Kelowna becomes 1st Canadian city with UNESCO honour

Kelowna’s food scene is being recognized on an international level.

On Friday, Oct. 31, Kelowna became the first city in Canada to be designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City of Gastronomy.

“Kelowna is honoured to be the first city in Canada designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy,” says Mayor Tom Dyas. “This recognition confirms what those in the Okanagan Valley have known for decades – Kelowna is a world-class centre for agriculture, culinary arts, and beverages. These industries boost our vibrant local scene, strengthen our economy, and inspire others across the country.

“It is yet another reason for visitors to come to Kelowna, experience all our region has to offer, and sample the flavours of the Okanagan Valley for themselves.”

In addition to being the only Canadian city with the honour, it’s also only the third city in all of North America, joining San Antonio, Texas, and Merida, Mexico.

“This designation honours Kelowna’s commitment to harnessing the creative field of gastronomy as a powerful driver of sustainable local development,” says David Schimpky, director of secretariat, Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

“We anticipate this recognition will elevate current initiatives and further ignite collaborative action. Crucially, joint efforts will be guided by the knowledge of the Syilx people regarding the stewardship of lands and waters, and drive the development of equitable food systems and sustainable tourism that delivers shared economic benefits to the community.”

The honour is also an acknowledgment that the local Indigenous community is excited about.

“Situated within the traditional territory of the Syilx people, Kelowna is an agriculturally diverse region. The traditional foods and medicines within our territory reflect a deep connection and shared responsibility to the land and the water,” says Chief Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation.

“Joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is an opportunity for the City of Kelowna to uphold this shared responsibility on a global scale by prioritizing protection of traditional foods, medicines, lands, and waters for generations to come.”

As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kelowna can anticipate new opportunities related to:

• Enhanced global recognition: The designation will attract national and international media attention, inspiring new culinary festivals and development projects.
• Economic growth: It will serve as a quality-of-life talking point for recruiting businesses and talented professionals.
• Cultural preservation: The status helps preserve and promote traditional Syilx culinary practices and ingredients , and Indigenous foods and food practices.
• Cultural exchange: Partnerships with other UNESCO Creative Cities will foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing between Kelowna and communities around the world.
• Sustainable development: The designation aligns with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a resilient food system and economy.
• Community pride: It generates a shared sense of gastronomic identity around food, wine, craft beverages, festivals, events, and markets.

Over the coming months, a local working committee will be established to start the process of developing a multi-year action plan. This group will include representatives from local private, public and non-profit organizations associated with gastronomy and food production.

Kelowna applied for the designation earlier this year in a collaborative effort supported by the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna and Okanagan College, as input from local industry professionals and community members, including growers, producers, chefs, business owners, not-for-profit organizations and technology companies.

Across the city, there are more than 500 restaurants, contributing $394 million annually. Each year, the gastronomy industry alone attracts over two million visitors and generates $1.17 billion in tourism revenue.

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