Central Okanagan Population Growth Declines to Lowest in Decade

The Central Okanagan region has experienced its slowest population growth this decade, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. As of July 1, 2025, the greater Kelowna area, which encompasses West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, recorded a population increase of only 1.2 percent, rising from 251,648 residents in 2024 to 254,605 in 2025. This growth rate marks a significant decline, particularly when compared to the nearly 8,000 new residents in 2022 and 6,100 in 2023.

The latest figures reveal that the region welcomed just 646 individuals from other provinces, while 1,108 new residents moved in through international migration. This influx is substantially lower than in previous years, indicating a shift in demographic trends. With this modest increase, Kelowna has lost its status as one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, a title it held in earlier years.

Comparative Growth Across Canada

In a broader context, Kelowna’s growth is part of a larger national trend. Among Canada’s metropolitan areas, only Toronto and Kamloops reported a decline in population. Kamloops saw a decrease of 259 individuals, translating to a 0.2 percent drop. In contrast, Edmonton led the nation with a population growth of 3 percent in 2025, followed closely by Calgary and Moncton at 2.9 percent each. Montreal and Vancouver also experienced slight increases of 0.5 percent and 0.2 percent respectively.

The data was released on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview of demographic changes across the country.

As regions adjust to these shifts in population dynamics, the future of communities like Kelowna may hinge on a variety of factors including economic opportunities, housing availability, and migration policies. The evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for local governments and residents alike.