West Kelowna finalizes tax hike

Apr 22, 2021 | 3:15 PM Pete McIntyre

The average West Kelowna property owner will play an extra $84 in municipal taxes this year after city council adopted its 2021 budget.

The bylaw sets the tax increase at 4.05 per cent, which includes a one per cent infrastructure levy at its regular meeting on April 20. Council originally considered a tax rate of 4.75 per cent and then lowering that to 4.05 per cent when the non-market assessment growth came in at 0.7 per cent higher than originally projected.

Maor Gord Milsom said last year council implemented measures to defer tax and utility payments, paused projects and reduced the property tax increase to help support the community through the unprecedented year, all while ensuring critical services and city operations remained steady throughout the pandemic

“This year, as we continue to position West Kelowna for long term success and prosperity, our council adopted a budget that addresses base operating expenses and will help fund future infrastructure investment,” said Milsom. “I believe that our level of property taxes is affordable and reasonable. Taxpayers receive good value for their tax dollars with community investments like the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, Gellatly-Carrington Roundabout, other major road and pedestrian improvements, and fire protection.”

The tax increase will result in a total net operating budget of $36,559,184 and will average an additional $84.00 per household over 2020 taxes based on the assessed value of $655,470.

The tax portion of the total operating budget is approximately 40 per cent with the remainder for user fees for solid waste, water and sewer including school district and other government services.

The capital budget is $35.6 million invested in infrastructure areas including $19 million for the water utility, $7.3 million for roads, $1.3 million for pedestrian infrastructure, $1.2 million for storm drainage, $3.6 million and $1.2 million in fire protection.

Visit westkelownacity.ca/budget to view the adopted 2021 budget and 2021-2022 strategic priorities.