Final round of feedback on the Draft 2022 Budget and Council’s Strategic Priorities is now open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Jan. 31, 2022

Help shape the Draft 2022 Budget and Council’s Draft 2022 Strategic Priorities.

From Jan. 31 through Feb. 13, the community will have an opportunity to participate in the second round of consultations for the Draft 2022 Budget, Capital Plan and Council’s Draft 2022 Strategic Priorities.

This year’s Draft 2022 Budget proposes a four per cent tax increase, which includes 2.4 per cent to cover police services cost increases and a one per cent Infrastructure Levy to support the delivery of sidewalks and other priority infrastructure investments, along with 0.6 per cent for other operating and capital costs.

“Council urges the public to become involved in our budget process that guides our tax rates, our investments and operations,” says Mayor Gord Milsom. “This is one of the most important annual community-wide engagement programs that directly affects how we build a better tomorrow. We live, work and play in this beautiful City of West Kelowna, and community input truly shapes our future for generations to come.”

“Please take a few minutes to tell us what’s important to you across the City and locally in your neighbourhood,” says Milsom.

Visit our virtual open house at OurWK.ca to peruse the display boards, complete an online questionnaire, or register to take part in an online open house with a question and answer session on Feb. 3 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Your feedback is important! Take a closer look at the Draft 2022 Budget and Council’s Draft 2022 Strategic Priorities:

• Visit OurWK.ca and complete the questionnaires

• Stop by the display at Royal LePage Place Arena, the Westbank Library or Municipal Hall to pick up an engagement toolkit

• Share your ideas or comments through the Ideas portal

• Register to take part in a virtual open house question and answer session

Not online? Not a problem. Contact the Communications and Engagement Department at 778-797-1234 to request paper copies.

The Draft 2022 Budget, presented on Dec. 7 and 8, 2021, was guided by Council’s Draft 2022 Strategic Priorities and input throughout the year on what matters most to the community. This year’s budget will focus on public safety and infrastructure investments, while maintaining efficient operations.

A summary of both rounds of public engagement will be brought forward for Council’s information in the spring.

Further background is also posted online at westkelownacity.ca/budget