Joe Rich Society
Welcome to Our Close-Knit Community: Where Neighbours Become Family
Photo Credit Geoff Holman
About
The Joe Rich community is a vibrant and welcoming area nestled in the scenic Central Okanagan region of British Columbia. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush forests, rivers, and mountain views, Joe Rich offers residents a peaceful, rural lifestyle while maintaining close ties to nearby urban centres like Kelowna. The community values a strong sense of neighbourliness, environmental stewardship, and a connection to the land, making it an ideal place for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a balanced and wholesome way of living. Local initiatives often focus on sustainable development, preserving natural beauty, and fostering cultural and recreational activities that enrich community life. Joe Rich is more than just a place to live—it’s a close-knit community dedicated to growth, resilience, and quality of life.
Our Mission
Joe Rich Rate Payers and Tenants Society provides an inclusive voice for the Joe Rich Community, fostering
engagement, community spirit, and connection.
Our Vision
To create an inclusive and vibrant community in Joe Rich
Our Values
Integrity:
We are committed to providing programs and services in an
ethical, honest and trustworthy manner.
Compassion:
We are an empathetic and caring organization.
Respect:
We value a non-judgmental approach by providing an
environment of dignity and acceptance.
Accountability:
We are transparent with our practices and fiscally responsible.
Engagement:
We are dedicated to creating and maintaining positive relationships
within our Society and with all Joe Rich Community Members.
Photo Credit Geoff Holman
Our History
Photo Credit Geoff Holman
Joe Rich Valley was named after the first settler to build a substantial cabin and take up residence. Little is known about this man, Joe Rich; he may have been a bit of a reprobate looking for seclusion. He seems to have been a squatter and to have never held title to the land on which he built, because it was eventually obtained as a Crown Grant by the Prestons, and finally purchased by Cyril Weddell and Duncan Stewart.
Originally, Joe Rich Valley referred only to the land along either side of Joe Rich Creek, but eventually began to be applied to the valley down Mission Creek and up to the present Three Forks Road and Philpott Road. The actual extent of the land falling into the Joe Rich Area was further defined by the Fire District and the mail service.
Very recently, a downtown reporter suggested that the name “Joe Rich” be dropped and the area be renamed as an electoral district. Because of the historical nature of the Joe Rich name and the fact that most people in Kelowna know this area only as Joe Rich, the present name is not likely to die easily. As some residents have said, “We know where we live and it is Joe Rich Valley”.
To the north of Highway 33 in the Black Mountain area there is a short segment of the old road to Joe Rich Valley still named “ Joe Riche Road”. The presence of the terminal “e” on “Rich” has been a source of confusion. But a search of court records listing Joe Rich’s name show that the “e” is there in error and the real name is just simple unsophisticated “Joe Rich”.
