Kelowna staged for a safe summer season

[https://assets-can.mkt.dynamics.com/aaed7bcf-a50b-4aa6-bda4-54fe8ca2739e/digitalassets/images/8f4b1388-d71a-f011-9989-6045bd5d22b3?ts=638804141562210412] NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We are heading into what promises to be another busy summer season, where Kelowna comes alive with many community events, a return to warm weather outdoor activities, and an influx of tourists. Summer also brings increased demands on the City’s community safety resources, who have been planning to keep Kelowna vibrant, clean and safe for all during this busy time of year.  Both RCMP and Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be visibly present across the community throughout the season and coordinating additional resources and efforts to meet this increased demand.

 “Summer is one of the most exciting and busiest times of year for both Kelowna residents and tourists alike,” said Kevin Mead, Acting Community Safety Director. “We look forward to the opening of our water parks, supporting events like ‘Meet Me on Bernard,’ welcoming visitors, and gathering with friends and family across our community. To this end, the City’s community safety operations team and community partners have been working together to ensure Kelowna is a safe place to live, work and play.”

The Bylaw Services team has extended both operational hours and range of services from May until the end of August to include:

·        foot, bike and vehicle patrols from 6 AM until midnight, seven days a week;

·        focused weekend patrols in City parks, downtown, the Rail Trail and Rutland, wherever the need is greatest; and

·        additional officers during large events such as Canada Day and the long weekends.

The RCMP have also increased visible patrols and added crime reduction operations to support community safety over the summer months. “As we begin the summer season and get ready to share all that our city has to offer to both tourists and residents, preparations are well underway to ensure public safety in Kelowna’s downtown and in communities across the City,” said RCMP Acting Officer in Charge, Inspector Chris Goebel. “As always, our officers remain actively prepared and vigilant and look forward to serving the City this summer.” 

In addition to regular, ongoing public safety services provided by RCMP officers, summer operations will include:

·        additional foot patrols across the City, focusing the presence of officers in high priority areas;

·        bike, boat and ATV patrols covering larger, hard-to-reach areas – such as Rutland and the Rail Trail -- with added support of youth officers on weekends; and

·        the return of RCMP ‘Bait Bikes’, equipped with tracking devices that allow officers to quickly track down thieves and reduce overall theft in hot spots.

In addition to Bylaw and RCMP operations, neighbourhood patrols and clean-up crews with the  Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) and the Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) will continue to enhance community safety for residents in the City’s downtown and in Uptown Rutland. 

We all have a role to play in keeping Kelowna safe

Kelowna’s protective services teams and neighbourhood patrols are prepared for summer – are you?  Learn more about Who to Call, When to Call to report a crime or emergency, as well as tips on how to keep your home, belongings, business, and family safer at kelowna.ca/safety . Stay on top of community safety news by visiting kelowna.ca and sign up to receive regular Crime and Safety e-news updates at e-Subscribe notifications | City of Kelowna .