Council will consider final 2026 Budget on Monday

Kelowna City Council will consider the City’s final 2026 Budget at its regular meeting on Monday, April 20. If approved, the 4.40 per cent tax increase will remain one of the lowest in the province, while continuing to invest in public safety and the priorities residents care about most.

“Council has been deliberate about keeping taxes stable and predictable,” says Doug Gilchrist, City Manager. “This budget is designed to maintain core services, move key projects forward, and protect Kelowna’s competitive tax position.”

The $1.1‑billion budget supports 20 essential service areas, from police and fire services to transportation, parks and recreation, transit, and utilities. Kelowna’s service‑based budgeting model clearly connects tax dollars to real‑world results, showing how investments translate into services, outcomes, and progress on top priorities.

What’s proposed for 2026?
The budget is guided by six community‑driven priorities—crime and safety, transportation, homelessness, affordable housing, agriculture and environment, and the economy—with key investments in:

• Public Safety is Front and Centre: Funding for 11 new front‑line positions—five RCMP officers, four firefighters, and two bylaw officers—supported in part by a one per cent public safety levy.
• Transportation and Infrastructure: Nearly half of the budget dedicated to roads, parks, facilities, and other major capital projects, allowing the City to bundle projects and fast‑track delivery. These projects are part of the City’s $2.8‑billion 10‑Year Capital Plan and are listed at kelowna.ca/cityprojects.
• Recreation Facilities: Continued progress on the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative, including the redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre, new community centres in Glenmore, Mission, and Rutland, and improved sports fields. Learn more at kelowna.ca/bsk.
• Core Services: Funding to cover rising costs for road repairs, transit, water and wastewater utilities, and upkeep of parks and public spaces, ensuring Kelowna remains clean, safe, and in good repair.
• Digital Services and Cybersecurity: Investments to improve online services and strengthen system security, making City services easier and safer to access.

To keep taxes lower, property taxes fund only about 20 per cent of the City’s total budget. The remainder comes from user fees, utility charges, reserves, grants, and other sources, helping deliver essential services while reducing pressure on taxpayers.

For the average Kelowna homeowner, the 4.40 per cent increase works out to about $115 per year, or $9.60 per month, to maintain services and support new investments across the city.

Residents can compare Kelowna’s taxes with other B.C. municipalities at kelowna.ca/budget, and preview the final budget at kelowna.ca/council.

Get your tax bill—without the wait
Once Council approves the budget, the City will begin mailing property tax notices on May 23. For faster access to your bill, switch to eBilling and get your City of Kelowna bills delivered to your inbox a week earlier.

Log in to your Property Account to make the switch to eBilling, plus you can view utility bills, property tax notices, and business licensing notices online, anytime, all in one secure place. Visit kelowna.ca/billing to get started.