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Leaders from across the Southern Interior are gathering in Oliver Friday (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Major Push

Interior leaders to push for secure, mandatory care in Oliver

Sep 4, 2026 | 10:38 AM

Regional leaders from across the Southern Interior are gathering in Oliver Friday to push for secure and mandatory care for people dealing with severe addiction and mental-health issues.

The joint media event is scheduled for 11:20 a.m. outside the Okanagan Correctional Centre at 200 Enterprise Way.

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas, Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen, Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield, West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom and Osoyoos Indian Band Coun. Mary Wilbur are expected to take part.

The leaders are expected to outline their support for action and discuss the need for secure care in the region.

The event will be held across the street from the correctional centre.

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Participating leaders are scheduled to make remarks before taking questions from reporters.

The event comes as communities across the Southern Interior continue to grapple with the impacts of severe addiction and mental-health challenges.

by Vernon Matters Staff
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