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

7 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

Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home

Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.

Published

2 days ago

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October 25, 2026

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RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area

An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.

RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.

Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.

“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.

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LOCAL

Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search

Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.

Published

2 days ago

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October 25, 2026

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Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97

A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.

Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest

Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.

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HEALTH

Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four

The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.

Published

6 days ago

on

October 21, 2026

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Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident

Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.

DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.

Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances

BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.

According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

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