City proposing 3.9 per cent tax hike

Kelowna council will discuss the city’s provisional 2020 budget at an all-day meeting at City Hall Thursday, Dec. 12th.

Staff are recommending a 3.9 per cent tax hike, of which 2.08 per cent is for general operations and 1.82 per cent for an infrastructure levy.

The proposed increase would cost the average homeowner an extra $81 a year.

The final tax demand increase will be set in April 2020, following final review of requests by City Council.

Highlights of the provisional 2020 budget include:

Improvements to public safety with $1.08 million in resources investments to start making a difference. There are 21 safety related positions being proposed, including seven new RCMP Members.

Building vibrant neighbourhoods by advancing park developments with a proposed $22.4 million for parks acquisition, development and improvements. This includes funding from the new Parks Development Cost Charges program which will see the acceleration of park developments residents have been anticipating, such as the Phase 1 of the Pandosy Waterfront Park.

Bolstering economic resiliency by planning for a better Kelowna International Airport with the budget’s largest investment request: $69.9 million. The Airport plays an important role in our local and regional economy. As YLW is self-funded through user fees and charges it has no taxation impact.

Ensuring a socially responsible and inclusive community by investing nearly $1 million to support programs and initiatives to continue to help address complex social issues.

Improving transportation alternatives with $20.5 million in transportation projects planned in 2020 including to expand the Ethel Street Active Transportation Corridor and renew existing roads, sidewalks and bus stops.

Demonstrating our commitment to environmental protection. We need to be proactive against the impacts of climate change. The budget proposes $2.8 million in storm drainage upgrades and improvements and adding up to eight new electric vehicle charging stations downtown.

Taxation funding within the proposed 2020 budget represents 31 per cent of the city’s revenue sources. User fees and charges, grants, sponsorship and advertising, reserves and surpluses make up the 69 per cent other forms of revenue sources. The City’s utilities and airport have no taxation impact as they are self-funded through user fees and charges.

For more information about the City’s budget process and to watch the A look at the City’s budget video, visit kelowna.ca/budget.

On budget deliberation day, Thursday, Dec. 12, follow the discussion on Twitter with the hashtag #KelownaBudget.