Kelowna
Kelowna is with almost 120,000 inhabitants, the largest city on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada. It was first settled in 1859 by missionaries and received city rights in 1905 officially. The city is the eighth largest in British Columbia. In 2003, more than 200 houses were destroyed by large-scale forest fires and about 30,000 people temporarily evacuated. Large parts of the destroyed area, however, are already being rebuilt. During the fire in 2003, a large part of the historic " Kettle Valley Railway" was destroyed. Parts of the route are already back intact or under construction.
- 4.1 schools
- 4.2 colleges
- 6.1 Road traffic
- 6.2 Transportation
- 6.3 flight connections
Geography and climate
Kelowna is located about 400 kilometers east of Vancouver and about 130 km north of the border with the United States. The city is located on the eastern shore of Lake Okanagans, east of the city, close to the Okanagan Highlands.
Kelowna has a very mild semi-arid climate. The average temperatures throughout the year range between -7 ° C and 28 ° C. In winter, little snow falls ( average of snow in January is 13 cm), the most frequent snowfalls are expected mainly in December and January. The official weather station for Kelowna is located at the local airport. Summers are characterized by hot and dry phases, often with daytime temperatures above 30 ° C. The highest temperature ever recorded was 39.5 ° C on 24 June 1994, the lowest -36.1 ° C on December 30, 1968. During the summer it is often sunny and it falls only sporadic precipitation. However, the night temperatures can go back very strong. In June, the most rain falls; usually prevails the summer away but drought, so it can sometimes lead to forest fires.
Demography
The census in 2011 showed a population of 117 312 inhabitants for the city. The population has thereby increased since the census of 2006 at 9.6%, while the population in British Columbia grew simultaneously by only 7 %. The cost of houses and flats have increased due to strong growth since 1995 by around 50 %.
Economy and infrastructure
Economy
Kelowna's economy is heavily dominated by the service sector. In Greater Kelowna over 75 % are employed in this sector. In addition, Kelowna is a popular tourist destination. In summer deals for athletes in the areas of sailing, golfing, hiking and mountain biking are made in the winter Kelowna is popular because of the winter sports areas southwest of the city.
At Lake Okanagan is one of the largest wine-growing regions of Canada, favored by the mild climate. Therefore, are also found in numerous Kelowna Winerys. The vineyards are located outside the south and west of the city.
Compared to the rest of Canada can be observed in Kelowna above-average growth. In the years 1996 to 2006, a population growth rate of 19.3% is observed during throughout British Columbia has grown by only 9.5%. The city has been trying for some time to take in high technology sectors foot. However, most local companies are very small (up to 10 employees). For this reason, Kelowna joined with other cities in the Okanagan together to "Accelerate Okanagan ".
Education
Train
In Kelowna and Okanagan there are 32 public schools from kindergarten / primary school to grade 12 (high school ). The schools are School District 23 Central Okanagan assumed. In addition, more French-speaking and private schools are located in the city.
Universities
The Okanagan College and the University of British Columbia Okanagan are the largest higher education institutions in the city. At Okanagan College about 5000 students are enrolled in multiple disciplines. The College provides access to a university. At the University of British Columbia Okanagan 6000 students are enrolled in various undergraduate and master's degree programs.
Sports
Of great importance for sporting Kelowna Kelowna Rockets Hockey Team is playing in its own large stadium in the city. Other sports teams include the Okanagan Challenge in football, baseball, the Kelowna Falcons and the Canadian Football, the Canadian version of American football, the Okanagan Sun.
Traffic
Road
Several years led only a great Highway, Highway 97, through the town. This connects the town to the national major highways such as the main east - west connections TransCanada Highway and the Crowsnest Highway. The Coquihalla Highway as the shortest connection to Vancouver, is reached via Highway 97C, the branches in Peachland on Highway 97. The Highway 33 branches in the city center of Highway 97 in the east, opening up the big ski resorts east of Kelowna.
Since its official opening May 25, 2008 Kelowna is connected to West Kelowna on a new five-lane bridge, the William R. Bennett Bridge. The old floating bridge in 1958, which had one of the largest in the world, but the increasing traffic could no longer cope, was demolished shortly afterwards. Some parts of the bridge were obtained as a monument near the shore.
Transportation
The public transport of the city is operated by a Scottish transport company FirstGroup. The company operates a number of bus services within Kelowna and in the neighboring towns. Is financed by the transport through the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District to the District of Lake Country and BC Transit.
Flights
Of national importance is the Kelowna airport. The Kelowna International Airport, located north of downtown and is the tenth largest airport in Canada, as measured by the number of passengers. There will be scheduled connections to multiple destinations in Canada and to and from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. Furthermore, seasonal services to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Mexico performed.
Twin Cities
Sons and daughters of the town
- Bill Bennett ( born 1932 ), Canadian politician and businessman
- Steve Bozek ( b. 1960 ), Canadian ice hockey player
- Troy Bigam (* 1975), German - Canadian ice hockey player
- Jason Deleurme ( b. 1977 ), Canadian ice hockey player
- Taylor Kitsch ( born 1981 ), Canadian film and television actor
- Jonathan File Wich ( born 1984 ), Canadian ice hockey player
- Josh Gorges ( born 1984 ), Canadian ice hockey player
- Ken Magowan ( born 1981 ), Canadian ice hockey player
- Kelsey Serwa (* 1989), Canadian freestyle skier