Kelowna closing community policing office

Kelowna council has decided to close the KLO Community Policing Office and instead boost resources at the Rutland Community Policing Office.

It’s part of a review of all existing RCMP crime prevention programs and services.

“From 2014 to spring 2020, the KLO CPO, staffed by city employees, provided limited assistance to the public including minor offence reporting, connection with police members and the provision of information relating to crime prevention and community policing concerns,” a staff report to council stated.

The Uptown Rutland Business Association and the Rutland Residents Association have asked for enhanced policing services in their community.

“Based on a conservative estimate of $20,000 annually for a portion of salaries for two city employees required to staff the CPO, the annual operating cost is nearly $78,000 for 300 walk-ins (~$260 / walk-in),” the staff report added.

The KLO (Mission) CPO has been open since 1996, and relocated from Lakeshore Road in 2014 to inside the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) building. Until June 2017, the CPO also served as the worksite for eight police services’ staff, six RCMP members (not assigned) and some volunteer programs.

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In other Kelowna council news, Kelowna’s outdoor patio program has been extended until the end of October.

The program, which had 33 businesses taking part from June to October last year, allows merchants to expand existing service areas while still complying with provincial health regulations.

Businesses that applied under last year’s program will need to reapply for 2021.

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Council endorsed a plan to increase green infrastructure in Kelowna’s public road rights of way.

As climate continues to change, green infrastructure can help address the anticipated increased storms, heat waves and flooding.

Options range from green roofs and cisterns, to swales, permeable pavement, and more trees alongside streets.

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The Municipal Properties Tree Bylaw will be amended to improve tree protection on city property.

The bylaw amendments will help better protect trees during construction and increase fines for those who damage trees.