Our organization
Our Organization
Working together, Council and City departments deliver services, respond to community needs, and plan responsibly for Kelowna’s future.
We're building the City of the Future
Kelowna has come a long way since it was incorporated in May 1905 with a population of just 600, when farming was the region’s economic mainstay. Imagine Kelowna: A City of the Future is our community’s bold vision for 2040, shaped by the voices of nearly 4,000 residents. It sets the direction for how we grow, move, connect and care for one another. It’s more than a long‑term plan, it’s the compass guiding every strategy, project and decision across the City.
Imagine Kelowna Vision
City leadership & departments
City leaders and departments deliver on the community’s vision for a healthy, thriving city. Every team plays a role in providing services, building infrastructure, and advancing the Imagine Kelowna vision.
View Organization Chart Contact the City
Departments are listed in alphabetical order below.
The Kelowna International Airport, YLW, connects Kelowna to the world, supporting tourism, trade, and economic development.
- Air Service Development – Oversees airport capital projects from planning to completion.
- Commercial & Business Development – Drives revenue through partnerships and business growth.
- Operations & Innovation – Manages daily airport operations, safety, and customer service.
- Finance & Corporate Services – Handles budgeting, analytics, and financial oversight.
Active Living & Culture fosters community well-being and inclusion through recreation, culture, and neighborhood programs.
- Culture Services – Oversees cultural events, policies, and the Kelowna Community Theatre.
- Community & Neighbourhood Services – Builds connected neighborhoods through programs like Strong Neighbourhoods.
- Sport & Event Services – Delivers citywide sports and recreation events.
- Social Development – Collaborates with partners to address social challenges.
- Finance & Business Services – Supports financial planning and marketing for the division.
Corporate Services keeps City operations efficient and financially sustainable, ensuring value for tax dollars.
- Financial & Capital Planning – Develops budgets, manages reserves and debt, and oversees capital planning.
- Corporate Strategy & Performance – Leads strategic planning and tracks progress on Council priorities.
- Information Technology – Delivers technology solutions to improve service and efficiency.
- Financial Systems – Maintains financial systems and drives process improvements.
- Corporate Finance – Manages revenue, purchasing, payroll, and business performance including value-for-money reviews.
The Office of the City Clerk promotes transparency and trust through records management, Council support, and fair elections.
- Council & Committees – Provides administrative support for Council and committees.
- Records & Information – Manages corporate records and protection of privacy.
- Election – Oversees local elections and approval processes.
Communications keeps residents informed and engaged in City decisions and services.
- Community Programs – Builds awareness through programs and initiatives.
- Engagement & Events – Coordinates public engagement and City events.
- Media Relations – Shares timely updates and responds to media inquiries.
Infrastructure delivers the essential services that support daily life, from roads and utilities to parks and facilities.
- Integrated Transportation – Develops transit and multi-modal transportation strategies.
- Park Services – Maintains parks, beaches, and natural spaces.
- Public Works – Maintains roads, sidewalks, transit shelters, and snow removal.
- Utility Services – Manages water, wastewater, landfill, and drainage operations.
- Infrastructure Delivery – Oversees construction and rehabilitation projects.
- Infrastructure Engineering – Plans water, wastewater, and drainage systems.
People & Protective Services helps us protect public safety and supports a healthy, productive workforce.
- Police Services – Delivers policing and crime prevention through RCMP.
- Fire – Provides fire protection and emergency response.
- Bylaw Services – Promotes safety through enforcement and education.
- Community Safety – Develops and implements crime prevention strategies.
- Human Resource Services – Manages recruitment and labor relations.
- Corporate Human Resources – Leads corporate focused HR programs and systems.
- Occupational Health and Safety – Oversees the City’s safety program ensuring a safe workplace.
- Risk Management – Mitigates hazards and manages insurance programs.
Planning, Climate Action & Development guides sustainable growth and prepares Kelowna for future challenges.
- Long Range Planning – Develops policies for future growth.
- Development Engineering – Reviews infrastructure needs for new developments.
- Development Planning – Manages land use and development applications.
- Development Services – Ensures compliance with bylaws and building codes.
- Climate Action & Environment – Leads environmental and sustainability programs.
- Housing Policy & Programs – Develops housing strategies and initiatives.
- Building & Business Services – Oversees building permits and business licensing.
Partnerships & Investment secures funding and partnerships to support community improvements and economic growth.
- Partnerships – Leads advocacy, grants, and business partnerships.
- Parks & Facilities Planning – Designs parks and facilities with financial, social, and environmental balance.
- Real Estate Services – Manages and maximizes City-owned property assets.
- Facilities – Operates and maintains civic buildings and arenas.
Our visual identifiers
Kelowna’s visual identity reflects our history, values, and the unified way we present ourselves as a city. From our official Coat of Arms to our modern branding standards, these identifiers help residents recognize City communications, reinforce trust, and ensure consistency across all departments and services.
Kelowna’s Armorial Bearings were formally accepted by City Council on January 3, 1955, granted by the College of Heralds in England.
- Shield: Wavy blue lines symbolize Okanagan Lake. Three white mountain peaks rise above, topped by two golden apples.
- Crest: An apple tree atop knightly armour represents Kelowna’s agricultural roots. A crosscut saw at the base honours early forestry and pioneer history.
- Supporters: A grizzly bear reflects the origin of Kelowna’s name, while a heraldic seahorse represents the mythical Ogopogo.
- Motto: “Fruitful in Unity” speaks to Kelowna’s progress, driven by community cooperation and its long-standing fruit‑growing heritage.
Our brand helps residents quickly recognize City services, programs, and investments across the community. Through consistent use of our logo, colours, typography, and other visual elements, we create a unified look that reflects who we are as a City and sets us apart. These design standards ensure that everything we communicate—online, in print, and in public spaces—is clear, professional, and unmistakably Kelowna.
View City Branding
Publications & resources
Discover the key plans, reports, and tools that guide how Kelowna grows and operates. These publications show how City leadership and departments work together—shaping everything from daily services to long‑term community planning.
Set every four years, Council Priorities guide the City’s focus, shaping both the annual budget and long‑term capital plan.
The City budget funds today’s projects and looks five years ahead—balancing stable services and taxes with smart, future‑focused investments.
Our Annual Report highlights the year’s key achievements and provides an independently audited summary of the City’s financial performance.
Conducted every two years, the Citizen Survey gathers resident feedback on City services and spending. Council uses these insights to ensure decisions reflect community priorities.
The 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP) is Kelowna’s long‑term roadmap—guiding decisions on housing, transportation, parks, climate action, and economic development.
Join the team shaping Kelowna’s future with competitive pay, great benefits, and one of Canada’s top pension plans.
