Photo: Wayne Moore

Heather Friesen says there's a rape culture in Kelowna, one being perpetuated by the local RCMP.

Friesen alleges she was raped by a number of men 30-years ago, a report she says Kelowna RCMP considered unfounded.

Her story, in part, led to an internal review into how the local detachment deals with women who come forward with accusations of rape.

Her case was one of 40 per cent of all allegations in 2018 and 2019 deemed unfounded by the local RCMP. The provincial average is 15 per cent.

"If we believe the statistics, there's been 645 rapes in Kelowna in 2018, and only 88 were reported, that's rape culture," Friesen said on the steps of city hall Monday.

"It's because no one trusts the Kelowna RCMP to report, that's rape culture. The fact the city council of Kelowna doesn't says anything about this is rape culture. I'm tired of the silence."

She says the number of rapes committed last year comes from statistics that state only 12 per cent of rape victims actually come forward.

Friesen attended Monday's council meeting to try and get the attention of Mayor Colin Basran and council.

She briefly disrupted the meeting during a brief pause in the proceedings. "Since we're having technical difficulties, let's talk about rape," she said from the gallery while holding a sign that said in part, rape culture lives here.

She left after Basran asked her to be quiet as staff began a presentation.

Friesen says she wants to know why the RCMP review, completed a month ago, has not been released, and why the mayor refuses to speak with her.

"Why aren't they asking for the review?

"It's been over a month and we haven't heard a word. Why? Because they have to put their spin on it. I want answers. I'm tired of waiting."

She also accused the mayor of ignoring her emails and a request for a meeting.

It's an assertion he denies, saying he would gladly meet Friesen anytime.

"That is completely false. The last time she requested a meeting, she was yelling at me at a public meeting at UBCO," said Basran.

"I have not seen a formal request of her to meet with me. I'm not sure where that's coming from. She's not emailing me because I have received no emails from her."

Basran also defended council's lack of public reaction to the controversy, saying they are waiting for the review to be released.

Once it is made public, he says council will likely have a lot to say.

The review was complete near the end of January. At the time, local police said they were going over findings and recommendations of the review, and would provide an update soon.