Kelowna public safety push revisits earlier ideas

Kelowna announced a citywide CCTV registry and a Security Enhancement Rebate for businesses; some owners say the proposals mirror earlier initiatives and want clearer details.

Kelowna announced new measures aimed at supporting businesses affected by public disorder, including a citywide CCTV registry and a rebate program. Officials described the rebate as the Security Enhancement Rebate and said details are under review. Business owners at a community safety forum welcomed support but some expressed frustration that many proposals mirror previous efforts. City representatives said more program details will be available in the coming days. Key facts: - The city announced a CCTV registry open to businesses across Kelowna and a Security Enhancement Rebate that was initially proposed with a $2,000 maximum; officials later walked back that maximum while saying the program will proceed. - A pilot CCTV registry launched in 2020 with the RCMP and the Downtown Kelowna Association and had been limited to downtown areas. - City staff said they are reviewing feedback from the Community Safety Forum and will release further program details soon; the city did not specify where rebate funds would come from. - Some business owners, including Todd Daniels of Gallery Streetwear, said the initiatives repeat known ideas and expressed disappointment about limited progress, while the City of West Kelowna noted homelessness is affecting businesses and described routine bylaw patrols and outreach efforts. Summary: The announcements expand tools and proposed financial support for businesses affected by property crime, but several local owners said the measures reflect past efforts and called for clearer movement. City officials say they will publish more program details in the coming days while reviewing forum feedback. Undetermined at this time.