Regional growth strategy
A Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) is a long-range strategic plan that helps Regional Districts and member governments plan a shared future over a 20-year horizon. An RGS addresses a broad range of topics that cross jurisdictional boundaries and benefit from a coordinated regional approach, such as housing, transportation, economic development, and environmental protection. Learn more from the Province of BC on regional growth strategies for local governments.
The Local Government Act prescribes the content and process for developing an RGS. An RGS is developed through a collaborative process that involves the regional district, its member jurisdictions, provincial agencies, interested parties and the public. The result is a shared vision of how regional partners will work together to prepare for and respond to growth in a way that is socially, economically, and environmentally responsible. While an RGS does not make land use decisions for municipalities, it provides planning guidance for official community plans and other land use bylaws throughout the region. It also provides the basis for decisions on provincial investment in a regional district.
The Regional Board adopted the RGS bylaw in June 2014.
Our regional vision
The Central Okanagan is a region of urban and rural communities that are interconnected, distinct, healthy, vibrant and welcoming. The citizens, businesses, First Nations Councils and local governments understand and accept that they are individually and jointly responsible to effectively and efficiently manage the Region’s future growth that ensures the health and well-being of its residents. Together and from this time forward, the citizens and governments of the Central Okanagan will work in partnership to promote a complete healthy region with a sustainable and diversified economy that provides a range of economic opportunities while protecting the natural environment and water resources for today's and tomorrow’s residents.
Initiating a new RGS
The RGS has provided a coordinated framework to the Regional District for more than 25 years. The current strategy (Regional Growth Strategy | Bylaw No. 1336) was adopted in 2014, based on a regional population of 179,839 (2011 census). Since then, the region has grown by approximately 40%, an increase of about 72,000 residents, and major changes in housing laws and climate risks have reshaped how and where growth happens.
It’s time for a new strategy that addresses the challenges we face today.
Updating the RGS will give Okanagan residents a voice in shaping the region and ensure a coordinated approach to issues like housing, transportation, economic development, and climate readiness. Starting now means taking a proactive step to preserve and enhance the Central Okanagan we all call home.
On November 20, 2025 the Regional Board moved forward with the Initiation of a new Regional Growth Strategy. The process will happen over approximately three years, with completion expected in 2028. Learn more about the RGS and find future opportunities to contribute to the conversation at yoursay.rdco.com.
RGS Priority Projects Plan
To implement the RGS, the RDCO develops an RGS Priority Projects Plan. These plans include regional projects and initiatives that support a broad range of RGS policies. The projects have been selected and scoped to support coordination and collaboration of regionally shared needs for the effective management of the future growth of the region.
RGS Priority Projects Plan 2024-2028
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Planning services
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4
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