Entrepreneurs along the 1000 block of Richter Street are increasingly concerned about what they call a surge in criminal activity in the area.
“It’s awful,” said Shari McDowell, owner of Azimuth Solar Products and Aquassure. “I never thought it would be that bad.”
McDowell, who has run her Aquassure business at this location for 10 years, said she has never experienced this level of crime.
“People who shot right in front of the shop parked in front of the house. I’ve been threatened more than once, people walking around with big sticks and hitting the building. I was scared to leave the building, ”she said.
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McDowell said she noticed the rise in crime after a homeless shelter opened across the street earlier this year.
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“It never occurred to me that when you have a shelter, all dealers are drawn into this area to look after their customers. And then all of the customers who didn’t live in the shelter were drawn to the area, ”McDowell told Global News.
“In two months there will be an incredible difference in the road feel.”
Geoff Storozuk owns Altered Ego Motorsports a few steps away and echoed the same concerns.
“Since the shelter came across the street, we’ve only had problems with problems, drug users, needles and utensils. They keep breaking back into the courtyard, ”said Storozuk. “I come seven days a week to check my property.”
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Both business owners said that something needs to be done to improve the situation for everyone involved, including customers.
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“It’s not healthy for any of the companies down here, and it’s really rough. It’s difficult at the moment, ”he said.
Storozuk said he didn’t know what the solution was but suggested that the police presence would likely help.
The shelter is operated by the Turning Points Collaborative Society.
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“I am heartbroken for all of the neighboring businesses around here dealing with the impact of people taking shelter outdoors or in our shelter,” said Caitlin McKenny, director of the shelter.
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McKenny said she was aware of some business concerns, adding that the shelter is working closely with the city to address some of the lingering concerns.
“It is very unfortunate that this is happening and it is something that will inevitably happen whether we are here or not. But we’re doing our best to increase the number of security patrols we conduct, ”McKenny said.
“The city will do the same to give the neighbors that peace of mind. We’re doing our best to make sure everyone in this community is safe and happy.”
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McKenny encouraged concerned business owners to communicate any issues with the shelter so they can follow up and take action if necessary.
“I just want the neighbors to know we care,” McKenny said. “We want to make sure everyone is happy.”
She also said companies can also communicate with RCMP and bylaw services so they can help too.
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The shelter was scheduled to close in late March but has been extended by BC Housing for a year to be operational until the end of March 2022.
McDowell is so concerned that she is considering moving her two businesses to another location.
“I’m thinking about moving to the other side of town so I can get out of it,” said McDowell.
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McDowell added that she has always supported services to those in need, but with the impact on her and the businesses around her being so significant, she is now at odds with herself on the matter.
“I’m actually in favor of having services for people and accommodation. I’ve always been a passionate advocate of such things and now I feel like a heartless person because I’m so upset about it, but I don’t know, “she said.
“I also struggle with myself about it because I feel like something needs to be done. We carry the main burden financially. “
In an email to Global News, Kelowna RCMP said it was impossible to attribute fluctuations in crime directly to a problem, but added that it is continuously monitoring residential and commercial properties as well as areas where there is increased police demand.
The police also encourage residents to always report suspicious and suspected criminal activity.
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