It all happened on May 7

Kelowna 50 Years Ago Today May 7, 1974

There was no good news in the 1974 municipal budget as all areas of the city will face substantial tax hikes this year.

Hardest hit will be those residential areas amalgamated into the city under provincial legislation one year ago. Those areas will face a total increase of 54 to 58 mills.

The owner of a typical home in the old new city assessed at between $21,000 and $24,000 will have to spend $297 on taxes. In the old city, the comparable rate is $348.

The tax boost comes as a result of an estimated $4 million increase in city spending, said Ald. Bob Weibe, chairman of the council finance committee.

Budget highlights include funding for construction of the Rutland arena, installation of 550 more street lights, and construction of a new main firehall.

Kelowna 100 Years Ago Today May 7, 1924

Mr. Dobbin of Westbank told the city council that he has expressed difficulty in getting a place to land timber from his mill on that side of the lake. He said there was a general lack of facilities for wharfage for launches and boats owned by settlers along lake frontage.

The Mayor pointed out that the civic wharf had been in existence for some sixteen years but had not been utilized by the public to any extent. Its decking was now in bad condition and would require wholesale renewal to be fit for public use, but he did not think its under-use justified the expense.

Council gave Mr. Dobbin permission to use the city wharf, but only on clear understanding that he would do so at his own risk and carry out any necessary repairs at his own expense.

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