Even with close to 14,000 new residents to the Thompson-Okanagan region in 2023, the area is losing residents to other provinces for the first time in 21 years.

The statistics come from an annual report from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), which is an analysis of demographic and affordability trends across the province. 

The Thompson-Okanagan's population expanded by 2.1 per cent (13,299 residents) in 2023, which is "consistent" growth, according to CPA Fellow Karen Christiansen. 

"Over the past five years, our population has increased by 10.4 per cent, narrowly behind growth of 11.2 per cent in the Southwest of B.C."

For the year ending July 1, 2023, the region welcomed 10,429 net new residents from other countries, which was up massively, from 6,000 in 2022. 

However, according to Christiansen, "2023 marked the first time we lost residents to other provinces for the first time in 21 years."

Interprovincial migration decreased population growth by 503 people, while natural growth (births minus mortalities) was also negative, reducing the population by 2,806 residents in 2023. 

Christiansen added that the region is at a "disadvantage" compared to other areas of the country, as "ensuring that the region鈥檚 housing supply is able to keep up with population growth will continue to be a priority going forward.鈥