The United Nations officially recognizes Kelowna, B.C., as an outstanding destination for food and beverages. Situated in the Okanagan Valley, this picturesque lakeside city has been granted the title of Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, making it the first Canadian city to achieve this recognition.
Chief Robert Louie of the Westbank First Nation, which shares a border with Kelowna, highlights the region’s agricultural richness, including orchards, vineyards, farms, wineries, and craft beverages across all four seasons. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing the best local flavors globally in such a beautiful living environment.
Collaborating with the City of Kelowna, Okanagan College, and various food industry partners, the Westbank First Nation played a pivotal role in securing the UNESCO designation. While Kelowna is renowned for its wineries and upscale dining establishments, Chief Louie underscores the significance of traditional Indigenous foods like wild game, venison, moose, elk, and berries in the city’s culinary heritage.
Kelowna’s location within the Syilx people’s traditional territory underscores the importance of preserving food culture through responsible land stewardship. Chief Louie stresses the need to protect the environment to ensure the production of high-quality food and beverages. He cites the successful restoration of sockeye salmon populations in Okanagan Lake as a testament to this commitment.
As part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Kelowna now joins Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, and London, Ontario, as a Creative City of Gastronomy, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for agriculture, culinary arts, and beverages. Mayor Tom Dyas hails this recognition as a validation of Kelowna’s status as a world-class culinary destination that boosts the local economy and inspires communities nationwide.
Stephane Facon, owner and executive chef of Bouchons Bistro in Kelowna, praises the region’s unique food offerings, emphasizing the abundance of locally sourced ingredients. He hopes that UNESCO’s acknowledgment will attract more visitors to experience cuisine crafted from the region’s diverse produce. Facon stresses the consistency in quality and service as key factors in attracting customers.
Chief Louie emphasizes the importance of tourism and new customers for the region, especially after facing challenges like devastating wildfires and droughts in recent years. He underscores the region’s natural beauty, with Okanagan Lake, surrounding mountains, and a picturesque valley, making it an unparalleled place to live. Louie believes that showcasing these attributes to the world is essential for revitalizing the local economy and promoting the region’s allure.