Imagine's next phase

With two years of planning and extensive public input in the books, the City of Kelowna is ready to move into the next phase of its community visioning project.

City council endorsed the principles of Imagine Kelowna, a community-driven look at a future Kelowna.

Up next is Imagine Next, which will utilize the vision, principles and goals to guide the development of future plans and initiatives, including an updated Official Community Plan and Transportation Master Plan.

"We can all agree we're experiencing an unprecedented change in our city," said Mayor Colin Basran.

"Kelowna citizens have made it clear that as we grow, we need to look out for one another and protect the stunning environment that sustains us. Our vision for an inclusive, welcoming, prosperous and sustainable future calls on us all to be ambitious and embrace the challenges ahead."

Project lead Rafael Villarreal said the community described Kelowna as an "incredible place to call home."

“The goals of the long-term vision describe a welcoming community where lifestyle and economic opportunities are available to everyone," said Villarreal.

"This means ensuring that everybody who lives here can make a living, find suitable housing, and get around easily and safely.”

The last community vision, which set the direction for protecting agriculture, delivering an active transportation network, creating town centres and a cultural district, was completed in 1992.