WEST KELOWNA — Welcome to the City of West Kelowna. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Dignitaries have been pushing for city status since September of 2014 and today it was made official.
“West Kelowna is an energetic, entrepreneurial community with a long and proud history – and for some time now, it has been a city in all but name,” said Premier Christy Clark. “The City of West Kelowna has a lot to be proud of – and a very bright future.”
“A significant benefit in changing the designation is the perceived image people have of a district versus a city,” says West Kelowna mayor, Doug Findlater. “It’s the association of a rural, small town versus a dynamic urban city, which is what we are.”
It appears most residents were on board with the change. West Kelowna residents recently had the opportunity to sign an alternate approval petition if they opposed the name change. Just 166 of 23,000 eligible voters signed.
READ MORE: Residents support West Kelowna’s quest to become a city
Findlater says the name change will cost just under $3,000, which will go towards altering existing signs and pay for the for the alternate approval process.
West Kelowna is the provinces 51st city, but the only big change is the name. Mayor, council, bylaws, and decisions made by the district will all remain in tact.
(With files from Blaine Gaffney)
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