Taxes paid for half of the $20M spent on Kelowna's homeless population over 4 years

Tax revenues contributed half of the $20 million spent aiding Kelowna’s unsheltered community between 2019 and 2023.

A report outlining the results of the Unsheltered Community Costs (Phase 1) Value for Money engagement says taxpayers paid $10 million towards expenses associated with serving the city’s homeless population.

The data was compiled through interviews with city management and staff provided “detailed figures” for the operational and capital expenditures.

However, the report says it was difficult to differentiate between costs for the homeless and general “social disorder.”

“Following discussions with management, it was found that clearly distinguishing specific expenses for the unsheltered from those associated with social disorder posed a challenge,” the report said.

“As a result, steps were taken in the data analysis to account for these influences and potential overlaps.”

The data includes operating costs for 2023 and capital costs from 2019 to 2023.

City staff says costs linked to the homeless population are mostly distributed among shelter and community safety services.

According to the report headed to council on Monday, the $10 million in tax revenues were mostly directed towards community safety, emergency response and salaries.

The report says $5.4 million was funded through reserves and another $5.2 million was funded through grants and “other sources.”

The engagement and report was put together so Kelowna city councillors can understand the associated expenses.

“Like many local governments, the City of Kelowna is experiencing an increase in growing needs and expenses associated with serving the unsheltered community,” the report says.

Councillors will review the report during the Monday afternoon meeting, which starts at 1:30 pm.