Penticton City Council has now approved the draft 2026–2030 Financial Plan as presented and amended during their deliberations, marking a major step toward a budget that balances investments in community priorities with careful attention to affordability for residents and businesses.
The initial draft plan included a proposed property tax increase of 6.26 per cent which was reduced to 5.93 per cent through Councils deliberations. This translates to about $11 per month for the average homeowner and $44 per month for the average business. The start of the budget process saw an 11 per cent gap but through months of internal reviews and then subsequent deliberations, the impact was reduced by nearly half.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the budget reflects Council’s commitment to making life better for residents while managing costs responsibly.
“This budget is about building a safe, vibrant and resilient community,” said Bloomfield. “Council has worked hard to invest in priorities like public safety, housing and community amenities, while keeping the tax increase as low as possible. We know every dollar matters to residents and businesses, and this plan strikes the right balance.”
The 2026 budget supports initiatives such as additional firefighters, bylaw resources, affordable housing partnerships, the renewal of the firehall buildings, and improvements to parks and recreation facilities. It also continues investments in infrastructure and community safety programs.
Chief Financial Officer Angela Campbell emphasized the effort to minimize financial impacts.
“We started with an 11 per cent gap due to inflation and service needs,” said Campbell. “Through detailed reviews, cost reductions and strategic use of reserves, we brought that down to 5.93 per cent. This reflects Council’s focus on fiscal responsibility while advancing the priorities that matter most to our community.”
2026 Budget Highlights
• Fire Hall Renewal – continued investment in modernizing public safety infrastructure. Work to advance project design and costs will continue though 2026.
• Twin Pad Arena Design – advancing plans for new arena facilities to support recreation and community events. This includes looking at the potential for future dry floor operations at Memorial Arena.
• Affordable Housing Initiatives – partnerships and use of City-owned land to increase housing options.
• Community Safety Investments – 2 additional firefighters, 1 RCMP resource, seasonal bylaw officers, and technology upgrades for enforcement services.
• Downtown Area Plan – shaping the future of Penticton’s core for livability and economic vitality.
• KVR Trail Master Plan – improving connectivity and active transportation options.
• CommuniTREE Program – expanding urban forestry and green spaces.
• Transit Network Restructure – planning for improved public transit service, if approved by BC Transit.
The financial plan will return to Council on December 2 for the first three readings and finally on December16 for final adoption.