Kelowna
Kelowna (2001 population 96,288, metropolitan population 147,739) is a city on Okanagan Lake in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. It is the seat of the Central Okanagan Regional District.
First settled by missionaries in 1859, Kelowna was officially incorporated in 1906. Neighbouring towns include Westbank to the west, Peachland to the southwest, Vernon to the north and Penticton south of Peachland. Travel by car from Vancouver is expedited by going through the towns of Abbotsford, Hope, and Merritt, a trip of approximately 425 km.
Kelowna is connected to Westbank by a floating bridge and links highway 97 south. The floating bridge is slated for replacement as it has outlived its usefulness and is incapable of supporting the current traffic levels. A new bridge will be built in the near future.
The service industry employs the most people in Kelowna, the largest city in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley. In summer, boating is popular and in winter, Alpine skiing at the nearby Big White Ski Resort.
Kelowna is well known for producing many varieties of fine wines. You will find this region is full of wonderful vineyards. The most captivating is the Mission Hill winery which sits atop a hill overlooking the lake.
Kelowna was home to the late Premier of British Columbia, W.A.C. Bennett and the birthplace of his son, William R. Bennett, who would also become Premier of the province.
Major League Baseball player, Jeff Zimmerman of the Texas Rangers was born here. The city is also home to The Grapes of Wrath, one of Canada's most popular rock bands in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Sports Teams:
- Kelowna Falcons - baseball team
- Kelowna Heat - baseball team
- Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (Winner of the 2004 Memorial Cup)
Events of Significance:
- In August 2003, a nearby wildfire destroyed over 200 homes and forced the temporary evacuation of approximately 20,000 residents.
- During the 2003 fire the historic Kettle Valley railway tressels were destroyed. There are plans in the works to rebuild.