Jason Bell, a business owner in Kelowna, is facing increasing instances of vandalism, loitering, and violence impacting his fast food restaurant on Highway 97 and Leathead Road. He expressed concerns about the safety of his staff and customers after a transient person tampered with the restaurant’s electrical box and threatened an employee with a knife. Bell also shared that there have been incidents of break-ins, thefts, fires being started next to the building, and other public mischief. To address these issues, he has had to hire a security guard at various times of the day and invest in new alarm systems and security companies.
Colleen Clark, acting CEO of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the challenges that businesses are facing in terms of property crime and public safety. During a recent roundtable discussion involving local businesses, these issues were identified as top concerns. Clark emphasized the chamber’s proactive approach in finding solutions to these problems, which will be reflected in the organization’s policy and advocacy action plan. This plan will be further developed during the upcoming policy development forum where input from various stakeholders, including business owners like Bell, will be considered.
The City of Kelowna has been actively advocating for more action on public safety issues, particularly in addressing repeat property offenders. Mayor Tom Dyas, city councillors, and staff raised these concerns with provincial leaders at the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities conference. The city’s desire for a stronger focus on addressing crime aligns with recommendations from the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime Reduction. Despite these efforts, many business owners like Bell feel that they are reaching a breaking point and are desperate for immediate action to improve public safety in the area.
Bell recounted a few specific incidents that have fueled his concerns, such as a group of individuals waiting outside his restaurant with a knife as his staff were closing for the night. He described the situation as escalating to a point where some people may take matters into their own hands, which could lead to further problems. The Chamber of Commerce is actively engaging with local businesses to gather input on these issues and formulate a comprehensive plan of action. The organization aims to provide a platform for business owners to voice their concerns and work towards practical solutions that enhance public safety in Kelowna.
The ongoing challenges faced by business owners in Kelowna highlight the urgent need for solutions to address vandalism, loitering, and violence in the community. Bell’s experience serves as a representative example of the concerns raised by many local businesses. The City of Kelowna, along with the Chamber of Commerce, is actively working towards policy development and advocacy to create a safer environment for businesses and residents. By collaborating with stakeholders and policymakers, there is hope for implementing effective strategies that curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.
In conclusion, the issues surrounding public safety and property crime in Kelowna are multifaceted and require a coordinated approach from various stakeholders. Business owners like Jason Bell are experiencing firsthand the negative impacts of vandalism and violence on their operations. The Chamber of Commerce, along with city officials, is striving to address these challenges through policy development and advocacy efforts. By listening to the concerns of local businesses and residents, effective strategies can be implemented to improve public safety and create a more secure environment for all members of the community.
