Policy Horizons: February Update

February marks policy‑writing season for Chambers across BC and Canada—a time when member concerns take centre stage. Because Chambers build policy from the ground up, the issues you raise directly shape the recommendations we bring to provincial and national governments.

At the Kelowna Chamber, our Policy Committee has been meeting regularly to review input from stakeholder sessions, our policy forum, and the conversations we have with members every day. That feedback forms the backbone of the policies we advance.

What’s on the Radar for 2026

Many of the big issues remain familiar, even as the solutions evolve. We’re tracking concerns around:

  • Street crime and its impact on business
  • Trade uncertainty
  • Labour shortages and reduced immigration
  • Energy supply and long‑term growth
  • Housing and healthcare
  • Bail reform
  • Tourism, agriculture, and education

The Kelowna Chamber already has a strong slate of policies active at both the BC Chamber and Canadian Chamber. These remain in effect for three years, during which the umbrella chambers advocate directly with government ministries.

Advocacy in Action

Advocacy doesn’t happen once a year—it’s ongoing. In 2026, we’re actively working on:

  • Freezing or reducing development cost charges (DCCs)
  • Supporting a balanced approach to short‑term rentals that protects tourism and local business
  • Strengthening agri‑business, agri‑tourism, and agricultural education
  • Continuing the fight against invasive mussels in the XXX
  • Promoting small‑scale housing initiatives that fit existing neighbourhoods

Policy Wins—and the Work Still Ahead

Some policies lead to clear progress. Reverse vending recycling systems, the “clean, drain, dry” campaign for boaters, support for the Okanagan aerospace sector, community court initiatives, and BC’s cannabis economy are all examples of long‑term advocacy paying off.

Other issues require added persistence. The speculation and vacancy tax remains unfair and inconsistently applied, and Transport Canada’s slow approval process for supplemental type certificates continues to challenge industry. These are areas where renewed policy work is already in progress .

What’s Next

Our 2026 policy cycle is well underway, with submission deadlines in early March. We’re working closely with our Policy Committee and with OBAC, the Okanagan Business Advocacy Council – a  consortium of Chambers across the valley – to bring forward strong, evidence‑based recommendations.

This summer and fall, our policy work will be tabled at the BC Chamber Policy Conference and AGM in Fort St. John, followed by the Canadian Chamber Policy Conference and AGM in Victoria.

Your Voice Drives This Work

If an issue is keeping you up at night – or simply nagging at you during the day – we want to hear about it. Policy is a year‑round effort, and your insights help shape the direction we take.