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Kelowna's mayor says he should have waited for the results of an investigation before commenting on the high number of unfounded sexual assault cases at the local RCMP detachment.

Upon release of an investigation that showed 40 per cent of sexual assault cases reported to the Kelowna detachment in 2018 and 2019 had been deemed unfounded, Colin Basran stated he was satisfied investigating officers were doing the best with the resources they have.

“I am sorry and offer my sincere apology to anyone offended or hurt by my initial reaction to this news," Basran stated in a second statement issued Friday.

"The number of local sex assault complaints deemed to be unfounded is deeply concerning, and I know the local detachment is taking this matter seriously."

Basran said it's the job of the city to ensure matters of concern to the public are addressed, and he has asked city staff to remain in contact with police until the review is complete.

“I support what the Kelowna RCMP has done in response to this new information from Statistics Canada – starting with an internal review and a subsequent request to have the RCMP’s Sexual Assault Review Team at national headquarters review the 2018 and 2019 files.

"That review will determine RCMP next steps."

Basran says he will not comment further until the investigation is complete.