Task force forms early plans for economic recovery

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

The roundtable results called “Early Indicator Summaries” were presented to the Task Force on June 16, 2020 and are available to the public at investkelowna.com/taskforce.

Fatal Collision

One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby

7h ago

2025 Annual Report

Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting

Jun 28, 2026

Road Safety At Work

Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel

Jun 26, 2026

Key Findings:

· The Region’s strong economic strength and record setting growth over that past several years prior to the impacts of COVID-19 and positive Public Health response since March 2020 position the region to recover well long-term.

· Summer visitors to the region are expected to decline and Central Okanagan businesses need ongoing, community support to survive. There are many local initiatives to make it easy for residents to support businesses. See investkelowna.com/blog

· While federal and provincial programing and supports have been instrumental in stabilizing many local companies as they weather the adverse impacts of COVID 19, gaps exist and further action is necessary for businesses that have not qualified for support.

· Local governments and Westbank First Nation have a role to play in collaborating, connecting with, and assisting the diverse industries in the Central Okanagan – the Economic Recovery Task Force is recognized by industry leaders for their leadership in implementing a regional approach to long-term economic recovery.

As a result of yesterday’s meeting, the Economic Recovery Task Force provided guidance in the development of a regional advocacy strategy to work with senior levels of governments to address gaps in some of the existing aid programs and to share specific issues and concerns identified by industry in the Roundtables. COEDC staff have begun work to develop and implement the strategy immediately.

“We know businesses across the Central Okanagan have experienced a variety of impacts from COVID-19. While some industries were impacted early on, others are only beginning to see impacts now” said Economic Recovery Task Force Co-Chair and RDCO Chair Gail Given. “The Early Indicator Reports received by the Economic Recovery Task Force yesterday provided a snapshot of the impact to date and what businesses need to help us understand the long-term recovery needs of the Region.”

“Direct industry intelligence allows us to respond effectively, communicate regional business needs and position ourselves for new economic opportunities like funding programs from senior governments as we work towards economic recovery.” said Economic Recovery Task Force Co-Chair and Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “These outcomes will lead to a regional advocacy strategy to ensure the voice of the Central Okanagan is heard.”

To keep up to date on the Economic Recovery Task Force actions and current resources for local businesses, visit the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission at investkelowna.ca.