This Week I Heard: Across the City, Kelowna
Week six of Teresa May's 1,000 Conversations Tour across Kelowna: 371 conversations from Tower Ranch to Rutland to Landmark, on youth and recovery, traffic and road safety, struggling local businesses, city transparency, and affordability.
This week I connected with people all over Kelowna — door knocking in Tower Ranch and Rutland, two coffee sessions and the market at Landmark, a bike tour, a community hike, Tai Chi, and the mall.
371 conversations this week. Running total: 666 / 1,000 · 6 / 13 neighbourhoods
This week’s number is bigger for two reasons: we simply did more — door knocking in Tower Ranch and Rutland, two coffee sessions and the market at Landmark, and several community events — and I added in some earlier conversations I hadn’t logged at the time.
What I heard most
Youth, recovery and homelessness. People are concerned about young people aging out of the system without the support, stability and caring adults they need. Too often, the path from instability to addiction and homelessness begins much earlier. We need effective recovery options, proper facilities, and people who genuinely care about helping individuals rebuild their lives.
Traffic and road safety. With increasing traffic and accidents, residents want safer roads and better traffic flow. Driver behaviour matters, but people are also asking whether traffic-light timing, intersections and road design can be improved as Kelowna grows.
Local businesses are struggling. Business owners told me that crime and disorder are affecting more than their sense of safety — they’re affecting their ability to stay in business. We need a downtown and a business community where customers, employees and entrepreneurs feel safe.
City spending and transparency. A question I heard repeatedly: why do residents sometimes find out about major City projects after decisions are already well underway? People want greater transparency and meaningful opportunities to have their say before major decisions are made.
Jobs, young people and affordability. Residents want more support for entrepreneurs and economic growth. They also want Kelowna to be a city where young people can build careers, afford a home and raise their families — rather than feeling they have to leave.
Two other community conversations came up this week: the proposed Performing Arts Centre and its location, and the future of the Kelowna Springs Golf Course and how we protect green space as our city grows.
And yes — across most of my conversations, homelessness, addiction and crime remain among the biggest concerns. These issues need to be addressed seriously. That means studying models that are producing measurable results elsewhere, learning from what works, and then taking real action here in Kelowna.
What people love
Our lifestyle. Our climate. Arts, music, theatre and recreation — and being a growing city that still doesn’t feel overwhelmingly large.
I also heard a great suggestion: more events and activities specifically for children and youth.
Election information
As election day gets closer, I’ve added a Voter Information page at teresamay.ca/vote with dates, voting locations and how to make your plan.
We can do better than roughly 30% turnout. Please get informed, please make a plan to vote, and most importantly — have your say in Kelowna’s future.
666 conversations and counting. I’m listening, and I’m not finished yet.
Teresa