City Council approves budget with minor increase in property tax.
Kelowna City Council has approved the final budget for 2025, implementing a net municipal property tax increase of 4.34%. This aligns with the Preliminary Budget set in December 2024.
For the average homeowner in Kelowna, the increase equates to an additional $8.98 per month, summing up to $107.79 annually, to fund city services and initiatives.
The 4.34% tax hike ranks as one of the province’s lowest. Municipal property taxes account for less than a quarter of the city’s $908 million budget, supplemented by user fees, service charges, contributions, grants, and reserves.
The City Council reviewed an update on the Social Development department, noting major achievements in 2024 and early 2025, such as aiding more than 120 individuals in securing permanent housing.
Initiatives also included expanding youth gang prevention and launching digital tools for streamlining services for vulnerable groups.
An additional 86 hectares of agricultural land will be able to access water allotments following Council’s approval of a proposal ensuring sustainable management. The plan raises allotment limits and modifies fee structures for agricultural water supply.
Further details and presentations from the Council meeting can be viewed in the ‘Past Meetings’ section on kelowna.ca/council.