Can I speak at a Kelowna budget public hearing if I am not a property owner?

Yes. Members of the public may register to speak; check the council meeting agenda page for registration details and deadlines.

How do I submit written comments for the record?

Send written comments to the address or email listed on the meeting agenda or the Legislative Services contact on the city meetings page; written submissions are entered into the public record.

Is there a time limit for speaking?

Yes. Time limits for delegations are set by council procedure; the exact limit is posted in meeting agendas or on the council meetings page.

Participate in Kelowna Budget Public Hearings - Bylaw Guide

Taxation and Finance British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026

· By Daniel Roy

Kelowna, British Columbia residents have distinct rights and steps to take when the city considers its annual financial plan and related bylaws. Budget public hearings are the formal opportunity to speak for or against proposed tax rates, service changes, and the Financial Plan Bylaw before council adopts the budget. This guide explains how to find meeting agendas, register as a delegation or submit written comments, what to expect at the hearing, and where to get official forms and contact information so you can participate effectively.

What are budget public hearings?

Public hearings for the budget are statutory meetings held when council is considering bylaws that affect taxation, land use, or other matters requiring public input under the Community Charter and local procedure. The city publishes the Financial Plan documents and the hearing agenda so residents can review proposals in advance; see the City of Kelowna Financial Planning and Budgeting page City of Kelowna Financial Planning and Budgeting^[1].

How to participate

Review the published financial plan, council agenda and staff reports before the hearing to identify which bylaws and line items you want to address.
Register to speak as a delegation or submit written comments according to the council procedures; check the council meetings and delegation instructions on the City of Kelowna meetings page Council meetings and minutes^[2].
Note deadlines: the agenda and registration deadlines are posted with each meeting; if you miss the delegation deadline you can still submit written comments for the public record.
Attend the hearing in person or via any virtual option the city offers; follow the chair and time limits when speaking.
If your input concerns taxation or fees, bring specific figures or comparators from the Financial Plan to support your position.

Penalties & Enforcement

The public hearing and council meeting conduct is governed by the city s procedures for council meetings and bylaw enforcement for disruptive behaviour. Exact fines, escalation steps, or monetary penalties for conduct at a public hearing are not specified on the City of Kelowna meeting pages; details on fines or penalties are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with Legislative Services or Bylaw Enforcement.Public hearings^[3]

Typical enforcement authority: Legislative Services / City Clerk for meeting procedure and By-law Enforcement for disruptive acts; contact details appear on city pages.
Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation for repeated offences (first/repeat/continuing): not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: removal from the meeting, order to leave, or referral to RCMP or applicable enforcement if required; exact procedures are not specified on the cited page.
Appeals or reviews of meeting rulings: not specified on the cited page; procedural rulings are typically raised with the City Clerk or through council minutes and, where applicable, by formal appeal routes described in a specific bylaw.

If you are concerned about enforcement or penalties, contact Legislative Services before the hearing.

Applications & Forms

Delegation request form or registration: see the council meetings page for the current process and any online form or email address for submissions.Council meetings and minutes^[2]
Financial Plan documents: published with the meeting agenda and available via the Financial Planning and Budgeting page.Financial planning^[1]
Fees: no delegation fees are specified on the cited pages; any filing fees for other permits are listed on the related service pages.

FAQ

Can I speak at a Kelowna budget public hearing if I am not a property owner?: Yes. Members of the public may register to speak; check the council meeting agenda page for registration details and deadlines.
How do I submit written comments for the record?: Send written comments to the address or email listed on the meeting agenda or the Legislative Services contact on the city meetings page; written submissions are entered into the public record.
Is there a time limit for speaking?: Yes. Time limits for delegations are set by council procedure; the exact limit is posted in meeting agendas or on the council meetings page.

How-To

Find the upcoming budget hearing and agenda on the Financial Planning page and council meetings page.
Register as a delegation or prepare written comments per the instructions on the council meetings page.
Prepare a one page summary and supporting documents and bring copies for council and staff.
Attend the hearing, present within the time limit, and submit any written materials to the City Clerk for the record.
Follow up with Legislative Services if you need confirmation that your submission was received or recorded.

Key Takeaways

Find agendas and meeting documents early to prepare focused comments.
Register to speak or send written submissions according to the council instructions.
Contact Legislative Services for procedural questions and confirmation of receipt.