Okanagan Falls to be incorporated as B.C.'s newest municipality in November

Okanagan Falls is set to become British Columbia's newest municipality this November, marking the first new municipality in the province in 16 years. Residents will soon have the opportunity to elect their local leadership before the official incorporation.

The British Columbia government has issued the legal document establishing the District of Okanagan Falls, located south of Penticton. This document outlines key details such as the municipality's boundaries, the size of its council (one mayor and four councillors), and the official incorporation date. Residents will cast their votes for these positions during the October local elections.

The community, which has a population of just under 2,300 people, voted in favor of becoming a full municipality in March 2025. To support this transition, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs will provide $1.8 million in funding. This financial assistance is intended to cover the costs of the upcoming election and other administrative necessities related to the incorporation process.

Overall, the province has allocated approximately $6.6 million to support the transition. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs emphasized that this process has been conducted in close cooperation with the Osoyoos Indian Band. The ministry will continue to collaborate with the First Nation and the regional district to ensure a seamless transition for the newly formed municipality.

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Residents of British Columbia’s first new municipality in 16 years will soon be voting for a mayor and council.