Paula Quinn pulls no punches.
The executive director of the Downtown Kelowna Association admits downtown is seeing increased drug-and-mental-health-related activity, more homeless encampments, broken windows and doors, theft, violence, aggression, persistent crime, vandalism, street disorder and spiked fear and anxiety for store, restaurant and business staff.
“Small and medium-sized businesses in Kelowna want what every worker deserves -- to come to work safely, serve customers, and go home without fear,” said Quinn.
“This is not about blaming people who are struggling. It’s about ensuring access to on-demand, wraparound care for those facing mental-health and addiction challenges, while keeping storefronts, workers, and the public safe.”
Quinn is reacting to a just-released survey by Business Improvement Areas of BC, which represents 55,000 businesses in 80 downtowns, main streets and commercial districts through the province.
The statistics in the report are shocking.
67% of businesses surveyed said street disorder has increased in the past year -- specifically citing the aforementioned drug and mental health fuelled disruption, homelessness, vandalism, theft, violence and aggression.
74% of businesses said these conditions have increased fear and anxiety for staff.
And the mess is affecting businesses' bottom lines.
57% report a reduction in customer and street traffic.
61% have increased operating expenses due to crime and vandalism.
And, 19% of businesses may not be financially viable beyond the next year if conditions do not improve.
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Despite all this, downtown Kelowna is generally a desirable place for people to be -- be they locals or tourists.
There are lakefront beaches and parks and watersports, restaurants and patios, and even a couple of blocks of Bernard Avenue are pedestrianized, oodles of shopping and art installations.
“Our downtown is resilient and proud,” said Quinn.
“With the right provincial investments and coordinated local action, we can reduce harm, restore confidence, and keep our commercial heart vibrant for residents and visitors alike.”
In conjunction with the Business Improvement Areas of BC, the Downtown Kelowna Association is asking various levels of government and public agencies for:
- A province-wide, coordinated plan that expands on-demand, wraparound mental-health and addiction treatment services, available regardless of where someone lives in BC
- Targeted investments in health outreach, supportive housing with treatment supports, and better coordination across health, housing, justice, and social services
- Policies and resources to address prolific, non-violent offenders, paired with pathways into treatment and accountability
- Support for storefront security and recovery, including practical tools and funding to help businesses repair damage and prevent repeat incidents
What the Downtown Kelowna Association is doing right now:
- Operating and enhancing Downtown On-Call support and the Clean Team to assist businesses, respond to concerns, and maintain a welcoming public realm
- Working closely with the City of Kelowna, RCMP, health and social-service partners to coordinate responses and share timely information
- Providing training, guidance, and reporting channels for members to help staff de-escalate safely and document incidents effectively
- Advocating for sustained, evidence-based solutions that balance compassion with community safety
On this same topic, KelownaNow video host Jim Csek spoke with Business Improvement Areas of BC president Jeremy Heighton, who is also executive director of the North Shore Business Improvement Association in Kamloops.
Watch that interview here:
