Your city hall is getting a lot more active

Good morning from the Okanagan — the lake is calm, the vines are growing, and we have things to discuss.

Okay, but here's the thing nobody talks about: your city hall is getting a lot more active, and not just with the usual permits. Kelowna's seen a big jump in new business licences, with 127 applications just last week. That's a lot of new energy coming into town, everything from new restaurants on Bernard Avenue to small tech startups trying to find their footing. It tells you a lot about who sees opportunity here, even with all the talk about housing costs and traffic on the William R. Bennett Bridge.

### What's Moving In?

Looking at the latest data, there are a few interesting trends:

* **Food and Hospitality:** We're seeing a consistent flow of new cafes and small eateries. People are investing in places where we can all gather, which honestly, makes my Greek-Canadian heart happy. Have you eaten? Because Kelowna is making sure you have options.

* **Trades and Services:** A good chunk are for things like landscaping, plumbing, and general contracting. This probably reflects the ongoing construction boom.

* **Tech and Creative:** There’s a steady hum of smaller businesses in the digital space. Kelowna isn't just about wine and tourism anymore; folks are building some really innovative stuff here.

This surge in business applications, according to the city's latest weekly update, shows that the economic engine is still running hot. It's proof that despite the growing pains, people still see Kelowna as a place to build something new.

What to watch for: will these new businesses actually make it, especially with the rising cost of, well, everything? And will the city's infrastructure keep up with all this new growth? That's the challenge.

Nina Papadimitriou, MiTL Sports Desk, Kelowna.

Catch more local insights with the morning crew — find them at mornings.live!