‘Kelowna on right track’: Mayor

“Kelowna is on the right track,” according to Mayor Tom Dyas who delivered his fourth State of the City address at the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Tuesday in this, an election year.

He said he and his council have strengthened financial discipline through service-based budgeting, helping to maintain one of the lowest and most consistent tax increases in the province.

He pointed to advocacy efforts for the tools needed to address repeat offenders, mental health and addictions, and to keep the community safe.

It was Dyas’ final State of the City address before municipal elections in October.

In a statement, he said, in part, over the past four years, council had strengthened financial discipline through service-based budgeting, increased financial reporting, and more efficient infrastructure delivery, helping to maintain one of the lowest and most consistent tax increases in the province.

“We have taken action on public safety by increasing RCMP, bylaw, and fire resources, while continuing to bring partners together and advocate for the tools needed to address repeat offenders, mental health and addictions, and keep our community safe,” he said.

“Our City has made progress on housing by reducing approval times, removing barriers, and working with other levels of government to deliver more homes faster. At the same time, we have advanced local solutions like the addition of 180 tiny homes, creating a real pathway to housing and recovery for those working to get off the street.”