RDCO and CORHD adopt five-year financial plans focused on essential services

The Regional District of Central Okanagan has adopted its 2026–2030 financial plan, focused on protecting essential services

As families and local governments continue to face rising costs, the plan emphasizes careful spending while maintaining the services residents rely on across the Central Okanagan.

“This financial plan reflects careful choices in uncertain times,” says Loyal Wooldridge, Chair of the RDCO Board. “The Board listened closely to feedback across communities in the region and focused on protecting essential services people rely on. I want to acknowledge the work of our staff, who took a critical and disciplined second look at expenses to ensure we are being responsible with public dollars. This is a balanced plan that responds to the needs of today while remaining mindful of affordability and the road ahead.”

For the average household, the RDCO portion of property taxes will increase by about $20 or 4.9 per cent in 2026, bringing the total to approximately $422. Unlike municipalities, regional districts do not have a single tax rate. The amount residents pay depends on where they live and which services they receive.

RDCO tax impact by community

*Excludes local service area taxes such as fire protection, community centres or transit.

Residents in municipalities pay the RDCO for specific regional and sub-regional services such as parks and wastewater services. In the electoral areas, the RDCO serves as the primary local government, providing a broader range of services, including planning and development services and fire protection. As a result, the RDCO portion of property taxes is higher in the electoral areas.

Final tax amounts will be calculated using updated BC Assessment values and will appear on property tax notices issued in the spring. Electoral Area residents can use the Electoral Area tax lookup tool at rdco.com/tax-estimator to better understand how RDCO services are funded in their community and how costs are shared across the region.

The plan reflects months of public input and board discussion. The draft financial plan was presented in January, with opportunities for residents to learn more and share feedback online and in person. The board then reviewed options to reduce spending, considered associated risks and made changes before approving the final plan.

In 2026, the RDCO operating budget totals $77 million, compared to $70.8 million in 2025, with a $35.9 million capital budget and a tax requisition of $36 million. Of the operating budget, $14.3 million reflects borrowing on behalf of municipal partners. This borrowing is included in the financial plan as required by provincial legislation but is paid entirely by the municipalities involved and does not impact RDCO property taxes.

Regional parks remain one of the RDCO’s most visible services. The plan includes $8.7 million in capital funding for trail upgrades, accessibility improvements and park infrastructure. These investments help keep parks safe and accessible year-round while supporting popular, often free and low barrier, programs that connect residents and families with nature.

The plan also strengthens support for people facing difficult circumstances. Additional funding will support RDCO’s Victim Services program, which provides emotional support, practical assistance and referrals to individuals affected by crime and trauma. Demand for these services continues to grow.

Funding is maintained for protective and emergency services, including rescue services and emergency operations that support response and recovery during events such as wildfires, floods and other natural hazards.

These investments support services that help keep communities safe, connected and resilient as the region continues to grow.

Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District adopts five-year financial plan

The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District (CORHD) also adopted its own 2026–2030 financial plan supporting hospital and health care infrastructure across the region.

For homeowners, the CORHD requisition is estimated at $20.53 per $100,000 of assessed property value, an increase of 3.2 per cent from 2025.

Hospital District funding supports major capital projects and medical equipment across the Interior Health system that serve residents of the Central Okanagan.

Current investments include improvements at Kelowna General Hospital such as MRI replacement and expansion, infrastructure upgrades and equipment modernization.

“These investments help ensure our hospitals and care facilities keep pace with the needs of a growing region,” says Tom Dyas, Chair of the Hospital District Board. “Through the Hospital District, communities across the Central Okanagan work together to support the facilities and equipment that provide care close to home.”

Following a provincial decision to pause the Cottonwoods long-term care home replacement project, planned spending was moved to a later year in the five-year plan. Because of this change, borrowing previously expected in 2026 is no longer required and the related borrowing costs were removed from the plan.

These investments support hospitals and care facilities across the Central Okanagan and help prepare the region for future health care needs.