Kelowna's outdoor shelter space or tent encampment/ Kelowna10 app

By Vernon Matters Staff

public safety

Kelowna mayor says tent shelter changes were for everyone’s safety

Mar 28, 2025 | 2:00 PM

The mayor of Kelowna says the changes made at the outdoor shelter site for homeless people along the rail trail this week were for public safety.

Tom Dyas said in recent months there had been a rise in criminal activity at the location between Ethel and Richter, creating safety concerns for those living in the tent encampment as well as for the surrounding community and businesses.

Dyas said it was clear the status quo was not working. He thanked the various agencies involved in the clean up and for changes that include reducing the overall size of the site and individual spaces, erecting fencing, and employing security personnel.

In a statement issued Friday, Dyas said, in part, that in recent months, there had been a rise in criminal activity at the outdoor sheltering site, creating safety concerns for those staying there, as well as for the surrounding community.

“These challenges have affected nearby residents and businesses and, in some cases, made it more difficult for people in need to access the site safely, ” he said.

Back for another race

'All hands on deck moment for country': Liberal candidate Stephen Fuhr

27m ago

OKIB Election Results

New chief, council elected for OKIB

1h ago

Price Per Litre

Local gas prices drop with removal of Consumer Carbon Tax

3h ago

“It is clear that the status quo is not working—for those sheltering there, for first responders, or for the surrounding community. It’s time to do something different.

“We recognize that many in our community are facing challenges, whether due to addiction, mental health struggles, or other hardships. People deserve access to the support they need to rebuild their lives.”