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Kelowna has landed a one-time exemption from B.C.’s short-term rental principal-residence rule, starting June 1, 2026. That means some eligible units can legally return to STR use just in time for a packed summer.
There are still a few guardrails. The city is keeping limits in place through local zoning and licensing, and hosts will still need to make sure their strata allows it.
Read the full update →Kelowna this week: Pressure on the health system, a softer job market, and steady city-building moves. Add in smarter traffic flow and a few new business openings, and the picture is mixed but still moving forward.
Start using your new pink and grey curbside boxes May 1 - on your current blue bin pick-up days.
Read morePatients at Kelowna General are still being treated in hallways as capacity struggles continue. Health officials point to staffing pressures and high demand, while critics say the system remains stretched too thin.
B.C. saw significant job losses last month, with impacts felt in Kelowna and Kamloops. Economists say the dip may reflect broader economic cooling, with uncertainty still hanging over the labour market.
The city is moving ahead with borrowing plans tied to the downtown hotel project near Prospera Place. Officials say it’s key to long-term development, though the financing approach continues to draw scrutiny.
New adaptive traffic signals are already cutting travel times along key corridors. The system adjusts in real time to congestion, aiming to improve flow without adding new lanes.
A new bar on Bernard Avenue is aiming for a more upscale nightlife vibe in downtown Kelowna. Owners say the focus is on atmosphere, quality drinks, and a different kind of night out.
After a tough stretch, parts of the Okanagan wine industry are bouncing back. A mix of resilience, tourism, and new strategies is helping some wineries regain momentum.
The Central Okanagan School District is facing a $4.2 million budget shortfall driven by a projected decline of 375 students this coming September, marking the second consecutive year of falling enrolment. To manage the gap, officials are proposing a reduction of roughly 23 teaching and specialized staff positions while increasing support staff to assist students with complex learning needs.
Kelowna is relocating its designated homeless encampment to a new site near Ethel Street and Weddell Place, which will feature corrugated metal fencing to provide privacy for residents and a sense of security for trail users. The move allows a previously closed section of the Okanagan Rail Trail to fully reopen to the public by the end of April 2026.
The City of Kelowna is investing in a new indoor play structure at the H2O centre to replace aging equipment. The upgrade is aimed at improving safety and keeping the popular family attraction fresh and busy year-round.
Kelowna is offering eight tree varieties for just $50 as part of its urban canopy program.
Cheap trees, better shade, cooler neighbourhoods. Tree sales dates: Now until Wednesday, April 29 (or until trees are sold out).
Rapidly-rising gas prices can’t be ignored. Here are the lowest gas prices in Kelowna.
Normals: Max 16°C - Min 3°C.
Sunrise 6:03 PDT - Sunset 7:53 PDT
Full forecast → Environment CanadaFriday: Partly sunny, high of +14°C, low of –1°C.
Saturday: Cloudy, high of +18°C, low of 0°C.
Sunday: Cloudy, high of +21°C, low of +4°C.
The Okanagan’s snowpack is sitting at just 58 per cent of normal, the lowest April 1 reading since records began in 1980. Water officials say that raises drought concerns heading into summer, with possible impacts on agriculture, tourism, ecosystems, and future water restrictions.
📘 2026 FINANCIAL PLAN Preliminary Budget:
PDF File → Council is leaning into affordability while trying to keep development moving. A new discounted transit program is coming, but stricter rules on developer lobbying didn’t pass.
📘 🏫 School District 23: Board Meeting Highlights (Dec. 10):
PDF File →
📘 Read the New B.C. Budget 2026 →
Kelowna City Council Meetings — April 13 & 14
Kelowna City Council is set to review and finalize the 2026 budget. The plan focuses on balancing rising costs with continued investment in infrastructure, services, and long-term growth.
The City is asking residents for input on a possible new growth area. A public survey is open, giving locals a chance to weigh in on how Kelowna expands next.
Construction is starting on Lakeshore Road, with upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow, safety, and active transportation options along the corridor.
Kelowna RCMP are inviting local businesses to join a new CCTV registry. The program helps police quickly identify nearby cameras during investigations, improving response times.
The 5 Kelowna area ski hills are now closed until December.
On April 15, 2026, the Kelowna Rockets pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Everett Silvertips 4–3 in overtime. After falling behind 3–0 early in the game, the Rockets rallied late in the third period, capped off by a dramatic game-tying goal from Shane Smith with just 7.7 seconds remaining. The comeback was finalized just 2:30 into the extra frame when Tij Iginla netted his second goal of the night. Goaltender Josh Banini played a pivotal role in the victory, stopping all 29 shots he faced after entering the game in relief during the first period.
The victory was a critical "survival" moment for the Rockets, as it forced a Game 5 and kept their postseason hopes alive. Despite the win, Kelowna still faces a steep uphill battle in the series, trailing Everett 3–1. The Rockets will look to maintain this momentum as the series shifts back to Everett for Game 5 on Friday, April 17, where they will once again face elimination in this second-round matchup.
The Vancouver Canucks secured a 4–3 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Kings on April 14 at Rogers Arena. Jake DeBrusk scored the winner to keep the momentum high. Next game: April 16 vs. Edmonton Oilers.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC delivered a clinical 2–0 win over New York City FC on April 11 at BC Place, led by a dominant defensive display. Next game: April 17 vs. Sporting Kansas City.
The Vancouver Canadians crushed the Spokane Indians 14–6 on April 15, powered by two grand slams in a massive offensive showing. Next game: April 16 @ Spokane Indians.
