RCMP in the regional district will be subject to a regional management review.
Penticton RCMP detachment Inspector Brad Haugli told the regional district Protective Services Committee on September 6 that 25 officers will be conducting a review of the regional detachments in October. RDOS Directors will be contacted in order to assess satisfaction levels for policing services in the regional district.
Oliver area directors expressed dismay over transient issues this sumer, which they reported as being much higher this year.
It apppears that Oliver’s problems came as a result of enhanced enforcement levels of the transient problem in Osoyoos, as that community and surrounding area reported success with their program to hire extra police to deal with the summer influx.
“We experienced a huge number of complaints with respect to transients this year,” reported Oliver Director Ron Hovanes during the regional district’s Protective Services Committee meeting. “The push for law enforcement in Osoyoos pushed them up the valley - it was much worse this year.”
“Quebecers don’t seem to be finding the work here as in the past,” said Oliver rural Director Allan Patton. “Possibly because of the increase in Mexican labour.” Patton noted an increase in messes left by transients, adding that the Loose Bay campground was full.
It’s an ongoing problem,” he admitted, I don’t know what to do about it.”
Haugli acknowledged the director’s issues indicating that he would look at a regional solution to the issue next year.
Area “D” Director Tom Siddon expressed concerns about speeding vehicles on rural and community streets in Okanagan Falls and Kaleden. He questioned Haugli with respect to the acquisition of speed board signs for the regional district that could be shared around the various municipalities and electoral areas.
“It would be a great purchase,” Haugli answered, adding that COP volunteers manned the program in Penticton, which flagged speeding vehicles, who were subsequently issued a warning. Haugli said he would look into the cost of purchase.