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Westbank

WESTBANK

Originally established as a small post office in 1902, Kelowna’s Westside community commonly referred to as Westbank, has since blossomed into one of BC’s fastest growing communities.
Total Westside population including 8,000 Westbank First Nations residents, is over 40,000. In a June 2007 referendum, the Westside voted 51% to 49% in favour of incorporation of B.C.’s largest unincorporated community, although a large contingent continues to lobby for amalgamation with the City of Kelowna.
Smaller and quieter than its Kelowna neighbour across the bridge, Westbank is home to five wineries, two executive 18 hole golf courses, a championship natural grass putting course as well as numerous scenic parks and hiking trails. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and Telemark Cross Country Ski Club are within 20 minutes driving distance.
The Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre is the main recreational facility and includes a 25m swimming pool and skateboard park. The Mount Boucherie Multiplex Centre recently completed construction of Royal LePage Place, the new home to the BCHL team “Westside Warriors”. This facility will provide maximum capacity of 1520 plus standing room and a new venue for concerts, tradeshows and community events.
Coincident with demand by vacationers to experience the beauty of the Westside, many former waterfront RV and camping facilities are being transformed into world class vacation resorts. The area also attracts new families and retirees looking for oppurtunities to make Westbank their home. The local real estate market is vibrant and is currently experiencing a spike in development with numerous residential and commercial construction projects underway.
The completion of a new five lane bridge scheduled for Canada Day, 2008 is eagerly anticipated by both local residents and tourists. Currently, an average of 46,000 vehicles per day are accommodated. This is projected to increase to 69,000 vehicles per day by 2017.

PEACHLAND

The Municipality of Peachland is situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake between Summerland 27 km (17 miles) to the south and Westbank 10 km (6 miles) to the North. Driving distance to either Kelowna or Penticton is within 30 minutes.

A small and quaint community of approximately 5,000, Peachland offers some of the Valley’s most panoramic lakeviews of Okanagan Lake.

The downtown core of Peachland is spectacularly situated along Beach Ave. (appropriately named!) which parallels the waterfront. Peachland boasts 11 kms (7 miles) of continuous public beach with marina day wharf, boat launches, and the lifeguard supervised Swim Bay. Boating and swimming are the major attractions on Okanagan Lake and it is Squally Point directly across the lake from Peachland that is said to be home to the famous Ogopogo.

Meander along the lakeside, explore shops and boutiques or stop at one of the fabulous restaurants along the lakeside. Peachland Centre located along Hwy 97 is the City’s major shopping centre.

If golfing is your passion, hit the links at Ponderosa Golf Club, an executive 18 hole course or visit the mountainside wineries. A walk to Hardy Falls with its seven footbridges and spectacular waterfall is an easy hike for all ages that should not be missed especially in September when the Kokanee spawn. For those with more challenging hiking appetites, try the 5km hike to Pincushion Mountain for unparalleled valley views.