Kelowna’s 2026 Budget invests in public safety, infrastructure, and citizen priorities

December 4, 2025

Following today’s budget deliberations, Kelowna City Council has approved the preliminary 2026 Budget with a 4.37 per cent tax increase—one of the lowest municipal tax increases in B.C. this year.

As the final budget before Kelowna’s next municipal election, the 2026 plan continues progress on the city’s most pressing challenges. Council’s six priority areas—Crime & Safety, Transportation, Homelessness, Affordable Housing, Agriculture & Environment, and the Economy—guided funding decisions, with investments aligned to the 25 actions in Council’s Priority Action Plan.

"This budget invests in the priorities residents tell us matter most—safe streets, more infrastructure, and strong frontline services—while maintaining one of the lowest tax rate increases in the province year after year,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “By keeping taxes predictable and stable and continuing to build the infrastructure our growing community needs, Budget 2026 strengthens Kelowna today and invests in our future.”

The preliminary 2026 Budget totals $1.05 billion across 20 service areas, including police and fire, parks and recreation, transit, water utilities, and more. The City’s service-based budget model makes it easy to see where tax dollars go, what they deliver, and how they support Council priorities and long-term community goals.

Property taxes fund about 20 per cent of the City’s total budget, with the remaining four fifths coming from reserves, fees and charges, and other sources. Reducing the City’s reliance on tax revenues is a corporate priority. The 4.37 per cent tax increase includes 3.37 per cent to fund operating and capital projects, and a 1 per cent public safety levy for police, fire and bylaw services.

So what does a 4.37 per cent increase mean for residents? For an average Kelowna homeowner, the increase works out to about $113.26 more per year (around $9.44 per month) to maintain essential services and support new investments across the city. This increase remains one of the lowest in the province, keeping your family’s tax bill steady while still delivering the important services residents rely on, from parks and road maintenance to policing and fire protection.

What can residents expect from the 2026 Budget? The big deliverables include:

Public Safety – Reducing crime and improving safety is a top priority for Council and the community. Council approved 10 new front-line positions, including four RCMP officers, four firefighters, and two bylaw officers, funded in part through the City’s 1 per cent public safety levy. Rising policing costs are being absorbed without significant tax impact thanks to Kelowna’s strong financial position and reserves.
Transportation and Infrastructure – Nearly half of the 2026 budget is dedicated to transportation, parks, facilities, and other major capital projects, enabling the City to fast-track delivery, leverage reserve funds, and maximize savings through project bundling. Projects are part of the City’s 10-Year Capital Plan which will invest $2.8 billion in big projects through 2035. Residents can explore current projects at kelowna.ca/cityprojects.
Recreation Facilities for All Ages – The Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative continues to move forward, including the redevelopment of the 50-year-old Parkinson Recreation Centre, new community centres in Glenmore, Mission and Rutland, and improved sports fields at Parkinson and in Rutland. Residents can sign up for project updates at kelowna.ca/subscribe.
Maintenance of Core Services – The 2026 budget covers rising costs for road repairs, transit, water and wastewater utilities, and upkeep in parks and other public spaces, ensuring Kelowna remains clean, safe, and in good repair.
Digital Services and Cybersecurity – New investments in online tools and cybersecurity to make accessing City services easier and ensure secure, efficient operations.

“Our 2026 budget isn’t just about this year, it’s part of a long-term plan to keep our city thriving, affordable, and prepared for a dynamic future,” says Doug Gilchrist, City Manager. “Guided by the Imagine Kelowna vision and solid, long-range plans like the Five-Year Financial Plan, 10-Year Capital Plan, and 2040 Official Community Plan, we’re always looking 5, 10, even 20 years ahead to anticipate the needs of our community. Today’s budget is a reflection of the City’s commitment to stability and predictability, and is focused on the most acute interests of our citizens.”

To learn more about the 2026 Budget, including detailed charts and figures, visit kelowna.ca/budget.