Safety and growth are keys to Kelowna’s proposed budget

Dec 2, 2021 | 4:20 PM Pete McIntyre

Kelowna’s proposed 2022 budget calls for a tax increase of 3.49 per cent to keep up with infrastructure and growth needs.

“Preparing for post-pandemic recovery, the city’s fiscal approach is to ensure Kelowna remains positioned to welcome a projected 45,000 new residents over the next 20 years,” a city news release stated.

In 2021, the city collected more than $1 billion in building permits and inspections revenues, the most in Kelowna’s history.

“This development surge helped during a year where other revenues where challenged,” said the release.

City council will discuss the budget at a meeting Dec. 9. A live-stream of the meeting can be viewed at kelowna.ca/council. Council will also receive an overview presentation from staff at its regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 6.

The city says the preliminary 2022 budget prioritizes:

Continued commitment to safety. 15 safety related positions are proposed, including 10 new RCMP members.
Post-pandemic vibrancy with investments in recreation, arts and culture. The budget proposes to expand the Capital News Centre, move the Kelowna Community Theatre box office in-house, and advance the design-phase of both rebuilding the Parkinson Recreation Centre and the Island Stage in Waterfront Park.
Green spaces. Investing $12.3 million to secure parkland through our DCC program ensures green spaces continue to grow for residents and future generations. This year the budget proposes to develop DeHart Park for $6.4 million and also $550,000 to design Phase 3 of Glenmore Recreation Park.
A leader in addressing climate change. Invest further in electric vehicle charging stations, renew a Community Energy Specialist position, invest in a GHG emissions reporting software and continue on with many environmental protection and energy reduction programs.
Active and alternative transportation modes. Projects this year will connect our city through trails and active transportation corridors (ATC), such as the $3.3-million extension of the Houghton ATC from Hollywood Road to Rutland Road. The budget proposes $15.6 million in transportation investments including new bus stops, road renewals and building ATCs.