RDCO offices in Kelowna/ RDCO

By Vernon Matters Staff

regional costs

RDCO budget up almost 10% at almost $78 million

Jan 16, 2026 | 3:27 PM

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), has announced a proposed operating budget of just under $78 million for this year.

That’s an increase of $7 million or almost 10 per cent over 2025, due largely to inflation, scheduled wage increases under the current collective agreement and ongoing rollout of previously approved projects.

The RDCO has published its five year financial plan and invited the public to give input before adoption in March.

In a media release Friday afternoon, it said, in part, its five-year financial plan includes significant investment in regional parks, including work to make parks safer and reopen areas closed by the McDougall Creek wildfire, continuing to expand year-round access at previously seasonal parks and improving active transportation and accessibility by advancing trail planning and design.

The plan also prioritizes emergency management upgrades, improvements to the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant and increased contributions to reserves to prepare for future projects. These investments are needed to maintain service quality and prepare for future growth.

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Unlike municipalities, regional districts do not have a single tax rate. The impact on each property owner varies depending on where they live, the services they receive and the assessed value of their property.