workplace. Each year, hundreds of employers connect with us to build their brand on campus by interacting with students.
Get your organization involved with campus through Employer Information Sessions, Career Fairs and postings on the UBCO Student & Alumni Job Board.
Learn more here!
- OC Student, Grad and Co-op Employment
The Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre serves as a hub for students, alumni and employers looking for employment at various levels. From the student perspective, Okanagan College offers co-op programs with hands-on learning, where students are paired with a business or organization to further learning in a practical way.
For alumni, Okanagan College is here to help you navigate the transition from student to employee, providing resources along the way.
For employers, consider this a contact point of information, to learn more about hiring an Okanagan College student and indicate your interest in bringing a student onto your team.
Learn more here!
- Open Door Group
Our Mission.
Opening doors to lifelong learning and career success.
To achieve its mission, Open Door Group assists people to prepare, obtain, and sustain meaningful careers and to support people in the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Our Vision.
Meaningful skills and careers for everyone.
- Partners In Resources (Piers)
Piers is a social purpose organization based in the Okanagan dedicated to providing person – centered employment services, life skills coaching and support with housing/financial management issues for individuals with special considerations.
They offer various programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life for their community members in need.
Learn more about their services here!
- SDECB
La Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique is committed to creating a prosperous economic future for Francophones in British Columbia.
They provide comprehensive support throughout your professional journey, whether you’re starting a business, recruiting new talent, seeking employment, or developing a community project. They are here to assist you every step of the way!
Learn more here.
- International Gateway Kelowna (IGK)
IGK is committed to enhancing students’ educational journey by providing top tier instruction and equipping their graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment with satisfied employers.
They realize their vision by empowering our students to realize their full potential, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, and ensuring equitable treatment for all our employees.
Learn more here!
Immigration
Do you have questions that you want answered before, during and even after the big move? These links to online resources and government sites will help you with all aspects of immigration.
- Immigration & Citizenship Canada
Immigration & Citizenship Canada – The Canadian government website will give you all the information you need to apply for immigration.
- WelcomeBC
WelcomeBC – Learn about our province and about life in B.C. Find out how to get a job, study as an international student, or learn English. Discover how you can stay in B.C. permanently and find settlement resources to start your life here.
The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program administered by the Government of British Columbia’s Immigration Programs Branch.
The program enables the province to select and nominate foreign workers, international students and entrepreneurs to help meet B.C.’s labour market needs, support government priorities, and help grow B.C.’s economy. If you are nominated, you and your family can apply to IRCC to become a permanent resident of Canada.
- Immigration Services Society of BC
Immigration Services Society of BC – Provides free immigrant services including settlement support, employment programs, english classes and more.
- KCR Community Resources – Immigrant Services
KCR Community Resources – Immigrant Services– Assisting Immigrants to Canada to feel welcome by providing information and connecting them to the community. Promoting the benefits of cultural diversity in our community by coordinating cultural awareness activities.
- Going to Canada
Going to Canada – This invaluable resource includes information on immigrating to – and living and working in – Canada.
- Moving2Canada
Moving2Canada – A network that offers objective, independent advice on all aspects of your move.
- Language for Life Society
Language for Life Society – A unique non-profit English as a Second Language School located in Kelowna, BC, where all English learners are welcomed and placed in programs that suit their individual needs.
- Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society
Project Literacy – A registered charity that provides literacy support for adults, refugees, immigrant families, children and seniors.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our community puts people first and welcomes people from all backgrounds. We all benefit when everyone in the community has access to economic, recreational and social opportunities.
- Kelowna Pride Society
Kelowna Pride is a not-for-profit organization that supports the queer communities of our city and beyond. We work to ensure equal rights and representation for every person of diverse sexual and gender identities.
- Kelowna Community Resources
KCR is a nonprofit agency fostering diversity, collaboration and resourcefulness by tailoring services to meet community, family and individual needs.
- Pathways Abilities Society
Pathways is a non-profit, registered charity, whose mission is “To assist people with disabilities to reach their individual goals and contribute as equal members of community”.
- Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society
The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society was established in 1974. The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will provide for the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of all peoples through the development of community-based services, while encouraging the community to preserve, share and promote Aboriginal cultural distinctiveness.
- CRIS Adaptive Adventures
Adaptive Adventures, enables outdoor urban-based experiences for people that require additional support, due to a variety of barriers such as physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges, through a combination of the right people, experience, and adaptive equipment.
