West Kelowna is at a crossroads. With a provincial target to add 2,266 new homes by 2029, the city’s housing crunch is impossible to ignore. But just six months into the first year of the plan, the numbers paint a concerning picture: of the 289 homes required in year one, only 64 net new units have been completed. If this pace continues, meeting the five-year goal will be little more than wishful thinking.
Mayor Gord Milsom has made it clear that the city is facing significant challenges. His argument—that West Kelowna lacks the financial resources and infrastructure to accommodate growth—isn’t without merit. As a relatively young municipality, large-scale development requires strong partnerships with the provincial and federal governments, as well as private developers. But does this justify the sluggish progress?
While the city pleads for more funding and support, the provincial government isn’t buying the excuses. BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon points to a $1 billion Growing Communities Fund, with $10 million allocated specifically for West Kelowna. Not to mention, the province has provided tools to streamline approvals. Yet, even with these resources, the city council recently rejected a 117-unit townhome project—one that could have contributed meaningfully toward the housing target.
This raises an uncomfortable question: Is West Kelowna’s leadership truly committed to solving the housing crisis, or are they getting in their own way?
Of course, infrastructure concerns are real. Roads, water, and public services must keep up with rapid development. But delaying housing only compounds the problem. The more the city falls behind, the harder it will be to catch up—and the more likely it is that the provincial government will step in. If West Kelowna continues to miss targets, the Minister of Housing can appoint an advisor to review the city’s progress and make recommendations, a move that would signal a loss of local control.
The city cannot afford to wait for perfect conditions. If officials want to avoid provincial intervention and keep decision-making power in their own hands, they must take decisive action now. That means approving developments that align with smart growth principles, working aggressively to secure infrastructure funding, and removing unnecessary red tape.
The housing crisis isn’t going away. The only question is whether West Kelowna’s leadership will rise to the challenge—or let the province do it for them.
