Twitter users talk Kelowna’s future in 140 characters or less

Mayor Colin Basran hosted a twitter town hall on Thursday afternoon, learning that residents are concerned about traffic, the downtown and how unaffordable the city is.

The idea behind the social media open house was for Basran to ask questions to residents and for residents to share their thoughts and concerns about Kelowna's future.

Question 1: What do you love about living in Kelowna?

Some of the things I like: clean air - local food - great natural amenities- parks & open space - revitalized downtown- to name a few.

— City of Kelowna (@cityofkelowna) June 16, 2016

@cityofkelowna A1: The people. #Kelowna #ImagineKelowna

— Thomas Panio (@ThomasPanio) June 16, 2016

A1: @cityofkelowna the beautiful environment. That's what makes Kelowna so beautiful and desirable.

— la viraguita (@viraguita) June 16, 2016

Question 2: What challenges are facing our community?

@cityofkelowna Lack of affordable housing for people on limited incomes. #imaginekelowna

— CMHA Kelowna (@cmhakelowna) June 16, 2016

@cityofkelowna Q2: I don't feel safe anymore downtown. I feel many are unpredictable from drug use #homeless #helpless #ImagineKelowna

— Deana Steele (@DeanaSteele) June 16, 2016

A2: @cityofkelowna huge youth flight & lack of opportunities other than service, tech. 9% unemployment rate. Startup is risky for many w/o $

— la viraguita (@viraguita) June 16, 2016

Question 3: As a community, how can we respond to these challenges?

A3 @cityofkelowna #imaginekelowna from @AdamsTeagan "we need more upstanders and less bystanders" #getinvolved #behelpful #dontexpectreturn

— Jeff Keen (@4keeners) June 16, 2016

@cityofkelowna #ImagineKelowna Q3:talent is coming (thnx Van) create an urban destination that keeps them here. Focus on all seasons

— Don Ferguson (@stuckupkitten) June 16, 2016

A3. It's a tough question. Incentives of some sort usually work, or at least get people interested. #imaginekelowna

— Karla Hagel (@Karhagel) June 16, 2016

Question 4: Which of these influences will have the biggest impact on Kelowna?

A4. The developments/services. To attract a younger, working population you need to provide the amenities they want! #ImagineKelowna

— Karla Hagel (@Karhagel) June 16, 2016

A4: The tech industry! More companies, more jobs & more innovation. #ImagineKelowna @cityofkelowna @innovatekelowna https://t.co/tOxamXDeHX

— Accelerate Okanagan (@AccelerateOK) June 16, 2016

@cityofkelowna #ImagineKelowna Q4: UBCO is growing so rapidly, need to keep the qualified young people here after they graduate.

— Spencer Bostock (@BostockSpencer) June 16, 2016

Q4. Our future will be impacted by: climate change - tech advances - economic conditions- regulations imposed by higher levels of govt.

— City of Kelowna (@cityofkelowna) June 16, 2016

Question 5: Which people, organizations and partnerships are needed to set the future up for success?

@cityofkelowna A5 All of them! All people, organizations, etc. bring a different vision, or idea to the table! #imaginekelowna

— Karla Hagel (@Karhagel) June 16, 2016

@cityofkelowna Q5 regional partnership on homelessness other social issues, institutional growth (downtown campus) #ImagineKelowna

— Ben Walker (@localsince1908) June 16, 2016

#ImagineKelowna A5. City staff partnerships/collaboration with local nfp who hold specialized knowledge of issues.

— lisa masini (@loveyourearth2) June 16, 2016

The Twitter town hall ended with Basran asking people if they would like to see more live chats. The results were overwhelmingly supportive of the digital town hall setting.

Thanks everyone for taking part. It's clear, we all love our City! Thanks for sharing ways we can make it better for all. #ImagineKelowna

— City of Kelowna (@cityofkelowna) June 16, 2016