Postal Designation

The Official Postal Designation for properties within the District of West Kelowna is "West Kelowna," effective January 11, 2010, with "Westbank" as a valid alternative for postal codes beginning with V4T.

The change does not impact postal addresses for properties within Westbank First Nation's boundaries. First Nations Reserve #9 postal designation (V4T) remains "Westbank" and First Nations Reserve #10 (V1Z) remains "Kelowna."

Residents of the District of West Kelowna are advised that addresses should be changed on Driver’s Licences. This is a FREE SERVICE through ICBC and can be accomplished:

• Online at www.icbc.com - look for the "Change your address" option under "Online Services"
• By phone: 1-800-950-1498 
• Or by visiting in person to:
  ICBC Driver Services & Claim Centre
  1720 Springfield Rd.
  Kelowna, BC
  V1Y7W2

Addresses should also be changed on Vehicle Insurance which will require a visit to your insurer as new papers will need to be prepared.

Local RCMP are aware of the special circumstances regarding the municipality’s name change and do not anticipate any enforcement activities to do with place names on Driver’s Licences.

Passport Canada advises that addresses can be changed in writing on the passport, by striking one line through the old address and writing the new address beside. If there is not room, a sticky note with the new address can be adhered to the passport. Be sure to initial the change. For confirmation of this procedure, please contact Passport Canada at 1-800-567-6868.

On August 18, 2009, Council passed the following motion:

WHEREAS on January 29th, 2009, the official name of our community became the "District of West Kelowna"; however, the official Canada Post mailing address for our residents remains either Westbank or Kelowna; and,

WHEREAS the Council of the District of West Kelowna wishes to decrease confusion for the public; promote a positive image for the District; enhance and clarify the District's identity and continue to recognize the historic Westbank area;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the District of West Kelowna requests Canada Post to designate "West Kelowna" as the official mailing address for our municipality; and,

THAT Canada Post retains "Westbank" as a valid alternate mailing address for residents with a current V4T postal code.