Platform | Greg Dahms

A Practical Plan For Kelowna

01

Housing Affordability and Cost of Living

Rising costs are putting increasing pressure on families across Canada, and Kelowna is no exception. The cost of food, electricity, fuel and everyday essentials has climbed significantly, while housing costs have made it increasingly difficult for many people to afford to live in the community they call home.

A home should be within reach for people who work, live and contribute to our community.

Housing affordability isn't simply about building more homes. We need to make sure Kelowna is building the right kind of housing, in the right places, at prices that people who work here can actually afford.

The question is: How do we do this affordably?

One option is to take a closer look at the costs involved in building a new home in Kelowna. We should examine how much of the final price is influenced by municipal fees, approval processes, infrastructure requirements, development regulations and other costs associated with building and developing housing.

This isn't about lowering standards or compromising on safety, quality or responsible development. It's about understanding where costs come from and determining whether there are opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs, streamline approvals and make the development process more efficient, all while still ensuring that growth is properly planned and infrastructure keeps pace.

At the same time, we need to encourage a range of housing options for individuals, families, seniors and young people, while supporting a strong and diverse local economy that creates good-paying jobs, attracts investment and provides opportunities for working families.

02

Infrastructure Growth and Transportation

With a growing community comes an increased need for infrastructure and transportation—but at what cost?

Kelowna has experienced significant growth over the past decade, and that growth is placing increasing pressure on the infrastructure we already rely on. Our aging systems are showing their cracks, from downtown electricity capacity and flooding concerns to traffic congestion, roads, water, sewer systems and transportation networks.

We need to grow sustainably and at a pace that is affordable, responsible and in the best interests of residents today and future generations.

The big question is: How can Kelowna continue to grow without creating an infrastructure bill that future taxpayers simply cannot afford?

When City Council considers major developments or community expansion, residents deserve to understand the full cost of that growth. Who pays for the roads, water and sewer systems, parks, sidewalks, transportation improvements and ongoing maintenance? And just as importantly, who will pay when that infrastructure eventually needs to be repaired or replaced?

We should be asking not only “What does this development cost today?” but also:

“What will this development cost Kelowna in 10, 20 or even 50 years?”

Growth can bring opportunity, investment and new jobs—but it must be properly planned and financially sustainable.

Growth should pay its fair share.

Before approving major growth, we need greater transparency about the long-term financial impact on taxpayers. We need to know what it will cost residents long after the developer has gone home.

Kelowna deserves infrastructure planning that looks beyond the next election cycle and considers the next generation.

Responsible growth means building the infrastructure we need today without leaving future generations with an unaffordable bill.

03

Community Safety

Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, neighbourhood and community. Safety and security should be a basic responsibility of local government—not an afterthought.

This will be my third campaign for Kelowna City Council, and community safety has remained a problem for Kelowna for many years. As a former local business owner, I experienced these challenges firsthand, including break-ins, fires and people camping directly in front of our business doors. I understand the impact that crime, property damage and a lack of safety can have on business owners, employees, customers and the broader community.

As a City Councillor, I would continue working directly with local businesses and residents to identify practical and cost-effective approaches to improving safety, security and theft prevention.

We need to be proactive—not simply react when problems arise. That means working collaboratively with police, fire and emergency services, local businesses, community organizations and residents to address the issues affecting people every day.

Good planning, responsible investment, effective enforcement and strong community partnerships can make a real difference. We should also be willing to look at what is working in other communities and determine whether those approaches could work here in Kelowna.

My approach is straightforward: listen to residents, understand the problem, look at the evidence and pursue practical solutions that work. Maybe even bring back a neighborhood watch program!

Safety isn't about politics. It's about people, families, businesses and the quality of life we all want for Kelowna.

Safe streets. Safe neighbourhoods. A safer Kelowna.

04

Responsible Public Spending

Every tax dollar matters.

As Kelowna continues to grow, Council is being asked to fund more services, more infrastructure and more programs while residents themselves are dealing with rising costs. City government, just like households and businesses, has to make difficult choices about where limited dollars will have the greatest impact.

I believe taxpayers deserve value, accountability and transparency for every dollar the City spends.

Responsible spending doesn't mean simply cutting budgets. It means finding smarter and more efficient ways to deliver services without compromising public safety, essential services or Kelowna's future needs.

Before increasing taxes or taking on additional long-term debt, Council should look for opportunities to:

Reduce unnecessary administrative and operating costs.
Improve efficiency and eliminate duplication.
Review contracts and procurement to ensure taxpayers are receiving competitive value.
Prioritize preventative maintenance rather than waiting for infrastructure failures.
Evaluate programs based on measurable results.
Look for opportunities to share costs and responsibilities with other levels of government.
Consider the long-term operating and maintenance costs of major projects before approving them.
Protect funding for critical infrastructure, emergency services and other essential needs.

I would rather see limited resources directed toward an urgent infrastructure requirement that protects taxpayers from substantially larger costs in the future than spend those same dollars on lower-priority initiatives.

My role as a councillor would not be to make every good idea happen. My role would be to help determine which ideas provide the greatest public benefit, address the greatest risks and protect Kelowna's long-term financial health.

We can't afford everything—and pretending otherwise isn't responsible leadership.

Council owes residents an honest explanation of what we are choosing to fund, what we are choosing to postpone, and why.

Spend wisely. Measure results. Protect the future.

Responsible government means making every taxpayer dollar count today, tomorrow and for the generations that will inherit the decisions we make

05

A strong local economy

Kelowna is a great place to live, work and build a business, but maintaining a strong economy requires more than simply managing growth. We need to create an environment where local businesses can succeed, new businesses want to invest, and residents have access to good-paying local jobs and opportunities to build a future.

I believe in supporting local businesses, encouraging responsible investment, attracting new employers and creating good local jobs. Small and locally owned businesses are an important part of Kelowna's identity and economy, and they deserve a City government that understands the challenges they face.

"City Hall should be a partner, not a roadblock."

Businesses shouldn't have to fight their way through unnecessary red tape simply to open their doors, expand or create new jobs. They shouldn't have to face increased crime issues that ultimately cost businesses, time, money and higher insurance costs.

City Hall should work with the business community to reduce unnecessary barriers, streamline approval processes, improve communication and make it easier to invest responsibly in Kelowna.

We should also look at ways to attract new industries, employers and investment that can diversify Kelowna's economy and provide higher-paying employment opportunities. A strong economy isn't just about attracting large companies, it is also about helping entrepreneurs, tradespeople, professionals, retailers, restaurants and small businesses succeed.

Jobs, Investment & Opportunity

Economic development should ultimately translate into opportunities for the people who live here.

When businesses succeed, they create jobs, invest in our community, support local families and contribute to the tax base that helps fund the services and infrastructure we all depend on.

I believe Kelowna should encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes our city attractive in the first place. That means responsible investment, smart planning, efficient government and a business environment that encourages people to put down roots and build here.

We need to make sure that people who live in Kelowna have opportunities to work, earn a good living, start a business, buy a home and build a future without having to leave the community to find those opportunities elsewhere.

"Support local. Encourage investment. Create jobs. Build opportunity."