file photo/RCMP

By Vernon Matters Staff

policing change

West Kelowna demands answers on RCMP deregionalization

Sep 12, 2025 | 1:01 PM

The city of West Kelowna says it is “unacceptable” that the RCMP and province are set to de-regionalize policing in the Central Okanagan without offering a clear plan and funding details.

West Kelowna says changes will leave uncertainty on how resources will be allocated and paid for.

Meanwhile, BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General said her ministry and the RCMP have been in regular and ongoing communication with the City of West Kelowna.

The RCMP responded by saying it was unfortunate that West Kelowna has chosen to issue a media release, given the significant work done by many to date on the modernization plan.

In their media release Friday, the City of West Kelowna said the provincial government “needs to step up to slow down” what it calls “this break-up” of the existing RCMP model until all communities affected see a clear, safe, principled plan.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

17h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

18h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

20h ago

The City says dividing West Kelowna from Kelowna as a policing district would leave West Kelowna short by up to eight provincial members.

The RCMP are set to separate the wider Central Okanagan regional hub into separate Kelowna, Lake Country, and West Kelowna/Peachland detachments.

The City of West Kelowna said there remains a lack of clarity about the economic impact to taxpayers due to the proposed changes.

“The City of West Kelowna will always cover its fair share of costs of policing West Kelowna, but the financial implications from this service model change are not clear and must be considered by Mayor and Council. The provincial government needs to resource policing in rural areas, Westbank First Nation, and along major highways,” the City said.

In the media release, the City said the province must do their part.

“Reports have validated the City’s ongoing concerns about the underfunding of provincial policing resources and the impact this shortfall of provincial officers has on services to the Westside, including to Peachland and Westbank First Nation. While West Kelowna Mayor and Council have long requested increases to the number of provincial RCMP members, this shortfall continues to be subsidized by local governments,” the City stated.

“City staff has repeatedly written to the RCMP to request a formal proposal – but they haven’t provided that. At the end of the month, Mayor and Council will meet with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger at UBCM and will have the opportunity to demand that the provincial government step in and slow down this transition until Mayor and Council are presented with a clear, fiscally responsible plan where everyone contributes fairly and equitably.”

Ministry responds

In an emailed statement to Vernon Matters, Krieger said, in part, the safety of British Columbians is her top priority.

“Staff from my Ministry and the RCMP have been in regular and ongoing communication with the City of West Kelowna throughout the process over the past two years, and the City has been actively involved in every stage of these discussions and continue to remain available for discussions with the City to ensure that everyone is on the same page,” she said.

“Later this month, I will be meeting with the Mayors of West Kelowna and Kelowna at UBCM to further discuss the transition and to ensure continued collaboration moving forward.”

RCMP reaction

In response to West Kelowna going public with their concerns, C/ Supt. Shawna Baher, Southeast District Commander with the BC RCMP, said it is not a reflection of the hard work and commitment displayed every day by the police officers and civilian employees at West Kelowna RCMP Detachment.

“The consultation and planning of the regional modernization has taken place over two years and has recently moved into the implementation stage,” Baher said in a statement to Vernon Matters. “The modernization efforts for the other contract partners ( ie. City of Kelowna, Lake Country,) have been going very well and discussions are still underway about the regionalized support services, such as Police Dog Services, Cells and Forensic Identification Services.

“The RCMP has engaged, listened and worked with all parties on the project throughout every step of the process.”