'Status quo not working': Kelowna mayor responds to critics of rail trail homeless camp actions

Big changes are coming to the Okanagan Rail Trail homeless encampment in Kelowna after this week's aggressive cleanup operation by authorities and mayor Tom Dyas is commenting for the first time about why it was necessary. Unhoused people living along the rail trail were faced with police officers and other city authorities this week, when the city decided to tear down the encampment for its annual spring cleanup without warning anyone. https://infotel.ca/newsitem/arrests-made-during-kelowna-rail-trail-homeless-encampment-spring-cleanup/it108599  There were eight arrests made at the site as of yesterday morning, including an incident where a woman says her tent was cut open and police took her dog away while she was eating breakfast. The site has been fenced off and access to the camp is being restricted. There are police officers and private security guards locking the place down and only allowing access to those who are sheltering at the site and support workers. “In recent months, there has been a rise in criminal activity at the outdoor sheltering site, creating safety concerns for those staying there, as well as for the surrounding community. These challenges have affected nearby residents and businesses and, in some cases, made it more difficult for people in need to access the site safely,” Dyas said in a written statement. Dyas said there needs to be a change. There are going to be new rules at the site https://infotel.ca/newsitem/big-changes-coming-to-kelownas-tent-city-after-spring-cleanup/it108609 to make it regulated like an indoor shelter. “It is clear that the status quo is not working, for those sheltering there, for first responders, or for the surrounding community. It’s time to do something different,” he said. “At the same time, we must ensure the site remains safe for everyone. "That’s why we are implementing enhanced health and security measures, including 24/7 security and controlled access. These changes will create a safer, more structured environment for those seeking peaceful shelter and a path to stable housing. We are also maintaining space for those needing overnight shelter, ensuring continued access to essential services and support.” There are going to be 60 sites where people are allowed to stay long term, and then a space designated for temporary overnight stays where people will have to pack up all their belongings and leave during the day. The last rough estimate of people living along the rail trail was more than 80. Kelowna’s community safety director Kevin Mead said the security measures are in place for the residents’ safety as well as the surrounding community. Mead said there was an incident a few nights ago when a group of 10 people showed up to the encampment in an effort to intimidate the people living there. The mayor said managing the homelessness situation in Kelowna is a priority for council and the city. “We recognize that many in our community are facing challenges, whether due to addiction, mental health struggles, or other hardships. People deserve access to the support they need to rebuild their lives,” Dyas said. “These steps will help ensure the site is safer — not only for those using it but also for service providers, first responders and the broader community. Our goal remains clear: to protect public safety while working toward real solutions for people seeking a path out of homelessness.” To contact a reporter for this story, email Jesse Tomas mailto:jtomas@infonews.ca  or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. Find our Journalism Ethics policy here. https://infotel.ca/newsitem/code-of-ethics/it106782 We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .