Kelowna council to consider final 2026 budget Monday

Kelowna city council will consider the final 2026 budget at its next meeting.

If approved on Monday, the proposed 4.40 per cent property tax increase would keep Kelowna among the lowest-taxed cities in British Columbia while funding core services and new investments.

The $1.1-billion budget covers 20 service areas, including police and fire protection, transportation, parks, recreation, transit and utilities. It is guided by council priorities including public safety, transportation, housing and affordability. The plan includes funding for 11 new frontline positions, including RCMP officers, firefighters and bylaw officers, supported in part by a one per cent public safety levy.

Nearly half the budget is allocated to infrastructure and capital projects, including roads, parks and facilities, as part of the city’s 10-year, $2.8-billion capital plan.

Recreation investments continue through the Building a Stronger Kelowna program, including work on the Parkinson Recreation Centre and new community centres in Glenmore, the Mission and Rutland. The city says property taxes account for about 20 per cent of total revenue, with the rest coming from fees, utilities, reserves and grants. For the average homeowner, the increase works out to about $115 per year, or $9.60 per month.

Council will vote on the final budget Monday, April 20.