Investing in Community

Property Taxes: Supporting a Vibrant, Healthy & Safe City 

Property taxes fund a wide variety of vital city services and programs that significantly enhance our quality of life. From safe drinking water and well-maintained roads to beautiful parks and effective emergency services, the role of property taxes is indispensable to maintaining a vibrant, thriving city that provides residents with opportunity and community well-being. 

But did you know that, on average, approximately 75 per cent of the City of Kelowna’s budget comes from revenue sources other than annual taxation? Sources such as reserves, grants and income from user fees—including those from self-funding business units, such as Kelowna International Airport (YLW), the City’s water utility and solid waste operations—greatly reduce the City’s reliance on annual property taxes and support the City’s commitment to generating own source revenues and strategic funding partnerships.  

The annual tax rate is calculated based on what the City needs to balance the budget for that particular year, once all its other revenue streams have been applied. The remaining approximately 25 per cent of revenue collected through annual taxation helps cover the full costs of essential services like fire and police, environmental stewardship and lake protection, and curbside waste and recycling collection. 

Taxes also support less visible but equally important services that significantly enhance our daily lives. From the moment you wake up, clean water for brushing your teeth, well-maintained roads and sidewalks for your commute, and safe public spaces for recreation are all products of your tax contributions. Taxes help fund the upkeep of parks, community centres, ensuring access to cultural and recreational activities. They support local business initiatives, creating a vibrant economy, and make possible community events and festivals that bring us together. Basic things like street lighting and parking facilities improve safety and convenience, while comprehensive urban planning ensures our city can thrive and grow sustainably. 

The 2024 tax notice includes a tax demand rate increase of 4.72 per cent, which translates to an additional $9.33 a month for the City of Kelowna portion on an average residential property tax bill in Kelowna. City taxes, which are due this year on July 2, are only one portion of the property tax bill, which also includes levies collected on behalf of the Province of B.C., the Regional District of Central Okanagan, Okanagan Regional Library, and BC Assessment Authority. 

Of this year’s $854.9 million City budget, this year’s total tax demand is $191.2 million, accounting for approximately 22 per cent of the City’s 2024 revenues. Together alongside own-source revenues, this funding will deliver the programs, services, and infrastructure needed to enjoy a high quality of life and maintain our beautiful city now and for future generations. 

To learn more about your property taxes and this year’s tax demand, read the latest issue of City Views and visit kelowna.ca/propertytax.