That’s the case in Lake Country where recent stats show the population has grown by nearly 4,000 residents in the last decade, pushing the population well over 15,000. Escalating real estate values in the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) have created growth further and further away from Kelowna, the main city in the RDCO.
Residential developments continue to be carved out around agricultural lands, making way for developments like The Lakes above Turtle Bay on Wood Lake.
As noted by the community’s name, its neighbourhoods are surrounded by Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Wood Lake. All these water bodies support recreational boating, which is also a draw for tourists in the summer months. The four wards that were included in the District of Lake Country when it was first incorporated in 1995, include Winfield, Okanagan Centre, Carrs Landing and Oyama.
Home to the Okanagan First Nation people for centuries, the first settlers in the Lake Country and Central Okanagan areas arrived in the late 1800’s. Paddle wheeler ferries moved people between Okanagan Lake communities, including Okanagan Centre, where there were two hotels built before 1910.
For more information about the history of Lake Country, check out the community website.
