Kelowna Business Owners Demand Action on Crime at Community Forum

Business owners in Kelowna, British Columbia, expressed mounting frustration over escalating crime, repeated thefts, vandalism and public disorder at a community safety forum organized by the city. The two-hour meeting on January 28 brought together downtown business operators, municipal officials, provincial representatives and police to discuss mounting public safety concerns that owners say are disrupting commerce and daily life.

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas set the tone by acknowledging the severity of the issues facing local retailers and service providers. “What many of you are dealing with right now is not acceptable,” he told the crowded forum, recognizing the deep unease among the business community over the current situation in the city’s core. Owners of small businesses detailed how thefts and vandalism have become routine, eroding their sense of security and increasing operating costs.

Several participants voiced frustration about recent policy changes related to B.C.’s drug decriminalization pilot program, which the province recently ended. Many in the audience applauded the decision, arguing the earlier pilot limited law enforcement’s ability to intervene on simple possession charges and identify repeat offenders — a point echoed by Kelowna RCMP Supt. Chris Goebel, who said police felt constrained under the previous rules.

At times, emotions ran high as business owners described the toll crime is taking on their livelihoods. Some highlighted the growing costs of security measures — from installing protective film on windows to hiring private patrols — as they seek to safeguard their premises. Others called for more transparency and collaboration from law enforcement and government officials to better understand crime trends and develop targeted responses.

City and provincial officials reiterated their commitment to working with business owners on solutions, pointing to efforts to bolster policing presence, enhance communication channels, and explore strategies that can reduce disorder while maintaining community support services. The forum underscored broader public safety challenges — including perceptions of newcomer populations contributing to crime patterns — and the need for comprehensive approaches that balance enforcement with social supports.

As the discussion closed, many attendees expressed hope that the forum would mark the beginning of meaningful change rather than a one-off gathering. Business leaders stressed that without concrete follow-up actions, their concerns could deepen, potentially affecting Kelowna’s economic vitality and downtown vibrancy in the months ahead.