Regional Growth Strategy

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What is a Regional Growth Strategy?

A Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) is a long-term plan that guides how a region grows and develops over time. By setting shared goals and policies, an RGS ensures growth happens in a coordinated way that supports a prosperous and resilient region. It provides a framework for managing population growth, protecting natural areas, and planning infrastructure so communities can thrive now and in the future.

The RGS ensures that Central Okanagan governments work together on important regional issues that impact you such as:

  • housing
  • transportation
  • economic development
  • preparing for natural hazard event (such as extreme heat, wildfires, and flooding).

These matters cross jurisdictional boundaries and require a coordinated approach to protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents.

A New RGS

The RGS has provided this coordinated framework for more than 25 years. The current strategy (Bylaw No. 1336) was adopted in 2014, based on a regional population of 179,839 (2011 census). Since then, the region has grown by approximately 40%, an increase of about 72,000 residents, and major changes in housing laws and climate risks have reshaped how and where growth happens

It’s time for a new strategy that addresses the challenges we face today.

Updating the RGS will give you a voice in shaping the region and ensure a coordinated approach to issues like housing, transportation, economic development, and climate readiness. Starting now means taking a proactive step to preserve and enhance the Central Okanagan we all call home.

Help shape the future of the Central Okanagan

Updating the RGS is a big job, and it takes time to do it right. The process will happen over three years, with completion expected in 2028. This timeline ensures we can plan efficiently and align with future updates to Official Community Plans (OCPs) in 2030. By finishing the RGS first, we help municipalities avoid extra work and keep local plans consistent with regional goals. Taking the time now means creating a strategy that supports smart growth and a livable Okanagan for years to come.

As we begin updating the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), your voice will be essential. This plan will shape how the Central Okanagan grows and responds to future challenges, and we want it to reflect the values of our communities.

Public consultation will be at the heart of the process, with multiple opportunities to share your ideas and feedback. We will be providing a variety of in-person and online engagements in order to get the most fulsome and authentic feedback from Central Okanagan residents. Together, we can create a strategy that connects people in meaningful ways and ensures everyone sees themselves in the future we’re planning.


What is a Regional Growth Strategy?

A Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) is a long-term plan that guides how a region grows and develops over time. By setting shared goals and policies, an RGS ensures growth happens in a coordinated way that supports a prosperous and resilient region. It provides a framework for managing population growth, protecting natural areas, and planning infrastructure so communities can thrive now and in the future.

The RGS ensures that Central Okanagan governments work together on important regional issues that impact you such as:

  • housing
  • transportation
  • economic development
  • preparing for natural hazard event (such as extreme heat, wildfires, and flooding).

These matters cross jurisdictional boundaries and require a coordinated approach to protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents.

A New RGS

The RGS has provided this coordinated framework for more than 25 years. The current strategy (Bylaw No. 1336) was adopted in 2014, based on a regional population of 179,839 (2011 census). Since then, the region has grown by approximately 40%, an increase of about 72,000 residents, and major changes in housing laws and climate risks have reshaped how and where growth happens

It’s time for a new strategy that addresses the challenges we face today.

Updating the RGS will give you a voice in shaping the region and ensure a coordinated approach to issues like housing, transportation, economic development, and climate readiness. Starting now means taking a proactive step to preserve and enhance the Central Okanagan we all call home.

Help shape the future of the Central Okanagan

Updating the RGS is a big job, and it takes time to do it right. The process will happen over three years, with completion expected in 2028. This timeline ensures we can plan efficiently and align with future updates to Official Community Plans (OCPs) in 2030. By finishing the RGS first, we help municipalities avoid extra work and keep local plans consistent with regional goals. Taking the time now means creating a strategy that supports smart growth and a livable Okanagan for years to come.

As we begin updating the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), your voice will be essential. This plan will shape how the Central Okanagan grows and responds to future challenges, and we want it to reflect the values of our communities.

Public consultation will be at the heart of the process, with multiple opportunities to share your ideas and feedback. We will be providing a variety of in-person and online engagements in order to get the most fulsome and authentic feedback from Central Okanagan residents. Together, we can create a strategy that connects people in meaningful ways and ensures everyone sees themselves in the future we’re planning.


Page published: 20 Nov 2025, 11:31 AM