Okanagan Journal

Local notes and market sense. What’s actually happening in the valley, in plain English.

What's Actually Happening in the Okanagan Real Estate Market Right Now

Posted on Jul 08, 2026 in Market Updates

Happy Canada Day, Okanagan! I hope you had a wonderful long weekend. I spent mine camping with family and friends at Kekuli Bay on beautiful Kalamalka Lake. The kids swam until they were exhausted, roasted plenty of s'mores, and soaked up every minute of summer. I enjoyed slowing down, listening to the sounds of nature, and sharing lots of laughs w...

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What the Bank of Canada's Review Means for Okanagan Home Buyers and Sellers

Posted on Jun 25, 2026


Whether you're thinking about buying your first home in Kelowna, downsizing in West Kelowna, or selling in Lake Country, understanding where interest rates may be headed matters.

The Bank of Canada is in the middle of a cross-country consultation — talking to regular Canadians, economists, housing groups, and community organizations — about how it m...

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Penticton's Official Community Plan: What It Means for You

Posted on Jun 16, 2026 in Market Updates

Penticton sits between two lakes. That's not just a fun fact — it's basically the whole story. And according to the city's Official Community Plan (OCP), it's going to stay that way on purpose.

The OCP is Penticton's long-term roadmap. Think of it like a blueprint for how the city wants to grow, what it wants to protect, and where it wants to put en...

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What West Kelowna Could Look Like by 2040: The Official Community Plan, Decoded

Posted on Jun 15, 2026 in Communities

West Kelowna overlooking Okanagan Lake with vineyards and hillside neighbourhoodsWest Kelowna has a long-term plan for how it wants to grow, and like most city documents, it is not exactly beach reading. It's called the Official Community Plan, or OCP, and it looks at where homes could be built, how neighbourhoods may change, what parks and trails should be protected, and what the city wants West Kelowna to feel like by 2040. I...

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My Favourite Patios in West Kelowna Right Now

Posted on Jun 10, 2026 in Food & Drink

By Erin McLeod  |  West Kelowna & Okanagan Real Estate
As a realtor, I spend a lot of time showing homes around West Kelowna and telling people where everything is. The question I get asked most isn’t about property taxes or school catchments — it’s “where should we eat?” Priorities. always. So here’s my short list. Three patios, all on the Westside...

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What's Actually Happening in the Okanagan Real Estate Market Right Now

Posted on Jun 09, 2026 in Market Updates

A plain-English look at the May 2026 data — and what it means if you're buying, selling, or relocating to Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, or the South Okanagan.Kelowna and West Kelowna from above — Okanagan Lake real estate market
If you’ve been watching the economic news out of Ottawa and wondering whether this is a good time to make a move in the Okanagan, here’s the honest answer: the national picture is...

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