Kelowna's tax hikes said to be a bargain compared to other cities

Kelowna has had the lowest municipal tax increase over the past five years compared to 15 other B.C. cities, councillors heard Thursday.

Between 2022 and 2026, Kelowna’s tax hike has been 21 per cent. That compares to the steepest hike of 56 per cent in Langford, 45 per cent in Lake Country, 34 per cent in Penticton, and 32 per cent in West Kelowna.

“What we’re doing here in Kelowna is providing predictable, stable increases that pay dividends so to speak over time,” finance director Joe Sass said. “Over time, this is good news for our community.”

For 2026, Kelowna city staff recommend a municipal tax increase of 4.5 per cent. That means the owner of a typical single-family home would pay $2,707 in municipal taxes next year, or $115 more than in 2025.

In his opening comments during Thu