If you’ve heard both names and wondered what the difference is, you’re not alone. Here’s the short and simple version.
The short answer
West Kelowna is the city. Westbank is the historic town centre inside that city. You’ll also see Westbank on addresses near or on Westbank First Nation (WFN) land, which is self‑governed and administered separately from the City of West Kelowna.
How the names are used locally
West Kelowna
The municipality on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Neighbourhoods include Lakeview Heights, Shannon Lake, Glenrosa, Smith Creek, West Kelowna Estates, Gellatly, Rose Valley, and the Westbank town centre.
Westbank
The historic commercial core along Highway 97 where the road splits into one‑way couplets. Many locals still say “Westbank” when they mean the wider west side.
Westbank First Nation (WFN)
A self‑governing First Nation with reserve lands in and around the city. Properties here follow WFN administration for taxes, permits, and land management.
Why it matters when you buy
Land type
City land is typically freehold. You own the home and the land on title. Much of the housing on WFN land is long‑term leasehold. You own the home and lease the land for a set term. Lease details vary by development.
Financing
Freehold homes use standard mortgage financing. WFN leaseholds are often financed as well. Lenders typically want the lease to extend several years beyond your mortgage amortization and may adjust amortization or down payment based on the lease terms. Some leasehold properties, including many manufactured homes in pad-rental parks, are only eligible with certain lenders.1
Taxes and permits
On city land, you pay property taxes to the City of West Kelowna and follow city bylaws and permitting. On WFN land, you pay property taxes to Westbank First Nation and work with WFN Planning and Development for permits and approvals.
Resale
Leasehold resales are common on the west side. What buyers and lenders focus on most are the years left on the lease and the renewal or assignment terms. More years remaining generally means easier financing and a wider buyer pool. Ongoing land rent and community fees can also influence value and time on market.
Addresses
You’ll see both “West Kelowna” and “Westbank” used in mailing addresses. If you’re unsure, Canada Post’s address lookup will show the accepted version for a specific address.
How to focus your search
Freehold on city land
• You own the land and the home on title
• Standard municipal permitting and bylaws
• Broadest lender and buyer pool
• Straightforward resale
Leasehold on WFN land
• You own the home and lease the land
• Property taxes and permits are handled by WFN
• Pricing can be more accessible than comparable freehold in the same area, and varies by development and lease terms
Quick check before you fall in love with a place
- Is it freehold or leasehold?
- Who collects property taxes for this address?
- Which office handles permits and bylaw questions?
- If leasehold, how many years remain and what are the renewal terms?
- Are there extra fees tied to the lease or community?
- Will a lender finance this address on your desired timeline and terms?
For a feel of day-to-day life in each neighbourhood, see West Kelowna Living
Have questions about West Kelowna or Westbank properties? Reach out here.
- Note on financing: Financing policies vary by lender and can change. Always confirm details with a licensed mortgage broker or lender. ↩︎
