Bylaw goes where action is

Photo: City of West Kelowna

Bylaw officers in West Kelowna have a new home.

Beginning today, bylaw will work out of the Westbank Lions Community Centre in an effort to be closer to some of the city's problem areas.

“We’ve heard our community’s concerns and council and I believe that this latest effort will go a long way to addressing many of the social and public safety issues that West Kelowna citizens have raised,” said Mayor Gord Milsom.

“This is just the latest step – our efforts continue and more solutions are on the way.”

Officials say the decision to relocate the bylaw office was reinforced by concerns from both residents and businesses during a town hall meeting on social issues in June.

“Our efforts must be a combination of enforcement and compassion,” said Milsom.

“Like many communities across Canada, we are coping with complex social issues, not just homelessness, and we must ensure that public safety in downtown West Kelowna is paramount.

"At the same time however, we must continue to work with other governments and agencies to establish more supportive services and social housing to help people who are experiencing homelessness.”

The city is working with numerous other agencies and governments, including Westbank First Nation, BC Housing, plus other government and social groups to a number of health and social support initiatives.

These include establishment of a Situation Table to help people in crisis find services, supporting the West Kelowna Shelter Society and lobbying BC Housing and the Ministry of Health for more social and healthcare services.