Skip to Content
View All
Pause
  • ApplyDown Chevron
    • Activities and Programs
    • Building Permits
    • Burning Permit
    • Development Applications
    • Dog License
    • Facility Booking
    • Jobs at the City
    • Preauthorized Tax Payments or Deferments
    • Speak As a Delegation Before Council
  • PayDown Chevron
    • Accessible Parking Permits
    • Recreation Programs
    • Swimming Passes
    • Taxes
    • Transit Tickets
    • Utility Bills
  • ReportDown Chevron
    • Bylaw Infraction
    • Customer Service Feedback
    • Dogs
    • Illegal Dumping
    • Missed Garbage Pickup
    • Outdoor Burning
    • Service Request
Close icon

City of West Kelowna Logo

Contact Us Main menu icon
  • Our Community
    • Annual Report
    • About West Kelowna
    • Bears and Wildlife
    • Bylaw Compliance
    • Capital Projects
    • City Hall Project
    • COVID-19
    • Drainage, Flooding and Storm Sewers
    • Engage With Us
    • Fire and Rescue
    • FireSmart Program
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Official Community Plan
    • Police (RCMP)
    • Roads, Sidewalks and Street Lights
    • Sanitary Sewers and Wastewater
    • Social Housing in West Kelowna
    • Water
  • Parks, Recreation and Culture
    • Beaches and Boat Launches
    • Book a Facility or Field
    • Cemetery
    • Community Events
    • Financial Assistance Programs
    • News for Parks, Recreation and Culture
    • Online Registration
    • Parks Amenity Donation Program
    • Parks and Trails
    • Recreation and Culture Facilities
    • Recreation Guide
    • Virtual Parks Tour
  • Building, Business and Development
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Building Department
    • Business Directory
    • Business Licences
    • CityView Portal
    • Economic Development
    • Maps and GIS
    • Planning and Development
    • Procurement and Purchasing
    • Signs
    • Short Term Accommodations
  • City Hall
    • Accessibility
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Budget
    • Bylaws
    • Contact Us
    • COVID-19
    • Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
    • Elections and Electoral Approval
    • Employment
    • Freedom of Information
    • Mayor and Council
    • News and Alerts
    • Plans and Strategies
    • Property Taxes
    • Services
    • Speculation Tax
    • Utility Billing and Rates
    • Webcasts
  • I Want To...
Question MarkAsk West Kelowna

Gellatly View of Lake CWK Image

Elections and Electoral Approval

HomeCity HallElections and Electoral Approval
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email
Show or hide navigation More

West Kelowna city election will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022

Important Dates
General Voting DaySaturday, October 15, 2022
 Advance Voting Days

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Friday, October 7, 2022

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Thursday, October 13, 2022 

Nomination Packages Available

Friday, July 15, 2022

Pre-Campaign Period Begins

Monday, July 18, 2022

Nomination Period

Tuesday, August 30, 2022 (9:00 a.m.) to Friday, September 9, 2022 (4:00 p.m.)

Declaration of Candidates

Friday, September 9, 2022 (after 4:00 p.m.)

Last Day to Withdraw Candidacy

Friday, September 16, 2022 (4:00 p.m.)

Deadline for Receiving Nomination Documents

Friday, September 16, 2022 (4:30 p.m.)

Pre-Campaign Period Ends

Friday, September 16, 2022

Campaign Period

Monday, September 19, 2022 to Saturday, October 15, 2022

Declaration of Election by Voting Monday, September 19, 2022 (4:00 p.m.)
Mail Ballot Voting Deadline Saturday, October 15, 2022 (8:00 p.m.)
Announcement of Preliminary Election Results

Saturday, October 15, 2022 (after 8:00 p.m.)

Elected Officials' Oath of Office

Tuesday, November 1, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) at the City of West Kelowna Council Chambers

 About Elections and Electoral Approval

Local Government Elections

The Local Government Act, Part 3 establishes the regulations for elections, electors, candidates and any of their agents, and chief electoral officers. Local Government Elections are held every four years. The last was held October 20, 2018; the next will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022. During the four year term, if a member of Council is no longer able to fulfill their duties and resigns their post, the Local Government Act allows for a by-election to be held prior to the next election date, if required.

