(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
April 13, 2019 – 7.30 a.m.
KELOWNA – Lance Kayfish doesn’t know what the Kelowna business world is all about.
The Kelowna Community Security Director met with corporate group representatives to discuss his plans to fight crime and homelessness. After that meeting, these groups issued press releases attacking his approach.
“We had a conversation and we still didn’t see each other at eye level,” he told iNFOnews.ca. “I’m not exactly sure where the breakup is. We are absolutely determined to move forward and I really appreciate our relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and the (Downtown Kelowna Association). ”
It’s about his response earlier this week to former RCMP Supt. Bill McKinnon’s November Public Safety Report.
“The chamber does not understand why the city decided not to endorse a key recommendation (from McKinnon) calling on the city to take a leadership role in bringing everyone together, including businesses affected by increasing crime and vandalism are affected. ” reads the press release signed by President of the Chamber of Commerce Nikki Csek and Executive Director Dan Rogers.
From Kayfish’s point of view, it may be necessary to create another committee for the 40 who are already serving in the city, but it’s not his first priority.
“One of the most pressing issues our community is facing right now is what needs we have for shelter, including the best place to find them,” said Kayfish. “We decided that the best way to quickly resolve this very important issue is to use a proven methodology and process that were used in the Journey Home process. We call it a design lab, but it really is a big, relieved committee. It’s a very structured, proven way to get feedback, input, and collaboration. We’re in the process of making vigorous plans to hold one soon, maybe next month. “
The process is led by the Journey Home society, which is focused on tackling homelessness. Business is included.
That’s not the main focus of the board’s concerns, Rogers told iNFOnews.ca.
“The work that Journey Home is undertaking has received tremendous support from the Chamber,” he said. “Much of what we hear from our members has to do with increased vandalism, criminal activity and drug trafficking. It’s not the homeless one. It is the criminals infiltrating downtown that are of concern. This is an RCMP issue and we will continue to address it with the RCMP. ”
The chamber’s letter also refers to Kamloops, where a former mayor headed a community committee. Rogers said this was a good example of the effectiveness of political leadership.
Kayfish countered by saying that different cities do things differently. But he is not ignoring the suggestion and will do further research.
“These are challenging topics,” said Rogers. “We thought we had everyone at the same table (that was the best way). But they will choose a different way to get involved and we will work through that and make sure the voices of our members and the people we represent are heard. ”
Kayfish said there are different avenues to lead. Sometimes that means supporting others, like Journey Home, who lead the way on certain issues.
“From a strategic perspective, we felt that the best way to achieve the intent of the recommendation was not to have a single committee, but to use a variety of approaches to ensure that collaboration and engagement took place,” said Kayfish. “The city is committed to leadership. We just want to do it strategically and effectively. Sometimes it takes time to build a good team, build a good mechanism to come to a solution.
Anecdotally, Rogers said, the business community across town is seeing no reduction in vandalism or crime, and that creates some frustration.
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