Known for its natural beauty and renowned wineries, the city has proven its economic mettle in recent years by successfully hosting national events. The 2025 Montana Brier – Canada’s men’s curling championship – was a prime example of Kelowna’s success. The event attracted more than 89,000 spectators to the city and generated a direct economic impact of $15.2 million and a total economic impact of $22.7 million, far exceeding initial estimates. “We went into this event with high expectations, and our revenue exceeded those estimates by $200,000 to $300,000,” says Kelowna Mayor Tom Dias. According to him, the success is not just limited to financial benefits, but also a foundation for the city’s reputation, confidence and future. “The results of the Brier proved that Kelowna not only can host major events, but also has the ability to leave a legacy,” says Kelowna CEO Lisanne Ballantyne.
“It’s not just a numbers game, it’s a long-term impact.” Continuing on that path, Kelowna is now preparing to host two more major events, including the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) in September 2025 and the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026. Ballantine expressed hope that Kelowna can also reap huge economic benefits from events like the CCMA. “When the awards were held in Hamilton, it generated an $11 million impact and over 2,000 hotel nights. Given Kelowna’s appeal and environment, we believe we can do even better than that.” The city’s long-term strategy has created a new “Economic Prosperity Task Force,” which is working not only on the immediate impact of events but also on the economic opportunities beyond them.
Kelowna leaders are working to ensure that the city’s **infrastructure, location and volunteer availability** enable it to host more large events in the future. “We’re considered a small city, but we have the preparation and passion of a big city,” Ballantine said. Kelowna’s growing popularity and successful hosting have earned it a **national prominence**, and if this momentum continues, the city could soon emerge as British Columbia’s premier event hub**.
