Downtown Kelowna (Image Credit: Vernon Matters Staff)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Addressing Crime

Kelowna council to receive update on Business Safety plan

Mar 16, 2026 | 10:36 AM

Kelowna city council will be receiving an update on efforts to address downtown crime through the city’s Business Safety Action Team.

The team, established in fall 2025 in response to a rise in business-related crime, includes city staff and members of the Kelowna RCMP. While overall property crime in the city declined by 18 per cent between 2022 and 2025, select incidents related to social disorder remain concentrated in certain areas.

Since its creation, the team has launched several immediate measures, including increased RCMP and bylaw patrols, a Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) program for mental health emergencies, private security patrols for downtown hot spots, a Business Security Enhancement Rebate Program, and a forthcoming CCTV registry program.

Staff are also pursuing longer-term initiatives including additional mayor-led roundtable discussions, improved cleaning and waste removal in core areas and partnerships with social service organizations.

“While citywide property crime has decreased, the persistence of social disorder in some areas remains a concern,” said D. Caul, the city’s Community Safety Director. “We continue to monitor emerging issues and respond quickly to protect businesses, residents, and visitors.”

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For more information and the full report, visit Kelowna.ca.