The Central Okanagan is comprised of five separate areas: District of Peachland, District of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, and the Joe Rich-Ellison region. All have unique characteristics but are closely interrelated. The Community Profiles provide comprehensive information for each area.

The District of Peachland is home to about 5,300 people, some of whose homes are nestled along the community’s eleven kilometres of shoreline. The remainder of more than 2000 households rest on hillsides overlooking Okanagan Lake. Considered a bedroom community, Peachland is just five minutes from the District of West Kelowna and 20 minutes from Kelowna. Residents, therefore, enjoy the benefits of both a small people-oriented community and a thriving regional center.

Additional information on Peachland can be found in the Peachland Community Profile, and the District of Peachland’s website.

The District of West Kelowna is the first community reached when traveling east to the Okanagan via the Okanagan Connector (Hwy 97C), bordered by rolling mountains to the west and crystal clear waters of Okanagan Lake on the east. The District of West Kelowna lies nestled in some of the best wine and fruit orchards in British Columbia.

The District of West Kelowna is a popular tourism, industrial and residential area and offers an enticing lifestyle. The area continues to grow at a rapid pace as people relocate from all over the globe to enjoy the quality of life offered.

Additional information on the community can be found in the District of West Kelowna Community Profile, Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce and District of West Kelowna.

The City of Kelowna with a population of 118,507 in 2008 is the largest city in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, which is located in the south central region of the province. Easily accessible by car, bus and air, Kelowna is 150 km. (90 miles) north of the United States border and 395 km. (247 miles) east of Vancouver.

Kelowna is the retail, education and health care hub for the region, is home to over 200 high tech businesses. Kelowna boasts all the amenities of a major city - fine dining, unique shops and a vibrant cultural life - yet orchards and vineyards thrive within a 10-minute drive of the downtown core. Kelowna residents and tourists alike find the lake offers wonderful opportunities for boating, swimming or fishing. The nearby mountains attract hikers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions. Five major ski hills are within a one-hour drive.

Additional information on Kelowna can be found in the Kelowna Community Profile, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Kelowna Association and The City of Kelowna.

The District of Lake Country is located in the heart of the Okanagan where sun, water, mountains, friendly people and fun all meet. Enjoy an endless supply of recreation, scenery and quiet country life.

The District of Lake Country is a municipality made up of four different constituencies: Winfield, the commercial centre of the area; Okanagan Centre, a residential community that lines Okanagan Lake; Oyama, located between and around both Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lakes; and Carr's Landing along Okanagan Lake. As the name Lake Country indicates, the area is surrounded by many lakes. The larger lakes are: Okanagan, Kalamalka, Wood, and Duck, while in the hills to the east lie smaller fishing lakes named Beaver, Dee, Aberdeen, Oyama and many more.

Additional information on Lake Country can be found in the Lake Country Community Profile, Lake Country Chamber of Commerce and the district office.

Central Okanagan East, formerly Joe Rich-Ellison, has a population of approximately 4,000. Its largest community is Ellison with a population of 2,605 people. Central Okanagan East is located along the Mission Creek valley approximately 24 km east of the City of Kelowna. This area is known for its natural features, open landscape, and residential areas removed from the hub of Kelowna, yet it is only minutes from Kelowna’s amenities and services. Joe Rich is ranch country while Ellison is a bedroom community with a country feel. Ellison predates Kelowna as the first major settlement in the area. Among its most desirable new properties are the homes surrounding The Bear and Quail courses at Okanagan Golf Club.

Additional information on Joe Rich and Ellison can be found in the Central Okanagan East Community Profile and regional government office.