Development and Growth | Upcoming Changes to Kelowna This Year

Kelowna is scheduled for over $150 million in infrastructure development this year. That includes large-scale road construction, high-rise housing, university expansion, and adjustments to city services. This is not a summary of what's being considered. These changes are already underway or locked into the budget. They reflect the city's approach to population growth, housing demand, and transportation constraints.

Transportation Infrastructure Projects

The Transportation Accelerator Program (TAP) is funding several road expansions and connections in 2025. Five major projects have been identified by the city as priorities. Together, they represent over $80 million in combined investment.

One of the largest is the Burtch Road extension, connecting Denver Road to K.L.O. Road with a new arterial route. The project includes 1.2 kilometres of road with sidewalks and cycling infrastructure. In Upper Mission, Frost Road will extend from Killdeer Road to Chute Lake Road, improving access to new housing developments in the area. Glenmore Road will be widened to four lanes between Union Road and Scenic Road. This project includes major underground utility upgrades. Lakeshore Road will be upgraded between Swordy Road and Wilson Creek Bridge, and Hollywood Road will be extended from John Hindle Drive to Sexsmith Road.

The goal of these projects is to improve traffic flow, add transportation options, and link growing neighbourhoods. Most include roadwork for vehicles as well as pedestrian paths and cycling infrastructure. Each project has different timelines, but all are scheduled to begin or continue this year.

Housing and Urban Construction

Over 1,600 residential units are under construction in 2025. These include rental apartments, condominiums, and mixed-use towers. More than 11 major projects are expected to complete or advance significantly before the end of the year.

Water Street by the Park is a downtown tower development. The tallest tower reaches 42 storeys, with completion targeted for 2025. UBC Okanagan is building a 43-storey academic and residential building downtown, which will house classrooms, research spaces, and student housing. Movala, a beachside condominium complex, is also nearing completion near Gyro Beach.

Many of these buildings are part of a long-term plan to densify central Kelowna. The developments are intended to reduce pressure on suburban expansion and create more walkable urban areas. Construction activity in 2025 is concentrated downtown, along major roads, and near university campuses.

Public Safety and City Services

The 2025 city budget includes significant increases in public safety funding. New money is going toward RCMP operations, bylaw enforcement, and fire protection. Emergency service expansions are planned to accommodate population growth and rising demand.

There are also growing concerns about school capacity. The North End development plan projects up to 10,000 new residents in the next decade, but there are no new school builds scheduled in that area. This has raised questions about whether infrastructure is keeping pace with growth. City planning officials have acknowledged the issue, but school construction is managed by the provincial government and school boards, limiting the city's direct influence.

Utilities and Energy Constraints

Some developments are facing delays due to power infrastructure issues. FortisBC has warned of constraints in the electrical grid, particularly in downtown Kelowna. Several projects may need to wait until 2027–2029 for adequate service capacity.

Kelowna is also investing in environmental projects this year, including park upgrades and flood mitigation. These projects are part of the city's strategy to build climate resilience. Restoration efforts are being made in areas affected by previous wildfire seasons and extreme weather. Most of this work is coordinated with the provincial and federal governments, with some local funding.

The city is funding a $3.9 million Mill Creek Flood Protection project and related upgrades. Utility projects also include a $3.6 million sanitary trunk main along Glenmore Road, supporting future road and residential development. These investments are being planned to limit service disruption and protect key infrastructure during extreme weather events.

Park and Recreation Developments

There are 23 park projects active this year. These include expansions, redesigns, and construction of new recreational facilities. Notable investments include the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre and improvements to Mission sports fields. Lions Park in Rutland is also being upgraded.

The projects aim to provide more outdoor and indoor spaces for sports, fitness, and casual use. Some of the work involves resurfacing playing fields, building washroom facilities, and improving access. These upgrades are funded through a mix of city capital budgets and grants.

Kelowna Springs Redevelopment

A major redevelopment plan has been approved for the Kelowna Springs property. The site will retain its existing nine-hole golf course and clubhouse. A business park will be built to support commercial activity in the area, and recreational infrastructure will be added.

A 12-court indoor pickleball facility is planned as part of the site redesign. More than three acres of space will be turned into public trails, and six acres are being restored as natural habitat. The changes will introduce public access to previously private land and provide more space for both recreational and environmental use.

Population and Economic Pressures

Kelowna's population continues to grow rapidly. The current population exceeds 165,000, with new arrivals driving demand for housing and services. Much of the growth is from people relocating from other parts of British Columbia and Alberta.

To manage the rising costs of growth, the city has approved a 4.36% property tax increase. For a typical residential property, that means about $108 more in taxes this year. The city says the increase will support transportation projects, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. City council reviewed several options before approving the increase in March.

Outlook for the Year Ahead

The combination of housing development, road expansion, utility upgrades, and service investment makes 2025 a critical year for Kelowna's long-term growth. The city's development strategy is focused on managing population increases while trying to avoid sprawl.

Residents can expect to see frequent construction activity, traffic delays, and new buildings throughout the city. While these projects create short-term disruption, they represent decisions that are already funded and in motion. The outcomes will shape how the city functions over the next decade.