A region of B.C. where approximately 2,500 people live will become a new municipality, with an expected timeline of this fall.
Residents of Okanagan Falls will elect a mayor and council in the 2026 general elections, as the municipality is expected to be formally incorporated on Nov. 6, 2026.
This is the first new B.C. municipality in 16 years, with Sun Peaks being incorporated in 2010.
Daily Hive Urbanized last reported on the process in August 2025, which followed a formal approval by vote in March 2025. A total of 1,100 ballots were cast, and 588 voted in favour of incorporating, while 512 were against it.
The new municipality won’t be incorporated as a city but as the District of Okanagan Falls.
“Last year, residents in Okanagan Falls voted to become a municipality, a significant step toward shaping the future of their community, including the services they rely on and the decisions that affect their daily lives,” said Christine Boyle, minister of housing and municipal affairs, in a release.
“This is an important milestone for the community. Our government is committed to supporting a smooth and successful transition to local governance.”
Once elected, the new council and mayor will be responsible for decisions about community priorities and services.
“This replaces the current model of a single electoral area director,” the ministry said. “The Okanagan Falls area includes lands with longstanding significance to the Osoyoos Indian Band, which has worked closely with the Province throughout the development of the letters patent.”
Next steps include finding a mayor and four councillors, which will occur during the local election on Oct. 17, 2026. An interim corporate officer and chief election officer will be appointed by the Province to support the transition and oversee the election process.
The Province says that Okanagan Falls is located within the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) People. The ministry has committed around $1.8 million to support incorporation, which includes funding to support the new municipal administration, election costs, service transition support, and other funding to help get things started.
With other supports in mind, including support for road maintenance from the Ministry of Transportation, the Province is contributing a total of around $6.6 million.
You can read more about the transition and the new municipality on the B.C. government’s website.