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Local elections

Kelowna mayoral candidate promises core service review of City

Oct 7, 2026 | 2:05 PM

Kelowna Mayoral candidate Ron Cannan says one of his first priorities, if elected, would be to launch a comprehensive, independent Core Service and Operational Review of the City of Kelowna.

Cannan said the purpose of the review , which he would launch within his first 100 days in office, “…is not simply to cut services or frontline employees…”, but to prevent duplication and unnecessary administration costs.

Cannan also criticized incumbent Mayor and fellow candidate Tom Dyas for not conducting an independent core review as he had promised in the last election.

“Tom Dyas campaigned on conducting a core review when he ran for Mayor in 2022, but four years later that independent review was never completed,” said Cannan. “Instead, the City conducted internal reviews. With the City’s 2026 budget now at approximately $1.1 billion and property taxes increasing approximately 18.4% compounded over four years—about 80% higher than the approximately 10.2% rate of inflation over the comparable period—I believe it is time for an independent set of eyes to examine how taxpayers’ money is being spent.”

Vernon Matters has reached out to the Dyas campaign for comment.

Cannan said the purpose of the review is to determine whether City resources are being directed to the services residents need most and whether those services are being delivered efficiently and cost-effectively.

“A core review asks some basic questions: What services must the City provide? What services should the City provide? Are we delivering them in the most efficient way possible? Are there areas of duplication, unnecessary administration or spending that can be reduced? And are taxpayers receiving good value for their money?”

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