Orchard Park celebrates 50 years

• Opened in 1971 with 35 stores
• Now has over 160 stores
• Over 700,000 square feet today
• Expansion coming early next year

For half a century, Orchard Park has been a hub in Kelowna for regular shoppers and tourists.

Although the 50th birthday celebration was not as extravagant as organizers would have liked due to COVID-19 restrictions, the mall still had giveaways to celebrate the occasion. This included a chance to win a $500 Orchard Park Gift Card.

Beach Radio & The Lizard, who were live on location, were giving away $50 gift cards every hour and a commemorative tote bag to random shoppers.

On Sept. 28, 1971, Orchard Park opened its doors. At the time, it cost $10 million to develop on a former orchard and its location was considered ‘out of town.'

Back when they opened, there were only two anchor stores: Simpsons-Sears and The Bay, which was still being constructed.

Now, Orchard Park is the largest enclosed shopping centre between Calgary and Vancouver, with six anchor stores and an additional 160 retailers across 707,000 square feet.

In a media release, Orchard Park’s General Manager Catherine Whittingstall said the shopping centre continues to be a focal point in the community.

“It’s a place to meet, reconnect and belong. Orchard Park provides residents of Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley, and the year-round 1.9 million tourists who frequent the area a superior shopping experience,” Whittingstall said.

Expansion and renovations have continued in the mall’s 50 years. This year, the Canadian Blood Services Plasma Centre opened its doors.

Renovations are underway in the previous Sears location, which will have a new entrance and the arrival of Structube and Planet Fitness early next year.

The mall had historical photos from its early days on display throughout their celebration weekend.