Keeping up with Kelowna - One of The Fastest Growing Cities in Canada

Kelowna, a city nestled in the heart of Southern British Columbia, is on a rapid transformation journey. This picturesque Canadian locale is emerging as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The growth of Kelowna, and the region, raises important questions about its infrastructure and community services. In this article, we cover: 

• Kelowna and the Okanagan’s astonishing growth statistics and the factors fueling this expansion. 
• The impact of this growth on the demand for community services and infrastructure. 
• RJC Engineers' crucial role in supporting Kelowna's evolving infrastructure needs. 

Explore with us how Kelowna's growth is shaping its future and the pivotal role RJC Engineers plays in its ongoing development. 

Kelowna's Growth: Facts and Figures 

Kelowna has witnessed an astonishing growth rate. From 2021 to 2022, the city's population increased by 2.75%, making it the 19th largest census metropolitan area in Canada. This growth is part of a longer trend; between 2016 and 2021, the population swelled by 14%, marking the fastest growth of any metropolitan area in the country during that period. According to 2021 census data, the city's population (excluding metropolitan area) sits at 144,576.  

The Central Okanagan region, including Kelowna, experienced a growth of 2.8% from 2021 to 2022, reaching a population of 235,473.  

A Youthful Demographic 

This rapid expansion is not just in numbers. Interestingly, Kelowna's demographic is also getting younger, with the median age now slightly below the provincial median. 

This change is reshaping Kelowna's social, cultural, and economic landscape. It influences everything from urban planning and infrastructure needs to the types of community services in demand, positioning Kelowna as a dynamic and attractive destination for young professionals and families. 

The Demand for Enhanced Community Infrastructure 

Kelowna's population surge directly impacts its infrastructure needs. A growing city relies on community services, particularly in sectors like recreation, transportation, and public utilities. As the population grows, so does the demand for modern, efficient infrastructure that caters to a diverse and dynamic community. 

Housing for a Growing Population 

Kelowna's population growth demands increased housing. This challenge affects our staff and our clients' staff, making housing development critical for regional planning. Our approach includes supporting expanding residential zones, promoting affordable housing, and employing innovative urban designs to ensure Kelowna remains livable and welcoming. 

Upgrading Educational Facilities 

The expansion of Kelowna necessitates enhanced K-12 educational facilities. As part of the George Pringle project team, we recognize the importance of schools in community infrastructure. Modernizing schools creates additional space and improves educational quality with updated classrooms and resources. 

Recreation and Public Services 

The city requires improved community services, especially in areas like recreation and public utilities, to accommodate its growing populace. This includes expanding parks and green spaces, modernizing recreational centers, and upgrading water and waste management systems to meet the increased usage.  

In addition, the city's public services, like libraries, community health centers, and emergency services, require expansion and modernization to cater to the burgeoning population effectively. These improvements are essential to maintain Kelowna's quality of life and sustainability as it continues to grow. 

The City of Kelowna is working to meet these needs, as are municipalities throughout the Okanagan. In 2023 Kelowna announced the Building a Stronger Kelowna program – significant facility investments for Kelowna’s future. The City of Vernon has embarked on the Vernon Active Living Centre project and recently completed replacement of the Vernon Lakeside outdoor pool. RJC is providing structural engineering services for both these projects. Oliver is rehabilitating their arena, preparing it for an extended life, and again RJC is part of the project team.  

Transportation and Sustainable Development 

As Kelowna expands, efficient transportation infrastructure becomes essential. Key developments include transit hubs, improved roadways, and bike paths, all designed sustainably. These transport centers often catalyze surrounding business and residential growth, enhancing city connectivity and community development. 

RJC Engineers: Pioneers in Infrastructure Development 

RJC Engineers, a leader in engineering and design, has been instrumental in supporting Kelowna's infrastructure development. With a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions, RJC has been involved in numerous projects across the city, addressing the challenges posed by rapid growth.  

These include: 

Okanagan College Kelowna Trades 

A state-of-the-art trades training facility featuring innovative design and sustainable construction, enhancing vocational education in the region. 

