A platform for West Kelowna residents and businesses to share local updates, discuss Westbank revitalization, share ideas, and help shape our future.
The Westbank Urban Centre is the historic commercial and civic core of West Kelowna, British Columbia. Originally serving as the primary service centre for surrounding agricultural communities, the area experienced declining activity following the construction of Highway 97C and the growth of automobile-oriented commercial development. These changes contributed to fragmented land use, reduced pedestrian activity, and a weakening of the traditional downtown.
To address these challenges and guide future growth, the District of West Kelowna adopted the Westbank Centre Revitalization Plan in 2011. Building on earlier planning efforts, the plan established a long-term vision to transform the area into a compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented urban centre. Key objectives included supporting local businesses, encouraging higher-density residential and commercial development, improving public spaces and transportation networks, and strengthening the cultural and civic identity of the community.
The rationale for revitalization remains as relevant today as it was in 2011. A vibrant town centre is at the heart of a thriving community, providing a welcoming place where residents, businesses, and visitors can connect, shop, work, and gather. As West Kelowna continues to grow, a dynamic and accessible town centre serves as an economic and social hub that supports local businesses, attracts investment, creates employment opportunities, strengthens community identity, and contributes to the city’s long-term socio-economic prosperity.