Final budget approved by City Council

from City of Kelowna - Current News Releases

Municipal tax increase of 2.47 %

Kelowna City Council approved a 2011 municipal tax increase of 2.47 per cent on Monday, resulting in an additional cost of $39 for the owner of an average $484,000 single-family Kelowna home. However, the typical homeowner will actually pay 6.9 per cent less in overall taxes compared to 2010. The lower overall tax rate results from a slight decrease in the school tax levy for 2011 and a $200 increase in the annual Homeowner Grant for British Columbians living outside the Lower Mainland. "This budget allows the City to continue to fund necessary services and infrastructure while remaining mindful of the tax impact on property owners," says Keith Grayston, Financial Services Director. The overall tax impact on the average business is a 0.9 per cent increase for 2011. Property taxation will provide $97 million of the City's overall $412 million budget. Municipal taxation funds police and fire services, supports expansion of the Kelowna Family Y, construction of a new activity centre at Parkinson Recreation Park, parkland acquisition and development, environmental protection, and expansion of Kelowna's transit and bike network. Comprehensive information about City of Kelowna 2011 budget is available at kelowna.ca/budget.