Okanagan Falls Elects First Mayor and Council as New Municipality
After incorporating in 2025, the B.C. community votes October 17 for its first local government — the first municipal incorporation in B.C. in 16 years.
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Residents of Okanagan Falls will vote on October 17 to elect a mayor and four councillors to represent their newly incorporated municipality — the first municipal incorporation in British Columbia in 16 years.
In March 2025, residents voted to incorporate into a separate municipality, moving away from representation as a single electoral area director within a larger regional district. The shift marks a significant step toward local governance and control over community priorities and services.
"This is an important milestone for the community," said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "Our government is committed to supporting a smooth and successful transition to local governance."
The incorporation process has required careful collaboration with the Osoyoos Indian Band, whose territory overlaps with the Okanagan Falls area. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Osoyoos Indian Band jointly designed the incorporation approach, including a reconciliation collaboration agreement and three advisory bodies to support decision-making on services like transportation and water.
The new municipality will officially incorporate on November 6, with the first council meeting marking the formal transition to local government.
