Ask West Kelowna
We're investing in infrastructure to build a brighter tomorrow. With steady community growth and high demand for urban services, infrastructure improvements are a must for the City of West Kelowna.
Overview of our 2023 capital projects
Each year, infrastructure upgrades are proposed across the city. In 2023, the City's overall capital budget is projected at $33.9 million. Highlights of capital funding allocations include: $7 million in transportation initiatives, replacement of Fire Hall #32 subject to $8 million funded by long-term borrowing, $5.6 million for the water and sewer capital, which comprises improvements to the Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant intake screen and hypochlorite system at $2.6 million, and an update to the Water Master Plan for $250,000.
Julia’s Junction, a community-driven initiative will offer an inclusive play space for all abilities, located at Westbank Centre valued at $750,000 with $550,000 recoverable through fundraising efforts. The Parks Master Plan budget of $110,000 will evaluate short and long-term community priorities and update athletic field demand and user needs and action plans.
Summer capital projects
Watch for construction of several summer capital projects beginning in July with additional projects starting in August.
Projects scheduled to start this summer include:
- Active transportation upgrades on Old Okanagan Highway, which includes 300 metres of additional sidewalks, bike lanes and drainage improvements from Dobbin Road to Ingram Road.
- Channel improvements in McDougall Creek, near Shannon Lake Road, to complete restoration work and increase the capacity of the creek.
- Culvert upgrades near Inverness Road in Glenrosa to improve stormwater drainage and mitigate flood risks.
- Flood mitigation work in Rock Ridge Park in West Kelowna Estates, which includes reconstruction of degraded channel bed and banks.
- Lift station upgrades on Stevens and Sunnyside Roads to meet existing and future demands. Lift stations are essential to moving wastewater to higher elevations and for efficient collection of wastewater.
- Micro-surfacing of East Boundary Road to lengthen the useful life of the pavement.
Later this summer, we'll provide an update on fall projects, including the Road Rehabilitation program and drainage improvements in the Green Bay neighbourhood.
About the 2023 Budget
On April 18, 2023, Council adopted the 2023 Budget and 2023 to 2027 Financial Plan Bylaw. The newly adopted 2023 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan supports key Council priorities that strengthens public safety, infrastructure investment and provides for water upgrades while maintaining efficient operations. The budget includes a 1.7 per cent increase reflecting investments in police and protective services, and 1.0 per cent toward infrastructure, such as for active transportation projects. Read the news release for more information.
Council priorities
Invest in Infrastructure remains one of four pillars of Council’s 2022 – 2026 Strategic Priorities, which focuses on building, improving and maintaining quality infrastructure and supports Council’s mission to plan for the future while taking care of today. Review our 10-Year Capital Plan to see what investments in roads, sidewalks, parks, utilities, and facilities are proposed for neighbourhoods across the city over the next 10 years.
Contact us
Do you have a question about a project in your neighbourhood? Reach out to the Engineering and Public Works team directly:
- Email: eng.services@westkelownacity.ca
- Call: 778-797-8840
- Project Information Line: 778-797-1234
Q&A
 What is a capital project? |
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A capital project refers to the purchase, upgrade, expansion or build of a City asset that requires a substantial capital investment. Often called infrastructure, these projects include extending sidewalks and active transportation networks, improving roadways and drainage, adding to the city’s extensive parks system and upgrading equipment in arenas.
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 How are projects funded? |
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Capital projects are funded through a combination of taxes and grants. These budget reserves are used to pay for the cost of building and maintaining infrastructure. The City also collects charges on new development called Development Cost Charges (DCCs). This money comes directly from development and is used specifically for which they were collected. DCCs ensure that new growth is contributing to future city costs, reducing the cost on future taxpayers. A 1.0 per cent allocation to critical infrastructure helps support priority improvements throughout West Kelowna. |
 Why invest in infrastructure? |
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The 1.0 per cent tax to support critical infrastructure will be invested in roads, utilities and drainage improvements throughout the city. The funding will help the City deliver on priority projects sooner and potentially leverage other sources of funding such as grants and low-interest borrowing. The funding will ensure that priority infrastructure projects are implemented sustainably, while allowing the City to build its reserve funds. This model will also ensure sustainable long-term investment. |
 How are projects prioritized? |
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We prioritize projects based on the following criteria:
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