Residents of a small community in South Okanagan, British Columbia might see a change in their town’s name due to recent developments. Okanagan Falls recently voted to become the newest municipality in British Columbia, a decision that excited Mike and Kyle Belich, a father-son duo who relocated to Okanagan Falls three years ago and observed positive transformations in the community.
The Belich family now operates the sole grocery store in Okanagan Falls, a town located about 15 kilometers south of Penticton at the base of Skaha Lake with a population of nearly 2,300 residents. Despite its small size, businesses like the Belich’s grocery store are thriving in the area.
The push for incorporation into a municipality stemmed from a desire for more local autonomy and increased funding for infrastructure projects to stimulate community growth. Last March, 53% of residents voted in favor of incorporation, making Okanagan Falls the first community in British Columbia to undergo this transition following the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) in 2019.
According to the legislation, Indigenous groups have the right to designate names for communities, places, and individuals. The British Columbia Ministry of Municipal Affairs is collaborating with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Osoyoos Indian Band to explore renaming the community to better honor its original language, culture, and heritage.
Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band emphasized the importance of name changes for Indigenous sites and asserted that decisions regarding Okanagan Falls’ name should not solely rest with the new mayor and council. Discussions about the potential renaming of Okanagan Falls are ongoing, with many residents anticipating the positive outcomes that municipal status will bring to their community.