Smart investments, that’s what the 10-Year Capital Plan delivers

How do we make sure underground pipes, roads, facilities and other amenities keep up with the needs and growth of our community? For Kelowna, the answer is planning ahead—way ahead.  

This week, Council endorsed the 2026-2035 10-Year Capital Plan. Renewed each year, the plan isn’t just a list of projects, it’s the City’s roadmap for building and maintaining the roads, parks, utilities, and community spaces we all rely on every day. Projects help us deliver on Council priorities and on our long-term vision for our community, shaped by the 2040 Official Community Plan and Imagine Kelowna. 

“As Kelowna grows, our responsibility is to ensure that every dollar spent today supports the services and infrastructure our community will rely on tomorrow”, explains Melanie Antunes, Financial Planning Manager. “This plan is about balancing renewal with growth, and making strategic choices that sustain our city’s quality of life for the next decade and beyond.” 

At its heart, the plan answers four simple questions: What do we need to build or fix? Why do we need it? How will we pay for it? What will it cost to keep it running? By answering these, the City can plan smart, spend wisely, and invest where it matters most. 

What’s new? 

The 2026–2035 plan sets out $2.82 billion in projects, about 10 per cent more than last year’s record-breaking plan. Why the increase? Rising construction costs, inflation, and a few new priorities, including:  

• A feasibility study and design for the Kelowna Performing Arts Centre, recommended by the Mayor’s Performing Arts Task Force.  
• A new Infrastructure Operations Facility to solve space issues.  
• Renewal of assets reaching end of life. 

The plan strikes a balance between maintaining what we have and building new. Over the next ten years, we’re investing $2.2 billion, or about 79 per cent, to maintain and renew existing assets, while earmarking $600 million, or 21 per cent, for upgrades and new services. It’s all about balancing growth with care for aging infrastructure. 

Where is the spending going? 

Transportation tops the list at 25 per cent of the budget, followed by Parks (12 per cent) and Buildings (11 per cent). Together, they make up nearly half of all spending and ensures the City delivers on Council Priorities. Utilities such as water and wastewater account for 21 per cent, Kelowna International Airport gets 11 per cent, and the remaining 10 per cent is shared between fire, vehicles & equipment, IT, transit, arts & culture, real estate, and parking. 

How do we pay for it? 

Four main sources keep the plan moving:  

• Development Cost Charges from new developments.  
• Provincial and federal grants, including programs for flood protection and community growth.  
• City revenues from taxes, reserves, and user fees.  
• Borrowing, managed carefully to stay within Council-approved limits. 

Why it matters 

Big projects don’t come without challenges. Construction costs, supply chain delays, and inflation are still in play. To stay on track, the City is tightening budgets, phasing projects more strategically, and using smart procurement methods to get the best value. 

The bottom line? This plan is Kelowna’s commitment to building a strong, connected, and resilient community, one that keeps pace with growth while protecting the services we depend on. Every dollar is aimed at making sure Kelowna remains a great place to live, work, and play for years to come.