KelownaNow Jul 14, 2026
Kelowna City Council, within 3 months of the October 2026 Municipal election, is about to make a critical decision that will have long-term and important impacts. Council is considering expanding the Permanent Growth Boundary (PGB) by 1,600 ha (~4,000 acres) in the north Glenmore area.
The Permanent Growth Boundary exists because Kelowna is geographically constrained by Okanagan Lake, surrounding mountains, and the Agricultural Land Reserve. The PGB functions to:
*Prevent Sprawl: it directs growth to established urban areas. This allows for cost-effective servicing, reduces car dependency, and decreases GHG emissions. Isn’t that what we all want?
* Increase Density: within the urban boundary to accommodate growth. There is still room. As well, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data, the Kelowna Metropolitan Area holds the highest vacancy rate of any major metropolitan area (populations over 100,000) in Canada! It is currently estimated at 6.9% up significantly from 3.8% in 2024. There is so much vacancy, Kelowna can now restore Short Term Rentals. Why does the PGB need to be expanded now?
* Protect the Environment: To preserve sensitive ecosystems and vital agricultural lands from suburban subdivision. Isn’t that what we all want?
At the June 2026 Council meeting, Councillor Maxine DeHart said this expansion will allow for Kelowna’s continued population growth. In 2025, BC Statistics forecasted that there will be 20,000 fewer residents in Kelowna than predicted in 2041.
Councillor Mohini Singh said: “not all young families want to live in townhouses or condos”. Part of the issue here is that Kelowna is the 7th least affordable city in Canada and so condos and townhouses are more affordable.
Mayor Dyas doesn’t even want to call it a “Permanent” Growth Boundary. That way, it could be changed anytime. This would signal to residents that this foundational planning tool can be altered for short-term convenience rather than to provide stability.
Why do we want all this growth anyway? The city is under the influence of the ‘urban growth machine”. What about the concerns of citizens? Is there an end point to growth?
Finally, this is going to be decided at a Public Hearing on July 14th! Right in the middle of summer when people are away on vacation. Does the city really want public input?
I am with Councillor Gord Lovegrove on this, who said: ‘…we should tap the brakes on this’ and the costs to taxpayers could be enormous. He and Councillor Charlie Hodge voted against it. The rest of council voted for it. (Councillor Loyal Wooldridge was not present).
The decision to expand the PGB shouldn’t be made at this time as once the city goes down this route, there is no turning back…let the future council (s) decide on this. Write to council at mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca and/or attend the Public Hearing on July 14, 2026 and speak up! This needs to be stopped.
Susan Ames, PhD, MSc, BSc
Kelowna
Your Voice: Expansion of Kelowna’s permanent growth boundary – stop this!