Interior Heart and Surgical Centre 

A state-of-the-art medical facility that provides advanced healthcare services featuring cutting-edge design and medical infrastructure. 

Academy Way Phase 1 

This project focuses on residential development for students, providing modern living spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding community. 

UBC Okanagan Nechako Residence and Commons Block 

This project includes student residences and communal spaces, fostering a vibrant academic community at UBC Okanagan. 

Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport 

A convenient and modern hotel close to Kelowna's airport, providing comfort and accessibility for an increasing number of travellers. RJC’s involvement includes engineering for the original structure and partnering with Argus for the recent expansion.  

One Water 

A high-rise residential development offering luxurious living with a focus on contemporary design and sustainability. 

Central School 

An educational facility that blends historical architecture with modern functionality, serving the community's educational needs. 

Okanagan Mission Secondary 

A secondary school project that focuses on creating an optimal learning environment through innovative design and structural engineering. 

Hadgraft Wilson Place (555 Fuller Avenue) 

A residential development that combines modern living with strategic location, offering accessibility and comfort to its residents. 

Canyon Falls Middle School 

Focused on educational excellence, this middle school features modern facilities designed to enhance the learning experience. 

Each of these projects by RJC Engineers in Kelowna showcases our commitment to innovative, sustainable, and functional design. From healthcare to supportive housing, our initiatives contribute significantly to the city's infrastructure and community development. 

RJC's Role in Maintaining Existing Infrastructure 

RJC's involvement in Kelowna extends beyond new projects. The company also plays a critical role in maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. This includes preserving the city's heritage structures and modernizing public facilities to meet the changing needs of the community. RJC's approach ensures that while the city grows, its historical and cultural foundations are not only preserved but also enhanced. 

Special Design Considerations for Kelowna's Climate and Region 

Kelowna's unique environmental and climatic conditions present specific challenges for infrastructure development. RJC Engineers incorporates these considerations into their designs, ensuring that the infrastructure is not only functional but also resilient to the local climate and environmental conditions: 

• Fire and Drought Resilience: RJC adopts fire-resistant construction and drought-tolerant landscaping to mitigate wildfire and drought risks, ensuring sustainable and resilient structures.  
• Weather Protection:  Designs include features to withstand Kelowna's hot summers and cooler winters, such as careful material selections, high-efficiency HVAC systems and thermal insulation. 
• Solar Considerations:  Incorporating solar-reflective materials and strategic building orientations to manage solar gain is crucial in Kelowna's sunny climate. 
• Flood Protection:  Infrastructure near water bodies incorporates flood-resistant design elements to handle potential water level fluctuations. 
• Water Conservation: Implementing systems for rainwater harvesting and efficient water use, considering the region's water resource management needs. 
• Natural Integration:  Designs that complement Kelowna's picturesque landscape, maintaining the city's natural beauty while accommodating urban growth. 
• Green Spaces:  Incorporating green roofs and landscaped areas to promote biodiversity and enhance urban greenery. 

Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone interested in the development of growing cities like Kelowna. 

Forward-Thinking Engineering Solutions 

At RJC Engineers, we prioritize sustainability and resilience in our engineering solutions, ensuring that our infrastructure projects are not only environmentally conscious but also future-proof. Our approach involves using energy-efficient designs and eco-friendly materials, significantly reducing environmental impact. In addition, we emphasize building resilience by creating structures that are robust against local climate challenges and adaptable to future environmental changes.  

This strategic focus ensures that our projects not only meet current needs but are also prepared for future demands, providing long-lasting value to our business clients and the broader community. 

Looking Ahead 

Kelowna's journey is a dynamic one, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, it faces the pressing need to develop infrastructure that not only meets today's demands but is also resilient and sustainable for the future. RJC Engineers stands at the forefront of this development, playing a pivotal role in shaping the city's infrastructure.   

Work with RJC Engineers Today 

For those interested in further exploring the intersections of urban development, engineering innovation, and sustainability in Kelowna, RJC Engineers is your ideal partner. We invite you to connect with us to explore how our engineering solutions can support your projects and contribute to sustainable urban growth. Let's collaborate today!