The Mayorsa国际传媒檚 Task Force on Crime Reduction presented its strategy to tackle crime and enhance community safety in Kelowna at councilsa国际传媒檚 May 27 meeting.

Since June 2023, the task force has reduced more than 50 recommendations to seven initiatives and 20 action measures.

Task force members Carmen Remple and Laura Thurnheer noted the importance of community involvement and collaboration with the provincial government over the last 11 months.

sa国际传媒淚t truly takes us all,sa国际传媒� Remple said.

The recommendations include increasing RCMP police visibility in business districts, more resident engagement and education in time prevention and reduction, expanding the business CCTV registry program, and exploring a residential program.

Remple proposed expanding the citysa国际传媒檚 from the current 68 to over 100, particularly in communities needing organizational help.

sa国际传媒淲e also see an opportunity for a residential CCTV program,sa国际传媒� she added, noting that other Canadian cities have implemented similar measures.

Another recommendation outlined increased support for treatment and recovery programs.

Thurnheer explained opportunities such as a sobering assessment centre, and multi-care facility to help individuals transition from the streets to self-sustainability.

The task force urged action on repeat offending, particularly those with complex mental health and substance use issues.

Council members praised the efforts of the task force and city staff. There was significant support for the sobering and multi-care facilities.

sa国际传媒淚t sounds like yousa国际传媒檙e doing everything we want you to do,sa国际传媒� Coun. Charlie Hodge added.

Mayor Tom Dyas, who chaired the task force, pointed out that crime and community safety is a top council priority and thanked members for their work.

sa国际传媒淭heir insights and perspectives have been invaluable.sa国际传媒�

Staff will evaluate the feasibility and timing of implementing the recommendations, and the task force plans to meet again in September.

For more information about the task force report, visit the .

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