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 draft 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.
Highlights of the transportation infrastructure investment
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Road Rehabilitation Program at $1.2 million funded from Gas Tax and Capital Reserves
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Boucherie Multi-use Pathway at $2.4 million
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Butt Road sidewalk and Old Okanagan intersection improvements for $2.75 million funded from reserves and Development Cost Charges
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Elliott Road from Reece to Smith Creek Roads design $250,000
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Pedestrian Infrastructure Program funded by the Federal Gas Tax Fund and capital reserves for the building of a sidewalk on Horizon Drive, including walkway repairs and installation of stairs between Shannon Springs Park and Terravista walkway totalling $1.7 million
Learn more:
On Jan. 31, 2023, Council gave first reading to the 2023 to 2027 Financial Plan, after a two-day session of deliberations. Read the full news release for more details on the budget process.
Council priorities
Invest in Infrastructure remains one of four pillars of Council’s 2021 – 2022 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.
In the spring, City Council will adopt the 2022 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw, which includes a one per cent Infrastructure Levy to help accelerate priority road and active transportation improvements throughout West Kelowna. Learn more about the budget process.
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.
In 2021, the City of West Kelowna is investing $35.6 million in capital infrastructure projects to build a brighter tomorrow.
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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. The 2021 and 2022 Budgets include a one per cent Infrastructure Levy to help accelerate priority road and active transportation improvements throughout West Kelowna. |
 What is an Infrastructure Levy? |
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The City's Infrastructure Levy is a one per cent tax to accelerate road, active transportation and drainage improvements throughout the city over the next 10 years. The Levy will help the City deliver on priority projects sooner and potentially leverage other sources of funding such as grants and low-interest borrowing. The levy 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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