Businesses raising concerns over crime in downtown Kelowna, B.C. – Okanagan | 24CA News
A latest survey exhibits crime is rising in Downtown Kelowna and native retailer house owners elevating issues concerning the improve.
It was carried out by business house owners who work closest to Interior Health’s Outreach Urban Health Centre and distributed by the Downtown Kelowna Association. The companies attribute the surge to the opening of that facility.
“With all these people congregated in one area, there was a perceived drug issue and they wanted to find out if that was truly indeed what was happening and what was happening to other businesses in the area,” mentioned Downtown Kelowna Association government director Mark Burley.
The survey was carried out in February and Burley says he has seen there have been enhancements within the space since that point.
The aim of the report is to ultimately convey the report ahead to metropolis officers and Interior Health (IH) to indicate precisely what business house owners are coping with every day.
“All these things that we’ve been saying all along are happening. Let’s all get together and sit at the same table and try and come up with some things that will help the situation,” Burley mentioned.
The well being authority says they’re listening to companies downtown and are working with town, bylaw enforcement officers and police.
“We share the concerns of our neighbours around people who are sheltering outdoors and surrounding both at the clinic as well as the neighbourhood surrounding the clinic. In working with the city and the RCMP we’ve seen some good results,” mentioned Danielle Cameron, government director of medical operations group.
In its present location, the IH facility serves extra individuals than it has lately and with a view to present correct care the centre will keep at its present tackle.
“In 2021 we did move into a larger location and co-located some services which actually in our experience and the experience of the patients and the people that access the clinic has been a great addition to the services available for the population that needs it,” mentioned Cameron.
Cameron says in entrance of the well being centre isn’t the one place there are extra unhoused individuals, as it’s a rising pattern in Kelowna.
“I think we’re seeing the number of people sheltering outdoors increasing throughout our city. In that neighbourhood but also in other areas of the community,” she mentioned.
Last week, Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas launched a press release in response to the survey. However, the mayor was not accessible for additional remark Tuesday, however a press release was issued on his behalf.
“(Dyas) is taking time now to review the results and has plans to meet soon with other involved agencies, such as Interior Health, because he understands the importance of the issue and is committed to making progress on the concerns of business owners and employees downtown,” learn the assertion.
The Downtown Kelowna Association says this survey amplifies what they’ve additionally been listening to from business house owners and the affiliation is prepared for a change.
“It’s an issue that needs to be dealt with and in the four and a half years that I’ve been in this job, it really hasn’t changed a lot. It just seems there’s more of it,” Burley mentioned.
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