FAQs

Guided by the Community Vision 2021, the first phase of the OCP update, we are now taking steps to determine how we grow and the supporting policies to support the five major foundations from the Community Vision: our people, our connectivity, our adaptability, our prosperity and our places.

Building on the Community Vision (2020 - 2040) to achieve a vibrant, walkable and connected West Kelowna, the community has helped shape the OCP Update and Transportation Master Plan through various engagement opportunities and feedback. The draft OCP is now entering the Council review and approval process. 

A summary of the steps taken throughout the OCP update process is below. Additional information is available in the Documents section on the right side of the page.

• Phase 1 - OurWK Community Vision: The award-winning Community Vision process, OurWK.ca was endorsed in March of 2021 as part of the first phase of the OCP update. Visit the City's website to learn more about the process or to read the report.
• Phase 2 - From Vision to Ideas: In the spring and summer of 2021, we launched Phase 2 of the OCP Update. As part of this process, we heard you want a West Kelowna with vibrant city centres and complete, connected neighbourhoods. To see the full summary, review the What We Heard Report. 
• Phase 3 - Ideas in Place: In Phase 3, we asked for feedback on two essential elements of the OCP: The Growth Concept and the Proposed Future Land Use Plan. Read the Phase 3: What We Heard Report for more information.
• Phase 4 - Finalizing the Plan: In early 2023, we held an information session to receive feedback from the public about the draft OCP and the next phase of the Transportation Master Plan Update. Check out the Phase 4 Summary Report for more details.

The OCP is a City bylaw document that defines policies for land use and development, while also providing a long-term vision for the community. 

All municipalities, regional districts, and the Islands Trust in British Columbia have the authority to create an official community plan. 

City Council, City staff, developers and professionals (architects, engineers, planners, etc.) use the OCP as a tool to implement what the community wants as it relates to housing and other land uses, transportation services, infrastructure and amenities.

Today, West Kelowna is home to 37,046 residents, and by 2040, our population is expected to be more than 49,400. 

This growth will bring both opportunities and challenges and strategic planning is essential to ensure West Kelowna can continue to grow in ways that reflect the vision for the community. 

To accommodate our growth over the next 20 years, we need to create and implement plans and policies that clearly identify where development will be prioritized and supported with infrastructure and amenities. The City's Official Community Plan (OCP) update is one way that we can help direct growth to positively impact our community. 

While our policy updates have been underway and we have completed the first phase of the project—OurWK Visioning, we have more work ahead. To help us build on this work and understand your thoughts on West Kelowna's future growth, we want you to get involved.

The Growth Concept is a critical step in the OCP process and will inform future land use decisions. It includes two urban centres, complete neighbourhood nodes, infill housing and industrial land use. It will also set the foundation to:

• Help make housing more attainable
• Promote a shift to vibrant, higher-density mixed-use centres 
• Develop urban centres and neighbourhoods with convenient access to services
• Design complete neighbourhoods where people can live, work, shop and access services and transportation alternatives close to home
• Enhance and promote the West Kelowna Business and Industrial Park area as key economic opportunities