Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
(submitted image)
By Pete McIntyre

New data portal launched

Jan 14, 2021 | 9:49 AM

The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission (COEDC) has announced the launch of COEDC Regional Community Data Portal: CityViz.

The user-friendly data portal makes information, research and analysis instantly accessible to community stakeholders and businesses seeking data to make informed decisions.

“In light of current COVID-19 restrictions and physical distancing, it has never been more important that we enhance the COEDC digital profile. We’re very excited to launch this pilot program for the next 12 months and will continue to add features and datasets as we go. We are actually the first customer for this platform and we look forward to continuing to add data and features that will support the Region’s economic recovery and business intelligence needs,” Krista Mallory, Manager Economic Development, said.

The COEDC said the online data tools put the region firmly on the map for business relocation, investment and expansion.

“Using the CityViz web tool, decision-makers can search an online database of community information while simultaneously analyzing demographic, labour force, housing development, business and talent data at the district or city, and regional levels. The interactive tools are mobile-friendly and put key data at the fingertips of website visitors. Users have the ability to visualize data with interactive tools, charts, graphs, infographics, and reports that can be dynamically sorted and downloaded,” a news release stated.

Hot, Dry Conditions & Elevated Risks
Wildfire, drought risks high heading into summer: B.C. Government
3h ago
130 Hectare Blaze
Wildfire burning near Stump Lake
8h ago
Fatal Collision
One person dead, two injured in crash on Westside Road
9h ago

Cityviz is developed and maintained by Ruby Industries Inc. based in West Kelowna, incorporated in 2013. The company is the qualified supplier of data science and data visualization services for B.C. government. They worked on projects with BC Stats, Innovate BC, and won the BC Housing Market Visualization Challenge.

“We are very excited about the possibilities of modern technologies together with the wealth of data available to create solutions for the good of our communities. We are very grateful to work with COEDC and hope to help decision makers further develop our district. Listening to the challenges municipalities face and adapting our solutions to their specific needs is our priority and we are looking forward to helping many more communities throughout Canada,” Izabela Bogdanovic, Ruby Industries Inc., stated.

by Pete McIntyre
View Comments

Other Matters

Hot, Dry Conditions & Elevated Risks
Wildfire, drought risks high heading into summer: B.C. Government
The province is gearing up for what it calls a "challenging wildfire season ahead."The B.C. Government gave a seasonal drought and wildfire update Tuesday, June 16, during which there were warnings that conditions could lead to incidents across the province over the summer."Summer temperatures are being ...
3h ago
Read More
Money for New Books
Grant helps support young readers in Vernon
A local school is getting a boost to help stock its library thanks to a grant program.The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation is gifting Mission Hill Elementary with $25,000 in funding to purchase new books and resources."Watching students read and listen to texts that represent pieces of themselves - their curiosit...
5h ago
Read More
Good news
Kalamoir Park Wildfire being held, evacuation orders rescinded
UPDATED 6:55 p.m.There was continued good news Tuesday evening for the hundreds of residents impacted by the fast-moving Kalamoir Park Wildfire in West Kelowna.The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre declared the approximately 357 households previously evacuated in the Casa Loma and Lakeview Heights areas, cou...
6h ago
Read More
Million Dollar View
New mountaintop attraction opens at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Visitors to Revelstoke Mountain Resort can now experience a new high-altitude attraction featuring a suspension bridge, viewing platform and forest trail overlooking the Columbia Valley.The resort's Skywalk attraction officially opens this week, offering guests access to a series of viewpoints more than 1,600 metres ab...
6h ago
Read More
Significant Review
Interior Health releases review of KGH pediatric service disruption
Interior Health has taken steps to strengthen pediatric care at Kelowna General Hospital following a seven-week service interruption in 2025.The health authority released an independent review Tuesday that examined workplace and system challenges contributing to the disruption. The review, conducted by Harbour West Con...
8h ago
Read More
130 Hectare Blaze
Wildfire burning near Stump Lake
A new wildfire has sparked in the Interior.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said a blaze was discovered near Stump Lake, off Highway 5A between Merritt and Kamloops. The fire was estimated at 130 hectares in size as of Tuesday afternoon and, being out of control, the fire could spread beyond its current boundaries.The ...
8h ago
Read More
Canada Day Party
Music, activities, entertainment and more planned for local Canada Day celebration
The Vernon Okanagan Inspired Community Events Society (VOICE Society) is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the nation's birthday.The group will host its Canada Day celebration at Polson Park July 1.The free celebrations will begin at 11 a.m. with a free bouncy caste and family-fun activities in the park. Fro...
8h ago
Read More
Fatal Collision
One person dead, two injured in crash on Westside Road
A young man is dead and two people are injured after a serious crash on Westside Road that occurred Monday afternoon.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, along with Emergency Health Services and the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department, were called out for a report of a fatal crash on the road near the intersection with Lawrenc...
9h ago
Read More
Team Canada Action
Lumby community centre hosting FIFA watch parties
Maple leaf wearing football fans will gather in Lumby for some special watch party events these coming weeks.The White Valley Community Centre will see football fans convene to catch the action as they screen the Canada versus Qatar game Thursday, June 18.The match goes at 3 p.m., and people can register to view or vol...
13h ago
Read More

What Matters

Hot, Dry Conditions & Elevated Risks
Wildfire, drought risks high heading into summer: B.C. Government
3h ago
130 Hectare Blaze
Wildfire burning near Stump Lake
8h ago
Fatal Collision
One person dead, two injured in crash on Westside Road
9h ago
Housing Construction
Local housing construction down in May, annually
Jun 15, 2026
Safe Driving
B.C. Highway Patrol targets impaired drivers during high-risk weeks
Jun 15, 2026