Community Safety Business Forum concludes with expanded safety actions & launch of public engagement
News Release
The City of Kelowna brought together members of the business community, City leadership, RCMP and provincial partners on Jan. 27 for the Community Safety Business Forum. Held at the Kelowna Community Theatre, the solutions-focused event centred on facilitated discussions on crime, social disorder, and identifying supports businesses need to feel safe and supported.
Feedback from the Community Safety Business Forum built on recent one-on-one outreach conducted by the City’s Community Safety team with approximately 40 downtown businesses, helping deepen understanding of day-to-day safety challenges and identify opportunities for increased support.
“I want to thank the business community for taking the time to share their experiences and insights so openly. We know there is still work to do, and we are committed to working together toward real answers,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “What I heard reinforces the need to keep acting locally, within our capacity, while continuing to push for the systemic changes needed to address repeat offending, court capacity, and access to treatment and care. We will keep listening to our community and working with our partners to deliver immediate, on-the-ground actions that help businesses operate, support their staff, and serve their customers.”
The City is expediting two actions called for in the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime Prevention:
* Expansion of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program, so residents and businesses can now request no-charge property audits through the City’s Service Request System. Over the past five years, CPTED audits have delivered measurable, positive results by reducing crime in areas with moderate to high calls for service through practical recommendations like clear sightlines, improved lighting and strategic landscaping.
* Launch of the voluntary Business CCTV Registry to help the RCMP quickly identify nearby cameras during investigations, reducing the time it takes to follow up on incidents in the neighbourhood. For businesses who choose to register, participating can help speed up investigations, improve response, and strengthen safety in areas where criminal activity affects customers, staff and visitors.
Additionally, RCMP and Bylaw foot patrols have expanded and businesses continue to receive one‑on‑one support, and a new Business Security Enhancement Rebate Program is also being created to offer support to businesses impacted by crime.
The City’s Community Safety Plan also calls for a number of actions to increase safety in our community. Including the recently announced CRCL (pronounced circle) program, delivered by CMHA, which will create mobile teams that provide compassionate, trauma informed support to people aged 13 years and older who are experiencing mental health crisis, including problematic substance use. With the introduction of CRCL, our police force and first responders will be free to focus on crime and safety-related calls.
While the Community Safety Business Forum and recent outreach offered valuable insight from many businesses, we know that crime and safety concerns impact workers, residents and visitors as well. We’re inviting people to share their experiences so we can build a more complete picture that will guide the next phase of actions. Take part until February 10 by visiting getinvolved.kelowna.ca
