Penticton is largest centre in valley
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year.
JANUARY 22, 1942 – An increase of 23.7 per cent in Penticton’s population in the last 10 years was indicated in figures released last week.
The Dominion bureau of statistics repeated that this municipality’s population, as recorded last June 2 in the decennial census, was 5,743. This compares with a total of 4,640 in 1931.
The new census is of chief interest to Penticton, however, in token of the fact that the community is now at the top of the list so far as the valley is concerned. Penticton’s 1941 total of 5,743 compares with 5,099 for Vernon and 5,046 for Kelowna.
The 10-year increase for Vernon was outstanding. That centre rose from 3,937 to 5,099, an increase of 29.4 per cent. Kelowna, holding the honour of top position with 4,655 in 1931 when it was only 15 ahead of Penticton, slipped to third position this time. Its gain in the same period was only 8.4 per cent. It is obvious that all three centres are “neck-and-neck” in progress over the years.
It can be pointed out that Penticton is a district municipality, and that its population takes in a certain number of rural residents, notably on the fruit “benches.” Vernon end Kelowna, the other chief centres in the valley, are incorporated cities, with smaller areas involved.
A check by the Herald at the municipal offices yesterday showed that there are about 600 in the “rural” section of the municipality.
With this deduction, it will be noted that Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton are remarkably alike so far as the main urban population sections are concerned.
Judged by the same standards as her neighbours, Penticton would still be comfortably over the 5,000 mark, and it is stated by the authorities here that this centre would likely hold a small lead.
Admittedly, the matter cannot be easily determined. The friendly rivalry among the valley cities is what prompts the analysis.
Whatever the comparison at today’s levels may indicate, Pentictonites are obviously proud of their 237 per cent gain within the municipal area since 1931, since it is but a reflection of the steady growth of this community, based upon the progressive outlook and attitude of its residents and businessmen alike.
Population figures for Division No. 3 in British Columbia, involving the Okanagan and Shuswap, Similkameen, and Kettle river sections, were announced as follows last week by the Dominion bureau of statistics:
Division No. 3: 51,020 (40,523).
Subdivision A (Okanagan and Shuswap): 30,065 (24,662); district municipalities – Coldstream 855 (867), Glenmore 393 (303), Peachland 419 (318), Spallumcheen 1,916 (1,639), Summerland 2,003 (1,791); unorganized parts 12,175 (8,826), Indian reserves 672 (792); cities – Armstrong 966 (989), Enderby 524 (553), Kelowna 5,047 (4,655), Vernon 5,099 (3,937). Subdivision B (Similkameen River): 15,481 (11,959); district municipalities – Penticton 5,743 (4,640); unorganized parts 9,537 (6,219); Indian reserves 401 (200). Subdivision C (Kettle River): 5,274 (4,802); unorganized parts – 2,751 (3,333); cities – Grand Forks 1,161 (1,238), Greenwood 362 (171).