(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
February 12, 2015 - 8:24 AM
KELOWNA - Mayor Colin Basran says big changes to the Kelowna landscape over the next four years will also result in a more diversified economy for the city.
During the annual Kelowna Chamber of Commerce State of the City lunch Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Capris Hotel, Basran described the changes coming to the city, calling this time a turning point, according to a media release from the city.
“The city’s skyline will change with major new developments coming on the market downtown, in Rutland and South Pandosy,” Basran said. “But I expect the change over the next four years to be more profound than just the urban landscape.”
Basran says Kelowna is shifting to a knowledge-based economy, with more people working locally in technology and professional sectors. He adds the shift is helped by the four pillars of the local economy—UBC Okanagan, Okanagan College, the Kelowna International Airport and Kelowna General Hospital.
"These are growing institutional foundations that generate a lot of jobs and economic output,” he said.
Among the projects planned for 2015 are Lakeshore Road improvements around Anne McClymont Elementary School, the Queensway transit station, downtown parkades, South Perimeter Road and a new police services building.
Priority one capital projects approved for 2015 are estimated at $91 million. A few projects not completed in 2014 will carry over into the new year, such as Clifton Road upgrade and finishings on Lakeshore Road.
As well, Basran described the City of Kelowna's ongoing investments in hundreds of initiatives and services, saying they're fundamental to the community's character.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015