Facts & Figures

Osoyoos - A Year-Round Opportunity

Osoyoos and area boasts some pretty unique statistics that make the area distinct from any other. For a brief overview of community statistics please review the Osoyoos Community Profile provided by BC Stats.

For additional information on Osoyoos area demographics, please search the key word "osoyoos" on the community profiles section of the Statistics Canada website and review the 3 relevant summary profiles for the area.

Whether you're looking to locate a business opportunity or just in town for a visit, here are some surprising facts about Osoyoos:

• Osoyoos, pronounced "O-sue-use", is a version of the Okanagan word "Sooyoos" meaning "the narrows of the lake" or "the place where two lakes come together"

• Home to Canada's only desert environment

• Area population: 6,720

• Elevation: 227m (909ft)

• Home to some of the warmest average temperatures in Canada - The average summertime temperature is around 28°C (82.4°F) and the average winter temperature is approximately 1.3°C (34.3°F)

• Osoyoos receives an average annual rainfall of less than 318 mm (12 inches) and 2039 hours of sunshine.

• Osoyoos Lake is Canada's warmest fresh-water lake. In July and August, water temperatures average 24°C (75°F). The lake stretches over 19 kilometres (12 miles) of Canadian and United States territory; 14.7 kilometres (5.7 square miles) on the Canadian side.

• Nk'Mip Cellars is the first aboriginal winery in North America (second in the world). Nk'Mip Cellars opened in September 2002, but the Osoyoos Indian Band have been growing grapes on their land since 1968, and their harvests were very much in demand by well known wineries.

• Golf Courses in the South Okanagan are usually in use from February to late November and sometimes year-round, depending on the weather.

• Osoyoos is the fastest growing community in BC with respect to construction values as measured on a per capita basis.

• 56% of the wine grapes grown in BC can be found in the area between Osoyoos and neighbouring Oliver.

Want to know more?

For a copy of Osoyoos' complete and comprehensive site selection and investment profile, please click here.

The Destination Osoyoos Development Society is a
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