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Community
Information
The total population of the region is
currently estimated at 72,000, with a larger trading area population of
90,000 to 100,000.
The annual population growth rate for the
region has averaged a steady 3.3% for the last five years. Conservative
projections suggest an increase in population approaching 100,000 over the
next 20 years. Demographics indicate a good balance of age groups.  The steady annual increase (3 to 5%) in elementary
school enrollment demonstrates young family growth and immigration. No
longer an area just for retirees seeking a moderate climate, large numbers
of urban professional families have discovered the lifestyle benefits of
our friendly smaller communities.
Economy
The North Okanagan's past reliance on primary industries such as
forestry and farming is now balanced by large and small businesses, which
continue to expand the economy. The North Okanagan's employment base has
grown from 1991 to 1994 in the manufacturing, retail and service sectors,
while construction, transportation and primary industry have seen marginal
decreases during the same period.
Manufacturing commands a
significant percentage (17.3%) of the work force and is showing evidence
of a growing independence from resource based industries. Local
manufacturers produce a wide variety of products, including bicycles,
boats, bathroom fixtures, canoes, garments, glass containers and motor
homes, as well as a large number of value added wood products.
Agri-businesses have shown growth in the area, as evidenced
by the major additions/expansions being undertaken by Rogers Foods (flour
and cereal mill), Dairyworld (fluid milk and cheese products) and Okanagan Spring Brewery.
Both the retail and service sectors have increased their
presence in response to our growing population. The retail sector provides
employment for 14.7% of the local labour force, and is expanding rapidly.
 Service sector growth in finance and business is
demonstrated by recent additions to the North Okanagan of Midland Walwyn,
Valley First Credit Union and Interior Savings and Credit Union. The
Amstrong Spallumcheen Savings and Credit Union recently opened their
second branch in the Lumby area. Several Internet providers have recently
been established in the North Okanagan, eliminating the previous long
distance access charges. The service sector accounts for 48.5% of the
labour force.
Agriculture continues to play a significant
role in our economy. Virtually every type of farming can be found in the
North Okanagan. Leading sources of farm incomes are from dairy products,
beef cattle and tree fruits (primarily apples). Agri-tourism is
evolving as an industry in its own right, as tourists are welcomed to
experience the farms, orchards and vineyards firsthand.
Forestry is highly evident in our communities. Riverside
Forest Products, Tolko Industries and Weyerhauser Canada Ltd.
are the major mills located in our region which, together with several
smaller operations, provide over 1,200 local jobs (4.2% of the labour
force) in logging and silviculture.
Tourism continues to
grow as a major contributor to our economy. The opening of Rogers Pass
and, more recently, the construction of the Coquihalla Highway fully
opened the Okanagan Valley to tourists. Visitors are attracted by the
moderate climate, spectacular scenery and unlimited recreational
opportunities. World class facilities such as Silver Star Mountain Resort
& Predator Ridge Golf Resort draw high profile events, giving our area
national and international exposure.
Our Climate
Elevation
City of
Vernon, 416m
Coldstream, 470m
Enderby, 393m
Spallumcheen, 395m
Armstrong, 384m
Lumby, 550m
Sunshine
1903 hours per
annum
Rain
248.1mm per
annum
Snow
102.2cm per
annum |
Temperature
June-Sept.: 23.9
degrees C.
Oct.-May: 1.9 degrees C.
Frost Free Days
152
Growing Season
159 days, late April to
early October.
Note: weather figures are based on
averages, and there can be considerable variation in individual
years.
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