Council to consider final 2025 Budget on Monday

News Release

Kelowna City Council will consider the City’s final 2025 budget at their regular meeting on Monday, April 28. If approved, the 4.34 per cent tax demand increase will be one of the lowest in the province. 

“We are committed to keeping Kelowna’s tax rates stable and competitive,” says Doug Gilchrist, City Manager. “Our service‑based budgeting model links spending to service outcomes, making it easier for residents to see the direct impact of every dollar invested in essential services, community programs and major capital projects.”

This marks only the second year that the City has budgeted spending by service rather than City department. This service-based approach ensures Council and residents have a better understanding of where the money is going. The budget also shows how each service area aligns with the 2023-2026 Council priorities and the City’s growth strategies.

So what are the big priorities for 2025? The City aims to:

• Improve public safety, reduce crime, and increase residents’ sense of safety;
• Reduce traffic congestion and improve active transportation corridors between communities;
• Expand housing options and make housing more affordable;
• Increase complex care and transitional supports to address homelessness;
• Meet the growing need for recreation facilities and sports fields; and
• Mitigate against flooding, wildfires and climate change.

These projects would not be possible without a wide range of funding sources. In Kelowna, property taxes fund less than a quarter of the $908 million budget, with the other three-quarters coming from user fees, utility service charges, developer contributions, grants, and reserves. For the average residential property tax bill in Kelowna, the 2025 tax demand increase of 4.34 per cent will add an extra $8.98 per month—or $107.79 per year—to help make these investments possible. 

“We’re committed to keeping our taxes stable and ensuring that our spending is closely aligned with our service priorities,” says Melanie Antunes, Financial Planning Manager. “In 2025, we redeployed $3 million to areas of need and continue to actively seek revenue sources and partnerships to fund services and reduce the burden on taxpayers.”

Once Council approves the final budget, the City will start preparing property tax bills for early release by May 15. Home owners will have until Wednesday, July 2, to claim the provincial Home Owner Grant and pay their taxes. Any outstanding amounts past this deadline will be subject to a non-discretionary 10 per cent penalty.

If you still receive your City of Kelowna bills by mail, you might be affected by a potential Canada Post mail disruption in May. Sign up for eBilling to avoid mail delivery delays and late fees. Visit billing.kelowna.ca to create a Property Account and manage all your City of Kelowna bills in one convenient location. 

For more information about the 2025 budget, visit kelowna.ca/budget .

And to watch budget discussions live, visit kelowna.ca/council .