Mayor Milsom’s 2025 year in review

Date of Issue: Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom shares the following year end message:

“As we close out 2025, it is important to reflect on a year of tremendous progress, collaboration, and investment for our community as we continue to build a bright future for the City of West Kelowna.

“Together, we have delivered important infrastructure, strengthened community services, and taken thoughtful steps to support a growing, resilient, and inclusive city.

“A major highlight was the opening of Fire Station 32 in Lakeview Heights at 860 Anders Road, which was completed on time and on budget. On October 8, West Kelowna Fire Rescue began operating from this modern facility, designed to serve West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation for the next 75 years with a strong focus on efficiency, training, and firefighter health and safety.

“The community also celebrated the opening of the Lakeview Heights Community Hall, part of the Fire Station 32 complex. As part of the project, Anders Park was upgraded with new pickleball courts, a sport court, and a playground, made possible through a generous $50,000 donation from the West Kelowna Professional Firefighters Local 4457 Charitable Society.

“Another milestone was the Butt Road and Old Okanagan Highway Intersection Improvement Project, which also opened to the public on time and on budget, on December 4. This $4.35 million project improves safety and connectivity and reflects Council’s Invest in Infrastructure priority, completed in partnership with Westbank First Nation and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

“In early 2025, Parks, Utilities, and Operations staff moved into the City’s first purpose-built Operations Centre at 2515 Bartley Court. This shared facility improves efficiency for teams who maintain critical infrastructure around the clock.

“This fall, we started the renovations on the Mt. Boucherie Community Centre to return the space to public use. The project will provide 16 permanent daycare spaces, 64 after-school spaces, and improved multipurpose and banquet facilities.

“To address wildfire risk under Council’s Foster Safety and Well-Being priority, West Kelowna Fire Rescue added two 15-passenger transport vans, identified as a need following the McDougall Creek Wildfire. In March, a five-hectare wildfire mitigation project along Shannon Lake Road was completed to reduce fire intensity and improve suppression.

“Council also advanced important community initiatives, including adoption of the City’s first Accessibility Plan, shaped by public engagement. In addition, a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan is in the engagement phase, focusing on both short- and long-term actions to build a safer, more connected community.

“Significant bylaw updates were approved in 2025, including a new Zoning Bylaw that better reflects our community's vision and aligns with the goals of the Official Community Plan and aligns with provincial housing legislation. Council also adopted new tenant protection policies to support renters through clear requirements for notice, compensation, and one-for-one rental replacement.

“We appointed the inaugural board of the West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation, tasked with supporting economic growth and business development. I look forward to seeing the work of the board advance economic development strategies in our community.

“At the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Conference in September, Council advocated for priorities such as affordable and seniors housing, improved mental health services, wildfire mitigation funding, Highway 97 upgrades, fair policing funding, and power redundancy for the Westside.

“Arts and culture continued to thrive with popular City events including record attendance at Music in the Park, the popular new Pop Ups in the Plaza program, art exhibitions, Peruse the Parks, Play Days, Light Up, and Twinkle Tour. The City also supported Culture Days and community-led events like Westside Daze and Canada Day and celebrated the success of a new Fall Fair.

“As we reflect on this productive year, Council and I are proud of all that we have accomplished together with our community. We thank residents and business owners for your continuous engagement, feedback, and support.

“Looking ahead to 2026, I remain committed to leading with integrity through to the end of this Council term. I am proud of the many great accomplishments we have achieved together. It is an honour to serve you and to continue to make West Kelowna truly the place to be and a wonderful community to live, work and play.

“I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with kindness and special time together with loved ones, and all the best for a safe, happy, and successful 2026.”