Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas hosts a roundtable as part of his Task Force on Crime Reduction/ Mayor's Office City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

bringing voices to the province

Kelowna mayor vows to advocate Province on crime

Sep 22, 2025 | 5:30 PM

The mayor of Kelowna is repeating his and city council’s promises to advocate for key public safety matters at this week’s Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Victoria.

Following a series of roundtables with residents, business owners, and social service providers, Tom Dyas says he will push for three measures this week.

Those are: more Crown prosecutors in the Okanagan to ensure more cases are heard and justice is delivered; bail reform that holds chronic offenders accountable; and mandatory compassionate care for those who pose a danger to themselves or others.

In a statement ahead of the key municipal forum in the provincial capital, Dyas said business owners worry about the safety of their staff and customers and some residents are concerned about their neighbourhood spaces and a decline in their sense of safety.

He said there was there was important common ground among all local stakeholders on a shared concern about chronic offenders and a justice system under strain.

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“These conversations made clear that while the impacts are being felt sharply here in Kelowna, the root causes extend far beyond our city,” Dyas said. “Communities across British Columbia are grappling with the same systemic pressures, which is why local voices must be part of the provincial and national conversation.

“While we know there is more work to do locally and the City will continue to do what it can through investments in policing, bylaw, community programs, and partnerships, there are limits to what municipalities can achieve alone.

“Lasting systemic change depends on action from senior governments. Our justice system is stretched, frontline workers are exhausted, and communities like ours are paying the price,” he said.