iN NUMBERS: Death outpaces birth in Kamloops, Okanagan

According to the statistics, people in Kamloops and the Okanagan have probably been to more funerals than baby showers this year. Last year was the first time in Canada’s history that the population shrank, and B.C. has the lowest fertility rate in the country. Altogether these stats paint a grim picture, unless you’re concerned about overpopulation.

Here are the numbers from BC Stats:

• 363: Babies have been born in Kelowna so far in 2026.
• 451: Deaths have been reported in Kelowna so far in 2026.
• 119: Babies have been born in West Kelowna so far in 2026.
• 162: Deaths have been reported in West Kelowna so far in 2026.
• 77: Babies have been born in Penticton so far in 2026.
• 236: Deaths have been reported in Penticton so far in 2026.
• 121: Babies have been born in Vernon so far in 2026.
• 241: Deaths have been reported in Vernon so far in 2026.
• 259: Babies have been born in Kamloops so far in 2026.
• 408: Deaths have been reported in Kamloops so far in 2026.
• 32.6: Years old. That’s the average age someone who has a baby in B.C., as of 2023.
• 1: Child per woman. That’s the fertility rate in B.C.