Lake Country will see the largest population growth in the Central Okanagan over the next 20 years according to a report from BCStats.
The municipality’s estimated population in 2022 was 17,370 and is expected to reach 32,566 by 2046, an increase of 87 per cent.
Kelowna’s 2022 population was approximately 153,376 residents and the 2046 projection is 247,406, a 61 per cent jump.
Growth projections for other Central Okanagan communities are listed below:
- West Kelowna: 2022 estimated population 38,747 - 2046 projected population 62,869 - 62 per cent increase;
- Peachland: 2022 estimated population 6,150 - 2046 projected population 9,074 - 47 per cent increase.
Combined, the population of the Central Okanagan (Lake Country to Peachland) was estimated at 235,472 people in 2022.
It’s expected to reach 384,005 by 2046, a 63 per cent increase.
The report also states that British Columbia’s population is projected to reach 7.9 million by 2046, up 44 per cent compared to 5.5 million in 2023.
“Higher federal immigration targets and changing immigration policies are resulting in higher population growth for Canada and B.C,” reported BCStats.
People in B.C. are older, on average, than the rest of Canada and the province’s fertility rate is lower, according to the report.
Quick Facts:
- From July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, the population of B.C. experienced an annual growth rate of 3 per cent, marking the highest annual increase since 1974;
- B.C.’s population is now made up of 8.2 per cent non-permanent residents;
- International migrants will fill 46 per cent of the new jobs between 2024 and 2033.
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