City eyes 3.49% tax hike

Kelowna lawmakers will weigh a proposed 3.49 per cent tax increase for 2022.

If approved, it would cost the average single-detached homeowner about $77 more a year.

The number is well below other communities in the Okanagan, with Vernon considering a 6.88 per cent hike, West Kelowna weighing a 4 per cent rise, and Penticton settling on 5.7. Vancouver is debating a 5 per cent hike.

An overview of Kelowna’s budget will come before council on Dec. 6, with city leaders diving into the books on Dec. 9.

The tax increase is needed to help the city keep pace with its continued growth and support services and infrastructure, according to a media release.

Budget priorities include safety, with money for 15 new safety positions, including 10 RCMP members, and focusing on a post-pandemic recovery with recreation and cultural investments, like expanding the Capital News Centre and advancing the design of rebuilding the Parkinson Recreation Center and Island Stage Waterfront Park.

Addressing climate change is also a priority, with cash set aside for more charging stations. Dollars are also earmarked for building new bus stops, road renewal and expanding the number of active transportation corridors.

“The funding requests demonstrate the ways Kelowna will take action to advance the community’s Imagine Kelowna vision, accomplish council’s priorities and continue to deliver essential services,” a media release reads.

It all comes in a year when Kelowna issued more than $1 billion in building permits and inspections, the most ever. This money helped fill holes where other revenue streams were challenged, according to the city.