Upside down town halls spark community conversation

KELOWNA – Urban Systems is inviting the community to participate in building the future of Kelowna through On Point: A Series of Upside Down Town Halls.

Four evenings throughout the fall will provide a forum for open dialogue in support of the Imagine Kelowna community visioning initiative. Topics include: housing & affordability, economic development, climate change, and transportation.

“These are hot topics both globally and locally. We’re happy to bring the people of Kelowna together for four free evenings of conversation on issues that matter most,” said Communities Consultant of Urban Systems, Erin Welk. “Our city is what we make it. So this is your invite to shape the very place you call home.”

On Point will support the popular #ImagineKelowna initiative where The City of Kelowna asks residents to take part in the largest city-wide conversation in recent years to help create a long-term community vision.

On Point will commence on Monday, Oct. 3, on the topic of housing & affordability. “We’ll draw on the perspectives of local leaders through a moderated discussion and there will also be an opportunity to for the community to share their ideas and visions for the future,” describes Welk. “With rental vacancy rates sitting at less than 1 per cent and the price of homes taking off, topics like housing and affordability are top-of-mind these days.”

Additional dates and topics include:

Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. – Economic Development: What does economic resilience mean for our region and our community? Are there tough choices ahead that frame our economic future?

Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. – Climate Change: Should we foster greater responsibility towards our environment and our climate? Perspectives about the villains and heroes in our climate story.

Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. – Transportation: Are we stuck, literally? How are we getting around… and getting along in the process? Do we need a new relationship with transportation and mobility in our region?

These events are free and open to the public. There will be food, a cash bar, and local entertainment. Spaces are limited and registration is required. Register online here.

Speakers and event details will be revealed on the On Point Facebook event page.