City of Kelowna passes a budget with one of the lowest tax increases in the province
The Kelowna City Council has approved its final budget for 2025, featuring a 4.34 percent tax demand increase, which is among the province’s lowest.
According to Doug Gilchrist, City Manager, the modest tax increase is the result of strategic efforts to reduce reliance on property taxes, by urging business units to generate revenue, form partnerships, and identify savings.
Kelowna’s 2025 budget totals $908 million, with property taxes funding less than a quarter of it. The remainder is sourced from user fees, utility charges, developer contributions, grants, and reserves.
Melanie Antunes, Financial Planning Manager, emphasized the city’s design in minimizing tax dependence without hindering growth or meeting expectations.
Of the $204.3 million of property tax revenue, the City is working alongside partners to build more affordable housing and address homelessness issues.
Earlier, Kelowna received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 23rd consecutive year and is enhancing its service performance tracking in 2025.
Property owners will receive tax bills starting May 12, with a deadline of July 2 to claim grants and avoid penalties.
The potential disruption in Canada Post services could impact those receiving bills by mail, prompting a move towards eBilling for uninterrupted service.