2023 Budget continues investments in safety and critical infrastructure needed in West Kelowna

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

West Kelowna Council unanimously adopted the 2023 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw setting the tax rate at 5.0 per cent at its regular meeting on April 18, 2023. This year’s budget balances the demand for services while addressing the financial considerations of a growing city.

The 2023 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan continue to reflect responsible investments needed in West Kelowna and builds on the momentum of the previous Council term priorities focusing on public safety, infrastructure and water upgrades. This budget reflects financial prudence recognizing just how rapidly West Kelowna is growing, and the diligence in efficiently managing the City’s revenues, expenses, capital and reserves that support healthy, sustainable and progressive community growth.

The budget includes a 1.7 per cent increase reflecting investments in police and protective services, and 1.0 per cent allocated to active transportation infrastructure such as the design and construction of the Boucherie Multi-use Pathway. The total 2023 capital budget is $30.7 million and is invested across the city such as $5.6 million for water and sewer utilities, $7 million for roads, $1.7 million for pedestrian infrastructure and $8 million allocated to begin the replacement of Fire Hall #32. Storm drainage improvements are also set at $1 million to mitigate the impacts of storm events. Other projects include the Water Master Plan, the Inverness culvert replacement in Glenrosa, drainage works for Boucherie Road near the Gregory Road intersection, and in the Shannon Woods and Green Bay neighbourhoods.

The city’s growth of 1.75 per cent last year resulted in revenue of $681,000, which has been used to reduce the tax burden and increase the transfer to reserves. The value for taxes is directly attributed to the delivery of programs, services and other strategic priority projects of Council based on previous and ongoing community input.

In addition to public feedback that informed the 2023 Budget, Council is seeking input into their draft 2022 - 2026 Strategic Priorities, which guides the direction and priority projects under the four pillars of Invest in Infrastructure, Pursue Economic Growth and Prosperity, Strengthen our Community and Foster Safety and Well-being. Find out more and tell us what you think at OurWK.ca/council. before April 28.

To view the budget documents please visit westkelownacity.ca/budget.