Statement from RDCO Board Chair Loyal Wooldridge on Kelowna Council direction regarding the COEDC

At a time when economic uncertainty is increasing, the Central Okanagan faces a fundamental choice: whether to strengthen regional collaboration or step back from it.

From the Regional District of Central Okanagan’s perspective, the answer is clear—our communities are stronger when we work together.

Several statements were made in the Task Force’s presentation to City of Kelowna Council at the meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, that need to be corrected. 

First, the Task Force claimed that the COEDC Advisory Committee is a decision-making body. Its role is to bring together more than 40 business and community leaders from across the region to provide business expertise and diverse local perspectives that help inform priorities. Decisions are made by elected officials through the RDCO Board. 

Second, the City of Vancouver was incorrectly referenced as having withdrawn from a regional economic program in favour of only internal economic development staff. In fact, the City of Vancouver participates in Invest Vancouver as part of a broader regional model.

Third, local and regional economic development were presented as competing approaches. Currently, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Westbank First Nation have local economic development staff and continue to participate in the regional Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. 

"West Kelowna invests in both local and regional economic development because they serve different purposes and create value in different ways. We strongly believe that working together as a region creates a stronger economy for everyone,” says Gord Milsom, Mayor of the City of West Kelowna.

“Locally, our newly established West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation will focus on the specific needs and priorities of West Kelowna businesses and residents. At the same time, regional economic development provides valuable economic intelligence and analysis, including labour force trends, housing data, industry insights and competitiveness information that helps businesses make informed decisions.

“Local and regional economic development, when working together, is a very effective approach to stimulating long-term economic growth and prosperity for businesses, workers and communities across the Central Okanagan,” says Milsom.

Our economy does not operate within municipal boundaries. Businesses, workers, investment and opportunity move across the region every day. Local governments and First Nations are well-positioned to lead on community-specific priorities, while regional economic development provides critical tools such as economic insights, workforce analysis, investment attraction and sector development that benefit the broader economy.

Regional collaboration is not theoretical. It is delivering real results.

Earlier this year, the COEDC launched an Okanagan-wide manufacturing database to build on existing capacity and strengthen supply chain resilience in the face of tariffs. That work has already supported federal efforts to identify defence and dual-use manufacturing capacity.

Weeks ago, the COEDC connected industry leaders and partners to explore new opportunities arising from a multi-billion-dollar federal investment in Canada’s defence sector. Alongside Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, we worked to create connections and share how to navigate this investment, which extends beyond any single municipality.

At the same time, this conversation is not about defending the status quo. There is always room to strengthen governance, improve accountability and ensure the model continues delivering value.

Building on the Value for Money Audit Report presented to Council on May 25, 2026, collaboration between the City and COEDC would be strengthened once the City of Kelowna clearly defines its economic priorities and goals.

The City of Kelowna has not made a final decision regarding its participation in the COEDC. As this process continues, it is critical that decisions are informed by facts, analysis and a clear understanding of the long-term implications for businesses, workers and communities across the region.

The Central Okanagan has built a strong, connected regional economy through collaboration. In an increasingly complex and competitive economic environment, collaboration is more important, not less.

That is why this moment calls for continued collaboration.­­

When economies and partnerships are under pressure, the answer is not to retreat inward. It is to strengthen governance, improve accountability and make our institutions work better.

The same principle applies here in the Central Okanagan. Leadership is not demonstrated by leaving the table. Leadership is demonstrated by improving the table.

Photo caption: Loyal Wooldridge, Chair of the Regional District of Central Okanagan and The Honourable Stephen Fuhr PC MP CD, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna at the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission’s Special Forum on defence investment opportunities for the region on May 20, 2026.