Your Ultimate Guide: 30+ Online Resources for Relocating to the Central Okanagan

Moving to a new area can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a lot of questions and concerns. If you’re planning a relocation to the Central Okanagan region in British Columbia, Canada, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful region is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and a host of amenities. To make your transition smoother, we’ve compiled a list of 30+ online resources that will be invaluable in your relocation journey.

General Information:

Central Okanagan Regional District – The official website provides information on services, community planning, and local government.

Tourism Kelowna – An excellent resource for exploring the area, finding local attractions, and getting to know the Central Okanagan.  Visit Westside and Lake Country Tourism are also great resources too!

Housing and Real Estate:

Realtor.ca – Search for available properties and real estate agents in the Central Okanagan.
Castanet Real Estate – A local classifieds site with real estate listings and rental properties.
KelownaNow Real Estate – A local classified site with real estate listings
Association of Interior Realtors – Access market statistics and real estate information.

Employment and Job Opportunities:

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission – Find information about local businesses, industries, and job opportunities.
Indeed – Search for job listings specific to the Central Okanagan region.
BC Jobs – is a local job board for the Kelowna area.

Education:

Central Okanagan School District – Information on local schools and enrollment procedures for School District 23.
Okanagan College – Explore educational opportunities and programs at the local college.
UBC Okanagan – Be a part of one of the top universities in Western Canada right here in the Okanagan.

Healthcare:

Interior Health Authority – Access healthcare services and clinics and find regional providers.

Utilities and Services:

FortisBC – For natural gas and electricity services in the Central Okanagan.
Telus – Get information on internet, cable, and phone services.
City of Kelowna Utilities – Learn about water, sewage, and garbage services for Kelowna residents.
City of West Kelowna Utilities – Learn about water, sewage, and garbage services for West Kelowna residents.
Lake Country Utilities – Learn about water, sewage, and garbage services for Lake Country residents.
Peachland Utilities – Learn about water, sewage, and garbage services for Peachland residents.
Westbank First Nations (WFN) Utilities – Learn about water, sewage, and garbage services for WFN residents.

Transportation:

BC Transit – Information on public transportation in Kelowna.
Kelowna International Airport – Resources for travellers using the local airport.

Community Services:

Central Okanagan Food Bank – Learn about food assistance programs and how to contribute.
Kelowna Community Resources – Find information on community services, volunteering, and non-profit organizations.

Outdoor Activities and Recreation:

Myra Canyon Trestles – Explore the famous Myra Canyon trestles and hiking trails.
Big White Ski Resort – Information on skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
50 Outdoor Adventures in the Okanagan – this website is an amazing resource for local outdoor activities and ideas.
Okanagan Provincial Parks – a list of all the provincial parks in the Okanagan

Local News and Events:

Kelowna Daily Courier – Stay updated on local news and events.
Kelowna Capital News – Another source for local news and community events.

Social Groups and Clubs:

Meetup – Find local groups and events for various interests and hobbies.
Kelowna & Central Okanagan Social Group – A specific Meetup group for socializing and meeting new people.

Government Services:

Service BC – Access provincial government services and resources.
City of Kelowna – Services: Explore city services and facilities.

Weather Information:

The Weather Network – Kelowna: Stay informed about local weather conditions in the Central Okanagan.

Emergency Services:

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations – Be prepared and informed about regional emergencies.
RCMP – a list of contact information for the local detachments up and down the Valley.
BC Ambulance Service – a local resource for first responders and services

Local Social Media Groups:

Facebook Groups – Look for local groups dedicated to the Central Okanagan region.
Reddit – Join subreddits like r/kelowna to connect with locals and find information.

Local Chambers of Commerce:

Kelowna Chamber of Commerce – Gain insights into local businesses, events, and networking opportunities.
Lake Country Chamber of Commerce – For those moving to Lake Country, this chamber offers valuable resources.
Greater Westside Board of Trade – insight into local West Kelowna businesses events, services and networking.

These online resources are just the tip of the iceberg when relocating to Central Okanagan. Whether you’re looking for housing, employment, schools, or information about the local community, these resources will help you transition smoothly to this stunning part of British Columbia.

Achievements

100% Club
Platinum Club
RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award

Steve Higgins

Associate
Your Neighbourhood Expert

I am focused on providing you with the best results and service in the industry.  I listen carefully to understand your real estate goals and work hard to create solutions that make sense for you.  Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, I have the expertise, proven track record, and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals.

As is often said, real estate is about location, location, location. I have extensive knowledge of the Kelowna, BC area and can help you find the right home for you or the right buyer for your home.

My strong negotiation skills help his customers reach the “Best Deal” possible when Buying, Selling or Investing in Real Estate in Kelowna and area. Honesty, Integrity and a Customer Service attitude ensure my clients total satisfaction whether or not your relocation is local or long distance.

Achievements

Certified Payroll Manager
Economic Studies Certificate
Bookkeeping Certificate
Payroll Certified Practitioner

Samantha Martin

Office Manager / Accountant
Because It’s Not Just A House, It’s Your Home!

Sam is indispensable and adaptable. She brings a wealth of experience to Team Martin and exemplifies an eye for detail, efficiency and resource management. Her background in numerous areas, including small business ownership, bookkeeping, inside sales, client services, advertising/marketing, contract management, event coordination, accounting & payroll, make her a tremendous resource and the ultimate swiss army knife in helping Derek & Charles bring top notch service and marketing to their clients. Her support and assistance allow Team Martin to operate at a high level of efficiency no matter how big or small the challenges are in the fast paced environment of the Okanagan real estate market.

Achievements

100% Club
Platinum Club
Re/MAX Hall of Fame Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Numerous Top Office Producer Awards
Numerous Top 100 in Canada Production Awards

Charles Martin

Unlicensed Consultatant
Home Is A Sense Of Place

For over a quarter of a century, Charles has been making a difference in the lives of his clients in Kelowna, West Kelowna and throughout the Central Okanagan. As one of the area’s top real estate professionals, he understands how important a sense of place is for a homeowner or a prospective home buyer. Charles knows that a home is many things to many people, but most of all, it is the centerpiece around which many cherished moments occur. He values these moments in his own family and in serving his clients he has the opportunity to help them to find a very special place that is distinctly their own.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in Kelowna, West Kelowna or the rest of the Central Okanagan, or just have a question about the highly complex local real estate market that you’d like to have answered by a knowledgeable, experienced real estate professional, then contact Charles and let him put you where you picture yourself wanting to be.

Achievements

MCNE – Master Certified Negotiation Expert
100% Club
Platinum Club
RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award
RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award

Read My Reviews


Best of Kelowna

Derek Martin

Personal Real Estate Corporation
REALTOR
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Realtor!

Derek Martin is a longtime resident of the Central Okanagan and a firm believer in the Okanagan way of life. His own father has been a successful licensed real estate agent in the Valley for 35 years, providing Derek the opportunity to learn exceptional service ethics and gain sound insight into our complex local markets.

With over 9 years in help desk support and network administration, Derek exemplifies an eye for detail and accuracy, as well as superior troubleshooting and multi-tasking abilities. His high-tech background serves to his client’s advantage, providing access to current web-based technologies and techniques to successfully aid them in buying and selling their homes.

A dedicated husband and father, when Derek isn’t busy helping people buy and sell real estate he is spending time with his family enjoying all the Okanagan has to offer in wine touring, golfing, mountain biking, fly fishing, snowboarding and hiking.

Derek is known for his can-do attitude, friendly demeanour and customer service oriented approach to business which will make your next real estate experience a successful one. Call Derek today for all your real estate needs; because it’s not just a house, it’s your home.