Vernon’s property tax hike among the highest in the province

Jun 9, 2025 | 10:29 AM

Vernon has one of the highest property tax increases in B.C. for 2025, but the city said that figure does not tell the whole story.

A report from the City of Kelowna showed Vernon’s tax rate increase of 11.06 per cent was the second highest annual increase of any B.C. municipality. The only community seeing a higher increase was Langford, which saw its tax increase by 14.51 per cent.

When including 2024’s increase, Vernon saw its property tax going up by a combined 17.54 per cent. That was fifth highest of any municipality after Langford (34.34 per cent), Squamish (18.5), Kamloops (18.3), and Coquitlam (17.57).

Other area communities included in the report were:

Municipality	2025 Property Tax Increase*	’24 and ’25 Total Tax Increase*
Lake Country	6.45 per cent	15.97 per cent
West Kelowna	7.4 per cent	14.25 per cent
Salmon Arm	4.98 per cent	10.56 per cent
Kelowna	4.34 per cent	9.1 per cent

Council grants

Vernon to distribute over $50k in Council Discretionary Grants, $20K to the food bank

Dec 14, 2025

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

The City of Vernon, responding to a request for comment from Vernon Matters, stated the tax rate hike in 2025 did not reflect the fact that Vernon had one of the lowest tax costs based on average home value in the region, at $821 per capita in 2024.

Municipality	2024 Property Tax Per Capita*
Lake Country	$1,089
Kamloops	$910
Penticton	$887
Kelowna	$864
West Kelowna	$839
Vernon	$821
Spallumcheen	$733
Coldstream	$706
Armstrong	$544

“While percentage increases in taxes are often highlighted, the information can be misleading. We prefer to focus on the actual dollar amount paid by the average homeowner, which better reflects the true impact on residents,” the City of Vernon said in an email to Vernon Matters.

“It’s also important to note that when assessed property values rise, the city does not automatically collect more tax revenue. We adjust tax rates based on the budget we need to deliver services—not on property assessment changes.”

The City of Vernon added it is committed to balancing responsible financial management, high-quality services, and affordability to residents.

*Figures provided by the City of Kelowna

**Figures provided by the City of Vernon

by Liam Verster

View Comments