Highlights of December 1 Council meeting
News Release
HIGHLIGHTS OF DECEMBER 1 COUNCIL MEETING
2025 Government Finance Officers Association (GFAO) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Council was presented with the 2025 GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, which recognizes organizations that produce budget documents of exceptional quality, clarity, and transparency. The City received an “outstanding” score in long-range financial planning, understandability and usability. The GFAO is a non-profit organization serving over 25,000 public finance professionals in the U.S. and Canada.
51st Annual Civic & Community Awards nominations
Council received a report announcing that nominations are now open for the 51st Annual Civic & Community Awards, scheduled for April 23, 2026. Nomination forms for all award categories, including volunteers, artists, athletes, environmental stewards, and businesses, are available here.
Next Steps on Performing Arts Centre – Community Task Force on Performing Arts
Council endorsed the Community Task Force’s recommendations and directed staff to move forward with planning, community engagement, and design work for both the new Performing Arts Centre and Kelowna Community Theatre Front of House renovation. For the new Performing Arts Centre staff will complete detailed analysis, explore partnership options, and explore the possibility of Pioneer Gardens as a location, and report back to Council as the projects progress.
2026 Preliminary Budget Overview
Council received a report on the 2026 Preliminary Budget, which focuses on supporting essential services while also prioritizing investment in infrastructure, improving efficiency through automation and advancing Council Priorities including Crime & Safety, Homelessness, Affordable Housing, Transportation, Agriculture & Environment and Economy. Council will take up the Preliminary Budget at its annual Budget Deliberations meeting Wednesday, Dec. 4, beginning at 9 a.m. and can be viewed here.
To watch a playback of the Council meeting and view all presentations, visit “Past Meetings” at
