Have your say: Draft 2026 Budget open for public feedback

Date of Issue: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

The City of West Kelowna’s 2026-2030 Draft Five-Year Financial Plan is available for review and public feedback. The plan outlines the City’s priorities, investments and proposed budget changes for the coming year.

Next year’s proposed budget includes a net increase of 8.6 per cent for municipal taxes. As we continue planning for our city’s growth, your feedback is essential to ensuring our investments align with community priorities and maintain fiscal responsibility.

Key proposed investments include:

• A base budget increase of 5.39 per cent to cover contractual agreements, inflation and RCMP operational increases
• A 2.0 per cent increase for infrastructure reserves
• A 0.43 per cent increase to add 1.8 staff to support parks and fleet services
• A 0.38 per cent increase to support the City through additional firefighter training, enhancing emergency planning, and Bear Smart planning.
• A 1.61 per cent increase for safety and security through three newly funded RCMP officers and a new bylaw officer.

The Draft 2026 Capital Budget proposes $19.7 million to be invested in infrastructure areas, including $8.8 million for roads and pedestrian improvements, $3 million for facility maintenance, $2.6 million for water utility maintenance and $1.3 million for park enhancements.

Council deliberations for the 2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan will take place on Dec. 3 and 4 where Council will carefully consider the budget items. Watch the meetings online at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.

Provide input on the draft budget

Be part of the conversation! Help guide the future of our City by sharing your input on the Draft 2026 Budget. From Nov. 26 to Dec. 12, take the opportunity to review the Five-Year Financial Plan and Draft 2026 Budget and provide your input.

Balancing the needs of a growing community involves thoughtful decisions—ensuring current services are maintained while responding to the need for new, affordable programs, services, and infrastructure. Your feedback will help guide final decisions and ensure alignment with community priorities.

Public engagement opportunities include:

• Online at OurWK.ca/2026budget

• • Explore the display boards
  • Review the Draft Five-Year Financial Plan
  • Fill out a questionnaire
  • Ask questions

• In person at our community open house:
  • Date: Wednesday, Dec. 10
  • Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
  • Location: City Hall Council Chamber (3731 Old Okanagan Highway)

Your input helps Council and staff balance the cost of delivering essential services and capital improvements with the diverse needs and expectations of our community.

Council will review and consider community input prior to the third reading and adoption of the budget in January 2026.

Get involved today!

Learn more and share your thoughts at OurWK.ca/2026budget.

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