Okanagan Business Advisory Council/Vernon Matters Staff

By Vernon Matters Staff

Calls for action

Okanagan business groups call for action to protect downtown areas

Jan 21, 2026 | 1:15 PM

Business leaders across the Okanagan Valley are calling on all levels of government to take stronger action to protect downtown areas, citing rising crime, infrastructure challenges and emergency planning gaps.

The concerns were raised at the first 2026 meeting of the Okanagan Business Advocacy Council (OBAC), which represents nearly 2,000 members through chambers of commerce and boards of trade in Penticton, Summerland, West Kelowna, Kelowna and Vernon.

Leaders said downtown businesses are facing pressure from theft, vandalism and other crime, as well as the need for reliable fire evacuation routes and infrastructure improvements.

Bryan Fitzpatrick, president of the Greater Westside Board of Trade, said the group is hearing about crime ‘every single day’ and emphasized the need for a collective response.

Sonja Harkness, executive director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, said OBAC is preparing policy recommendations, including tax relief for businesses affected by crime.

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OBAC said it is developing formal case studies and preparing a full-scale advocacy effort for 2026, with leaders signaling that further action and announcements are expected.

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