Kelowna residents speak out on safety during latest forum
The front window of Gallery Streetwear was smashed during a break-in. (Image Credit: Facebook)
Kelowna residents had their say on community safety Thursday evening at The Revelry, where nearly 100 more people showed up compared to a similar event just 10 days ago.
Attendees raised concerns about property crime, increased night patrols, and challenges in the Rutland area related to homelessness. Mental health access, long-term addiction treatment, and housing issues were also high on the list. Unlike previous meetings, this event gave residents the microphone to share ideas and frustrations directly with elected officials.
The forum, hosted by B.C. Conservatives, featured Kelowna-Centre MLA Kristina Loewen, Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew, and West Kelowna-Peachland MLA Macklin McCall.
Loewen emphasized the need for better access to mental health services and substance use facilities, as well as more Crown prosecutors to address repeat offenders.
The MLA also highlighted the new Chronic Property and Public Disorder Intervention Initiative as a step forward, noting that in 2024, just 15 individuals were responsible for more than 1,300 police files in Kelowna.
The MLAs promised to bring residents’ concerns directly to Victoria in the coming week, emphasizing that Kelowna’s community input could help shape provincial safety and housing strategies.
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