Summary

• The new municipality is expected to be formally incorporated on Nov. 6, 2026
• Residents will be able to elect a mayor and council in the 2026 general local elections, giving the community a locally elected government

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Residents in Okanagan Falls will vote this fall for a locally elected council, as the Province issues a ‘letters patent’ to establish a new municipality.

Following a successful incorporation vote by Okanagan Falls residents in March 2025, the Province is issuing a letters patent to incorporate the new municipality as the District of Okanagan Falls. The letters patent set out key details, including its boundaries, council size and incorporation date, and establish how services will transition from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Province.

“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. “This is an important milestone for the community. Our government is committed to supporting a smooth and successful transition to local governance.”

Local decisions closer to home

The District of Okanagan Falls will have a locally elected mayor and council responsible for decisions about community priorities and services.

Under the new municipality, the community will be represented by a mayor and four councillors, locally elected representatives who are accountable to residents. This replaces the current model of a single electoral area director.

Supporting the community’s path to incorporation

This is the first municipal incorporation in B.C. in 16 years. 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.

Direct engagement through a range of approaches with residents, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Osoyoos Indian Band helped shape the approach to incorporation, reflecting the area’s history, while supporting the transition to municipal governance.

Incorporation includes setting out how governments work together. This includes government-to-government relationships between local governments and First Nations. The letters patent creates a pathway for a reconciliation collaboration agreement, along with three advisory bodies to support collaboration around decision-making for services such as transportation and water.

Next steps toward local government

• Elections for a mayor and four councillors will take place during the general local election on Oct. 17, 2026.
• The new municipality will officially incorporate on Nov. 6, 2026, which is the first meeting of the new council following the Oct. 17, 2026, general local elections.
• In advance of the election, 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 will continue working with the Regional District of Okanagan‑Similkameen and the Osoyoos Indian Band to support a smooth transition to local governance and help build a strong foundation for the new municipality.

Quick Facts:

• Okanagan Falls is located within the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) People, represented in the immediate area by the Osoyoos Indian Band, who have lived in and cared for this area for thousands of years.
• In March 2025, a majority of Okanagan Falls voters supported incorporation following a year-long incorporation study that examined governance, services and financial implications for the community.
• Under Section 3 of the Local Government Act, a new municipality can be incorporated through cabinet approval, following a recommendation from the minister of housing and municipal affairs.
• The Province conducted additional public engagement in early 2026, including a dedicated webpage, community survey and an open house, as part of ongoing work to advance incorporation.

Learn More:

• The order-in-council with the letters patent is online: 
  https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/oic/oic_cur/0262_2026

A backgrounder follows.