Additional procedures and regulations are also outlined in the City of West Kelowna Local Government Election Bylaw 0248.

In the case of a Local Government Election or a by-election, the City of West Kelowna must follow specified guidelines to advertise the process to eligible candidates and voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna makes information available: on its website; through eNotifications to subscribers; via quarterly newsletters in utility bills; on its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and, through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases media sources.

Alternative Approval Processes

BC's Community Charter allows local governments to use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) as one means of seeking voter assent on a proposal, most commonly in matters involving long-term borrowing. An AAP is an alternative to a referendum, which is costlier to taxpayers and involves a lengthier process. The AAP allows voters 30 days to submit an elector response form in opposition to the local government's proposal. If 10% or more of eligible voters submit forms indicating their opposition to the proposal, then elector assent is not obtained and the AAP fails.

The City of West Kelowna is required to follow specified guidelines to advertise the AAP process to eligible voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna also makes information available: on its website; through eNotifications to subscribers; via quarterly newsletters in utility bills, if timing permits; on its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and, through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media.

 Referendums

A referendum is a popular vote used to obtain electoral approval on a matter being proposed by a legislative body. Typically voters are presented with a single question on a matter in which the legislative body has the authority to act.

A referendum can be binding or non-binding depending on the matter at hand. If a referendum is binding, a government must carry out the decision of the electorate; if a referendum is non-binding, the government can take the ruling of the electorate into consideration in making its decision.

In British Columbia, a binding referendum must be held on a significant issue such as incorporation, certain bylaws and disposal of public assets. A non-binding referendum can be held on important matters where a municipal council may be interested in knowing how a community stands on a particular issue and where the results may be helpful to elected officials looking to make a final decision on a pressing or polarizing issue.

Assent of the electors is obtained when a majority of valid votes are found to be in favour of the bylaw or question. If the bylaw or question fails to obtain the majority assent of the electors, then a local government must wait six months before it is permitted to hold another referendum on the same question or bylaw, provided that the Province of British Columbia approves.

The City of West Kelowna is required to follow specified guidelines to advertise a referendum process to eligible voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna makes information available: on its website; through eNotifications to subscribers; via quarterly newsletters in utility bills, if timing permits; on its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and, through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media.

Information For Candidates and Registered Campaigns

 Nomination Information

Nomination packages will be available Friday, July 15, 2022.

 

More information coming soon.

Election Sign Guidelines

Signs may be posted during the campaign period so long as the placement complies with Sign Bylaw No. 0250. Signs must not obscure travel lines of vision nor obstruct cyclists, pedestrians nor traffic. Signs must not obstruct access to businesses, emergency vehicles or property. Signs cannot be placed within 100 metres of a polling station. See our maps of restricted areas around polling stations.

Important Links

Financial

  • Financial Disclosure Act
  • Local Elections Campaign Financing
  • Local Elections Campaign Financing Act

Municipal

  • City of West Kelowna Budget
  • Local Government Election Bylaw No. 0248
  • Procedure Bylaw No. 0258

Provincial

  • Community Charter – Part 4 (Public Participation and Council Accountability)
  • Elections BC
  • Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
  • Interpretation Act
  • Local Government Act: Part 3 – Electors and Elections
  • Province of British Columbia Candidates Guide for Local Elections in British Columbia
  • Resources for General Local Elections
  • Video series to help prospective candidates
  • Local Election Offences and Penalties
  • Thinking About Running for Local Office?

Information for Electors

Voter Qualifications - Who Is Eligible To Vote?

Electors Who Live in the City of West Kelowna (Resident Electors)

You are eligible to vote as a resident elector if you are:

  • 18 years of age or older on voting day
  • A Canadian citizen
  • A resident living in British Columbia for at least six months before voting (April 14, 2022)
  • Not disqualified from voting due to an election offence
  • Not ineligible to vote for other reasons such as elections offences

Electors Who Own Property in West Kelowna But Live in Another Jurisdiction (Non-Resident Electors)

You may vote as a non-resident elector if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older on voting day
  • Are a Canadian citizen
  • Are not a resident in the City of West Kelowna
  • Are not ineligible to vote for other reasons such as elections offences
  • Have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before voting (April 14, 2022)
  • Have owned property within the City of West Kelowna for at least 30 days before voting (September 14, 2022)
  • Have written consent from the majority of the property's co-owners to vote as the non-resident elector; proof is required using the Non-resident Elector Consent Form. Bring the form to the polling station when voting; or, obtain the form from the polling station and return to vote with the completed and signed document.   
Voter Registration - How Do You Register?

