Did you hear about this Kelowna budget thing? Your taxes are going up!
Good morning from the Okanagan — the lake is calm, the vines are growing, and we have things to discuss.
## Seriously, Your Tax Bill is Changing
Okay, but here's the thing nobody talks about: Kelowna City Council just dropped the hammer on our 2026 budget, and it means an average property tax hike of 4.4 per cent per household. I know, I know, another bill. You’re already thinking about the price of that $18 rosé from Summerland or trying to save for ski season at Big White, and now this. It’s a significant jump, especially when everyone feels the pinch from, well, *everything* right now.
This isn't just some abstract number; it hits right at home whether you’re in a new condo down by Bernard Avenue or a family home tucked away near Guisachan Heritage Park. That 4.4 per cent translates directly to your wallet. The city says this increase is necessary to cover rising costs and fund essential services – you know, the things that keep our beautiful city running. It’s always a balancing act, trying to maintain the infrastructure, expand our parks, and keep up with the growth that just keeps coming, like the new developments popping up where orchards used to be along Lakeshore Road.
* **What this means for your budget:** Expect your property tax bill to reflect this 4.4% increase.
* **Why now?** The city cites rising operational costs and the need to invest in infrastructure to keep pace with Kelowna's rapid growth.
* **Long-term impact:** These funds will go towards things like road maintenance, public safety, and park upkeep – essentially, the everyday services we all rely on.
We all love living here; the Okanagan Lake is our backyard therapy, and the trails at Mission Creek Greenway are essential. But there's a real cost to being the most beautiful city in Canada that is actively trying to figure out if it can survive being discovered. This budget decision really puts that "survival" question into sharp focus for all of us here in Kelowna.
Nina Papadimitriou, MiTL Sports Desk, Kelowna.
The morning crew is probably already yelling about this. Catch them live at mornings.live.