City of Kelowna and Kelowna RCMP expand Community Liaison Officer program to downtown

News Release

The City of Kelowna and the Kelowna RCMP are expanding the Community Liaison Officer program to downtown Kelowna, building on the success of the program in Rutland and responding directly to feedback from businesses shared at the City’s Community Safety Forum in January.

Feedback from the City’s Community Safety Business Forum and What We Heard report highlighted the importance of visible patrols, quicker response times and a consistent presence in downtown and other high-impact areas, including evenings and weekends. Forum participants also identified a dedicated RCMP Business Liaison as one of their top three priorities, and prioritized RCMP dedicated foot patrols in business centres. The addition of a dedicated downtown Community Liaison Officer responds directly to that feedback by strengthening on-the-ground connections between police, businesses and the community.

Community Liaison Officers play a key role in connecting the RCMP with the community. The position focuses on building relationships with residents, businesses and local organisations, while supporting proactive, problem-solving approaches to neighbourhood concerns.

“Council has heard clearly from residents and businesses that they want a stronger, more visible presence in their neighbourhoods and more opportunities to connect directly with officers,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “Expanding the Community Liaison Officer program to downtown is a direct response to that feedback. This role is about building trust, strengthening relationships and working together to address concerns in a proactive, community-focused way.”

A Community Liaison Officer model has been in place in Rutland since spring 2025, where the role has helped strengthen partnerships, improve coordination and support more proactive responses to issues in the area. Based on that experience and success, the program is now being expanded to serve downtown Kelowna.

As part of this transition, Corporal Michael Gauthier will move from his position in Rutland to establish the Community Liaison Officer program in downtown Kelowna, building on the strong foundation and success of the role he helped develop in Rutland. Drawing on his experience fostering relationships and supporting proactive, community-based policing, Corporal Gauthier will focus on strengthening connections with downtown residents, businesses and partners.

Corporal Aaron Labrum will take on the Community Liaison Officer role in Rutland and is looking forward to serving the community by continuing the great work already underway. A transition period will take place in the fall both members step into their positions and build relationships in their respective communities.

“Community Liaison Officers are an important part of how we connect with the people we serve,” said Superintendent Chris Goebel, Officer in Charge, Kelowna RCMP. “These positions allow officers to spend more time working directly with residents, businesses and community partners to understand local concerns and develop meaningful, problem-solving approaches. We’ve seen positive results in Rutland and are pleased to expand this model into downtown Kelowna.”

Businesses and residents can expect to see the Community Liaison Officers engaging directly with the community, supporting ongoing safety initiatives and working alongside partners to address local concerns.

“The Kelowna Chamber is pleased at the City’s announcement of this new position which can be a touchpoint for our downtown businesses. We hear loud and clear from our member businesses and others about the need to have an active link between the business owner, the RCMP and the City. We’ve supported changes in response protocols through our membership in the Task Force on Crime and other city-led initiatives. We’re looking forward to sharing this information with our members,” said George Greenwood, CEO of the Kelowna Chamber.

The expansion of the Community Liaison Officer program reflects the City and RCMP’s shared commitment to community safety, proactive policing and ongoing connection with the people who live, work and visit Kelowna.