🏙️ City Business
📘 2026 FINANCIAL PLAN Preliminary Budget:
PDF File →
📘 🏫 School District 23: Board Meeting Highlights (Dec. 10):
PDF File →
📘 Read the New B.C. Budget 2026 →
City Council Meeting — This Week
Kelowna Council tackles policing costs, transit planning, and zoning updates
Kelowna City Council’s March 30 meeting leaned hard into long-range planning, with public safety costs and future infrastructure doing most of the heavy lifting.
- Police service model review: Council reviewed an independent report comparing the current RCMP model with a possible municipal police force. No switch was approved, but staff were directed to explore a tiered policing approach using more technology and civilian staff for lower-risk calls as costs climb from $34.8 million in 2020 to about $63 million in 2026.
- Richter corridor protection: Council moved ahead with plans to protect the Richter Street corridor for future rapid transit by securing the right-of-way and aligning long-term timing.
- Short-term rental zoning: Amendments were considered to add the
str short-term rental subzone to three properties as the city continues lining up local rules with provincial housing changes.
- Strategic land acquisition: Council approved entering a liability agreement with the Municipal Finance Authority to help fund the purchase of 289 Queensway and 1440–1460 Pandosy Street.
- Climate resiliency: Updates to Zoning Bylaw No. 12862 were adopted to add new climate resiliency rules for future development.
Other items included approval of the Revenue Anticipation Bylaw, a youth engagement presentation from UBC Okanagan, and the reveal of finalists for the 51st Annual Civic & Community Awards.
Learn more
Kelowna council overwhelmingly turned down a proposed rental townhouse development, citing concerns over fit, density, and neighbourhood impact.
Purpose-built rental is still a priority, but projects need to better match location and community expectations to move forward.
Kelowna city officials are proposing a Bus Rapid Transit line along Richter Street that would feature dedicated center lanes and five new stations to connect downtown with the South Pandosy neighborhood.
While the full system has a long-term horizon of over 20 years, the city aims to begin protecting the corridor now by acquiring necessary land through urban planning and property rezonings.
A key downtown Kelowna street is closing for three weeks starting Monday as crews carry out infrastructure work.
Expect detours and slower traffic downtown. Short-term pain, long-term upgrades.
Kelowna’s FireSmart chipping program is back, helping residents dispose of yard waste and reduce wildfire risk around homes.
A simple way to clean up yards and lower fire danger heading into the dry season.
🥗 Restaurants & Local Sips
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.
🍷 Quails’ Gate Family Wins Top Canadian Wine Honour
West Kelowna
The Stewart Family of Quails’ Gate Winery has received the 2026 Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction, the top peer honour in the country’s wine business.
The fourth-generation farming family was recognized at an awards ceremony in Penticton, where Wine Growers Canada and Wine Growers British Columbia celebrated leaders in winemaking, marketing, advocacy, and hospitality.
Read more
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.
🌮 Kelowna’s Favourite Mexican Restaurant? Reddit Says It’s This One.
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.
Check open times, and location →
🇮🇹 Kelowna’s Favourite Italian Restaurant? Reddit Says It’s This One.
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.
Check open times, and location →
🥡 Kelowna’s Favourite Chinese Spot? Reddit Says It’s This One.
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.
See menu → Mr. Lu’s Kitchen
🍽 72 Local Restaurants to Explore
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.
Browse the full list → Tourism Kelowna