Uptown Rutland In today’s economic climate, many local businesses


have struggled with turning a profit - increased costs, fewer customers, the introduction of the HST and the new .05 legislation have combined to form a whole series of challenges. However, one community has worked together to overcome these economic difficulties and lead the way out of the recession. Uptown Rutland, the business centre of one of Kelowna’s earliest neighbourhoods, has experienced strong growth over the past year, with new construction, business expansions, and a number of new business startups.


The community of Rutland was established in the late 1800s, as land opened for settlement and ranchers and farmers such as August Calmels, Chapee, George Simpson, and Michael Hagan took up pre-emptions nearby. William Peon discovered gold in the Gallagher’s Canyon area and Frederick Brent established the first grist mill in the Okanagan valley, located north of Rutland at Peon Creek. In 1902, John Hope Rutland arrived from Australia and purchased three parcels of land in the area now bordered by Reid’s Corner, Black Mountain Road, and present-day Uptown Rutland, building Rutland House on the west side of Vernon Road. John Rutland is believed to have installed the first irrigation system in Rutland, and he planted the first commercial orchards in 1903. Although John Rutland and his family remained in the area for only a few years, his accomplishments were the beginning of Rutland’s agricultural base. Today, Uptown Rutland is home to over 260


businesses, a thriving community with strong roots in the past and a vision for the future.


The Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA), led by Deborah Guthrie, works to assist local businesses with marketing strategy, promotions, and business revitalization. URBA also provides a forum for business owners to share their vision for the community and ensures that their voice is heard by municipal, provincial and federal governments. In addition to monthly business networking events such as Uptown After Hours, URBA also organizes community and family events that bring people together. Will Uptown Rutland continue to see such positive


growth? Nick Aubin, President of URBA certainly does, “I believe it will with the strength of URBA, with the support of the city and the growth Rutland and of adjoining communities such as Black Mountain and Belgo. Uptown Rutland will be seen as an enabling business environment with a competitive advantage because of the support of the local communities.


accounting


WS tax planning


ACCOUNTING SERVICES


bookkeeping business consulting tax returns ACCOUNTING SERVICES


• A Service based alternative to the “Big Firm”


• Specializing in small business accounting and tax services


• Providing all tax related services – personal, business and corporate Tax


• Providing accounting services – including bookkeeping, GST/HST, payroll & WCB


WENDI SWARBRICK


• Business Services from business start ups and ongoing financial advice to year end wrap up


• Customised accounting services based on individual clients requirements


wendi@wsaccounting.ca www.wsaccounting.ca


PHONE: 250-491-7819 187 ASHER RD. KELOWNA, BC V1X 3H5


Let us worry about the details! PROACTIVE TAX &


Roxby Park 4 PM


The First Wednesday of Every Month


Check our Website for Details!


www.uptownrutland.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31