Resident Electors

Register to vote at the polling station on voting day.

You must provide two pieces of identification, one with a signature, that confirms who you are and where you presently live.

Non-Resident Electors

Register to vote at the polling station on voting day.

You must provide two pieces of identification, one with a signature, that confirms who you are and where you presently live.

You must provide written consent from the majority of the property's co-owners to vote as the non-resident elector. Bring the completed and signed Non-resident Elector Consent Form when you arrive to vote at the polling station; or obtain the form from the polling station and return to vote with the completed and signed document.

 

 Voting - Mail Ballot Information

More information coming soon.

 

Voting - When and Where to Vote

Eligible voters can vote at any West Kelowna polling station. All opportunities will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

There will be four Advance Voting opportunities in the City of West Kelowna Council Chambers - 2760 Cameron Road on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Friday, October 7, 2022

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Thursday, October 13, 2022

 

General Voting Day is Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the following locations:

Westbank Lions Community Centre - 2466 Main Street

Constable Neil Bruce Middle School - 2010 Daimler Drive

Mar Jok Elementary School - 2101 McDougall Road

 

Voting - Mobility Assistance - How Does Curbside Voting Work?

The City of West Kelowna makes every effort to ensure polling stations are accessible.

If you find that a polling station is difficult to access, curbside voting is available. Simply ask another voter to inform election staff of your need for assistance and election staff will bring your ballot to your vehicle.

If you require an interpreter, please bring one with you to the polling station.

If you are unable to mark your own ballot, you may ask a relative, friend or election staff to assist you.

 

Chief and Deputy Chief Election Officers

Shelley Schnitzler, Chief Election Officer

Rebecca Narinesingh, Deputy Chief Election Officer

 

Past Election Results

Past Election Results

  • 2018 Local Government Election Results 
  • 2014 Local Government Election Results
  • 2011 Local Government Election Results
  • 2008 Local Government Election Results
  • 2007 Local Government Election Results

Contact Us

Subscribe to this Page
  • Elections and Electoral Approval
  • View full City Hall menu
    • Accessibility
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Budget
      Toggle Section Budget Menu
      • Capital Projects
      • Grants in Aid
      • Revenues and Spending
      • Taxes
    • Bylaws
      Toggle Section Bylaws Menu
      • Alphabetical listing
      • Numerical listing
      • Official Community Plan
      • Zoning Bylaw
    • Contact Us
      Toggle Section Contact Us Menu
      • Making a Claim to the City
      • Staff Directory
    • COVID-19
    • Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
    • Employment
      Toggle Section Employment Menu
      • Current opportunities
    • Freedom of Information
    • Mayor and Council
      Toggle Section Mayor and Council Menu
      • Committees
      • Meeting Schedule
      • Policies
      • Speak As a Delegation Before Council
      • Strategic Priorities
    • News and Alerts
      Toggle Section News and Alerts Menu
      • Boil Water and Water Quality Advisories
      • Campfire Bans and Extreme Fire Hazard
      • Get Involved
      • Public Notices
      • Job Opportunities
      • News and Alerts
      • Road Report
      • Subscribe
    • Plans and Strategies
    • Property Taxes
      Toggle Section Property Taxes Menu
      • Assessments
      • Payment Options
      • Permissive Tax Exemption
      • Tax Sale
    • Services
    • Speculation Tax
    • Utility Billing and Rates
    • Webcasts

City of West Kelowna Footer Logo

© 2022 The City of West Kelowna,
2760 Cameron Road,
West Kelowna, BC, V1Z 2T6
Email us, Phone: 778-797-1000

A to ZAccessibilityDisclaimer and Privacy PolicySitemapContact Us

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.