The Toronto Raptors finished the regular season strong with a 136–101 blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets on April 12. Next game: April 18 @ Cleveland Cavaliers (Playoffs).
The Vancouver Goldeneyes took down their rivals 4–1 on April 14, officially knocking Seattle out of playoff contention. Next game: April 21 vs. Montreal Victoire.
The BC Lions are currently in the off-season following their 2025 playoff run. Training camp is approaching as the team looks toward the summer. Next game: June 13 vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 2026 Memorial Cup is going beyond the rink, with a full lineup of fan events, live entertainment, and interactive experiences planned across downtown. The Festival will run May 21 to 31.
Expect a lively city vibe as Kelowna hosts visitors and fans from across the country. View full schedule
The BC Lions and City of Kelowna are bringing a major football festival to town from June 26 to July 4, centered around Waterfront Park and downtown.
Two Lions games plus a full week of events make this one of the biggest summer draws. View full schedule
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V1.
EVENTS for April
April 25–26
A sweet spring favourite returns, celebrating all things maple with tastings, vendors, and family-friendly fun.
Looking for plans? Tourism Kelowna’s weekend roundup is packed with live music, markets, family fun, food events, and pop-up experiences across the city.
It’s your quick scroll guide to what’s on. Date night, kids’ outing, or just something new. Pick your vibe and go.
Saturday, April 18
The market is now open each Saturday at the Landmark District, bringing fresh produce, local goods, and weekend energy back to the city.
From tastings to winemaker dinners, Okanagan wine events continue year-round.
The Rotary Centre for the Arts has a busy lineup this month, with theatre, comedy, music, and storytelling filling the stage:
APR 17 - A unique blend of comedy, puppetry, and Indigenous performance art, featuring award-winning puppeteer DerRic Starlight and world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand.
APR 30 - A meditative mix of violin, dance, and storytelling. Indian classical, jazz, and contemporary movement come together in a rich, immersive performance.
Until June 21, 2026
The “River of Voices” exhibition is opening at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, exploring themes of community, storytelling, and shared cultural experience through visual and multimedia work.
The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how voices and stories flow through communities much like a river, connecting people across generations and cultures.
Bernie’s Cinema is bringing back its popular Toonie Tuesday series, with classic and crowd-pleasing films for just $2.
Movie lineup: Twister · Burn After Reading · Isle of Dogs · Free Solo
The Kelowna-shot reality series Canada Shore is coming back for a second season on Paramount+. Filming is expected to return to the Okanagan, bringing more exposure and production activity to the region.
Local bands, touring acts, and pub shows.
All Month – April
B.C. Wine Month is on, and it’s the perfect excuse to explore local wineries, tasting rooms, and hidden gems across the province.
The B.C. Wine Passport adds extra value, with access to deals at 145 locations including wineries, breweries, cideries, and more.
What to expect: Big savings on tastings, exclusive perks, and a fun way to explore the Okanagan and beyond—one glass at a time.
Bagel Boys has opened at 1481 St. Paul St. in the Block building, just off Bernard. The new shop is already drawing steady crowds with fresh bagels and a simple, fast-moving menu.
Chocolats Favoris has opened a new Kelowna location at the base of the Movala tower near Gyro Beach. Just in time for Easter, expect rich chocolate dips, soft serve, and a lineup that could ruin your willpower in seconds.
Montana’s is getting some local love online, with Reddit users calling it one of the best spots for wings - especially on Mondays.
Deals to know:
• Monday: Half-price wings with any beverage
• Wednesday: All-you-can-eat ribs (dine-in only)
What to expect: Slow smoked, hickory fired ribs, classic BBQ sides, and the kind of meal where napkins are not optional.
We went digging through Reddit to see what locals say is the best Mexican food in Kelowna. The runaway winner: Fiesta del Sol
Reviewers frequently describe the food as authentic and delicious, with highlights including tamales, fish tacos, and pork burritos. A great spot for both meat-eaters and those looking for vegan/vegetarian choices, some of the best prices in Kelowna, providing great value.
We also dug through Reddit to see what locals say is the best Italian food in Kelowna. The runaway winner: Roma Nord Bistrò
Roma Nord Bistro in Kelowna is highly regarded for its authentic Roman cuisine and intimate, hospitable atmosphere. Located within the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the restaurant is frequently praised for its personal touch, with owner Danilo often seen greeting and checking on guests.
We went digging through Reddit to see what locals say is the best Chinese food in Kelowna. The runaway winner: Mr. Lu's Kitchen on Pandosy.
Known for traditional Szechuan and Hunan dishes with a modern twist, the restaurant is led by an experienced husband-and-wife team with more than 20 years in Chinese cuisine.
If you like bold spice, authentic flavours, and generous portions, this might be your next takeout night sorted.
If you’re stuck in the “where should we eat?” loop, this helps. Tourism Kelowna has rounded up 72 local restaurants across the city.
From lakefront patios and wine bar gems to global flavours and casual comfort spots, it’s a solid master list for both date night and “we forgot to plan dinner.”
Consider this your edible bucket list.
Home sales across B.C. slowed again in March, well below seasonal norms. Ongoing global tensions and rising energy costs are keeping buyers cautious, with concerns that mortgage rates could stay higher for longer. The result: a quieter market and slower new development.
Kelowna Snapshot: The local market is starting to shift out of a long buyer’s phase. Sales jumped over 34% month-over-month in March, while average single-family prices softened to about $1,033,000, down roughly 7% year-over-year.
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