Luke Stack

Attended the Community Safety Forum at the Kelowna Community Theatre last night. There were many attendees from the business community. The focus was on the downtown area of the City. The Forum focused on increasing tangible actions to improve the current situation. The City is helping with more RCMP and Bylaw officers; Strengthening the DKA and URBA response teams; Creating a CCTV Registry for quicker reference; and looking into a Security enhancement rebate program for business. The RCMP have committed to faster response to incidents and increased presence on the street.

All acknowledged that the Province needs to increase the number of Crown Prosecutuors and get moving on providing care for those with mental illness and drug addiction. THe City continues to advocate for this.

All participants (RCMP, Interior Health, City Bylaws, Province) are keen on working together to better the situation. There is no lack of will. The City is all in. Crime and Safety is the number one priority for this Council and has been since the last election. Drug and homeless issues are complex and continue to challenge our collective ability to improve the situation.

Congratulations to the Salvation Army, and their many volunteers, for the grand re-opening of the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Rutland Road. The store looks great and it is comforting to know that all the proceeds go to community services provided to the citizens of Kelowna. Well done! Pictured here is the ribbon cutting on Saturday morning October 26, 2024. It was a great event.