Business owners in downtown Kelowna say they remain cautious and unconvinced after the city announced new measures aimed at addressing crime and public disorder in the core area. While many welcome the attention after months of concern, some say the response may not be enough to bring meaningful change.
The City of Kelowna recently unveiled a plan that includes increased RCMP and bylaw enforcement patrols, the introduction of a mobile mental health response team, and the organization of a business forum in the coming weeks. City officials say the goal is to improve public safety while reducing the strain on police resources.
Despite these steps, some business owners say their daily challenges persist. Colleen Woelders, owner of Kelowna Hair Design, said she wants to be hopeful but remains skeptical that the city’s plan will deliver real results. She explained that ongoing issues like disruptive behaviour and safety concerns continue to affect staff and customers.
Mayor Tom Dyas has said the city is focused on immediate interventions that can help stabilize the situation downtown. Health professionals such as Dr. Grant Pagdin have also emphasized the need for solutions that address both safety and underlying mental health issues contributing to street disorder.
However, many business owners argue that problems like garbage, vandalism and disorderly conduct remain unresolved and require stronger, long-term action. While the city’s announcement has raised expectations, those working in the downtown core say they are waiting to see whether the promised measures will translate into visible improvements on the ground.
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