LOCAL

Kelowna Mayor Faces Backlash Over RCMP Funding Gap During Victoria Advocacy Trip

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas declines to ask for more RCMP funding in Victoria despite police warnings that the city needs 32 more officers to manage crime levels.

Published

6 months ago

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Public Safety Under Scrutiny

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas recently traveled to Victoria to present the city’s top priorities to provincial ministers, but the notable absence of a request for increased RCMP funding has sparked a growing debate. While Dyas focused his advocacy on social disorder, the need for more Crown prosecutors, and the establishment of an involuntary compassionate care facility, he explicitly stated that the city would not be seeking additional police resources from the province at this time.

The Gap Between Policy and Policing

The Mayor’s stance stands in stark contrast to the professional assessment provided by Kelowna’s own RCMP leadership. During a council address on February 9, Superintendent Chris Goebel, the detachment’s officer-in-charge, warned that the current 2026 budget allocation for four additional officers falls significantly short of actual requirements. According to Goebel, the city needs approximately 32 more officers to effectively manage front-line call responses, summer spikes in activity, and the increased demand for foot patrols.

Local Business and Residents Sound the Alarm

The disconnect between the Mayor’s office and the RCMP’s operational assessment has left local stakeholders concerned. Rhonda Lindsay, owner of the Train Station Pub, described a grim reality for business owners dealing with broken windows, vehicle thefts, and equipment damage. Lindsay argued that while mental health and legal support are vital, policing is a non-negotiable part of the ‘full package’ required to keep Kelowna safe during its rapid growth.

In neighborhoods like Rutland, residents echoed these sentiments, citing the visible impacts of homelessness and the drug crisis as reasons for a more robust police presence. Despite these calls for action, Mayor Dyas maintained that police staffing remains a local budget matter. ‘We deal with that through our normal budget process and we’ve gone through the budget process at this point in time,’ Dyas told reporters, declining further requests to elaborate on why he passed up the opportunity to lobby for provincial assistance.

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LOCAL

How West Kelowna Residents Can Explore Heartfulness Meditation and Community Peace

West Kelowna hosts the 4th Peace Ambassador Celebration on Sept. 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Join local leaders for discussions and meditation.

Published

10 minutes ago

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September 20, 2026

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Community Leaders Gather for Annual Peace Celebration

West Kelowna will play host to an afternoon focused on personal and collective harmony as the fourth annual Peace Ambassador Community Celebration convenes on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., takes place in the Orchard Conference Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 2569 Dobbin Road.

Presided over by West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, the gathering features a panel discussion designed to highlight how peace functions within the local region. Featured speakers include Chaplain Don Richmond of West Kelowna Fire Rescue and the West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club, Professor Manik Dhir of Okanagan College, shadow finance MLA Gavin Dew of Kelowna-Mission, Dr. Arvind Ravindran, who serves as Country Coordinator for Heartfulness Institute Canada, and Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief for Black Press Media’s B.C. Interior Division and Yukon.

Invest in Peace Focuses on Individual Experience

Organizers stated in a press release that the central theme, “Invest in Peace,” emphasizes that peace can be cultivated individually and shared across the community. The initiative provides an inclusive space for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect and foster harmony across the Central Okanagan.

Beyond general discussions, attendees will participate in reflection and meditation techniques. The press release noted: “The program will move beyond conversation to personal experience, introducing participants to the heartfulness approach to inner peace, reflection and meditation, based on the belief that lasting community peace begins with the individual.”

Admission to the celebration is free, and attendees can reserve their seats in advance through Eventbrite.

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COMMUNITY

Unveiling event offers residents a first look at Kelowna’s future waterfront swim venue

Kelowna residents are invited to City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. to view the unveiled design for the city’s future waterfront swim venue.

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14 minutes ago

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September 20, 2026

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Waterfront design reveal scheduled for Sept. 20

Residents are invited to gather at the northwest corner of City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. for the unveiling of the design for Kelowna’s future swim venue.

According to a press release, the special gathering will mark a key milestone for the long-planned project, bringing together supporters, community partners, and local residents to view the initial design and learn about upcoming steps for the new waterfront destination.

Part of broader City Park upgrades

The planned swim venue is one component of the broader City Park Improvement Plan. The overall initiative encompasses several enhancements to the area, including upgraded lighting, enhanced water access, a new boardwalk, and a relocated dog beach.

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LOCAL

Why a Downtown Kelowna Assault Investigation Closed Without Charges

Kelowna RCMP have closed an investigation into an Aug. 9 downtown Water Street fight after the victim, who suffered serious injuries, decided not to press charges.

Published

2 days ago

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September 18, 2026

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RCMP Conclude Downtown Incident

An investigation into an August incident in downtown Kelowna has been closed after the injured party chose not to press charges. Kelowna RCMP officers have now concluded their file on the matter.

Late-Night Altercation on Water Street

The incident occurred around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, in the 1600-block of Water Street. Patrolling officers observed a group engaged in a heated argument. Before police could step in, the dispute turned physical when one man struck another, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain serious injuries.

Suspect Arrested and Police Investigation Completed

Paramedics treated the injured man at the scene before transferring him to the hospital for further medical care. Police arrested the suspect on site, subsequently releasing them with conditions and a scheduled court date. Although RCMP gathered video surveillance, witness statements, and documentation to prepare a report for Crown Counsel, the victim ultimately decided against pursuing charges. What caused the initial argument and physical fight remains unknown.

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