City of Kelowna staffing salaries

A higher price tag on city operations is drawing attention to how much the City of Kelowna is spending on staff and services.

New figures show payroll costs rose roughly eight per cent in 2025, with wages and related expenses reaching about $126 million. That reflects nearly 14 per cent of the city’s $908 million budget.

The increase is largely being driven by higher compensation for CUPE staff and management, alongside a council pay boost approved last year, while city manager Doug Gilchrist once again topped the earnings list at just over $370,000.

At the same time, spending on goods, services, and infrastructure also climbed significantly, and the annual financial disclosure is scheduled to be reviewed by council on Monday.