Installing surveillance cameras and improving lighting on Lakeshore Drive are among the safety measures recommended in a new crime prevention report, Penticton City Council will hear at its next meeting on Aug. 19.
In response to a "significant concentration of violent incidents" in the Lakeshore and Riverside areas over the last two years, the RCMP's local community policing team conducted Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), according to the city.
It identified "several areas of concern," including limited surveillance, inconsistent lighting, and lack of bylaw enforcement overnight.
As a result, on Aug. 19, city council will be asked to forward the following proposed measures to the Public Safety Advisory Committee for review:
鈥� Removing or relocating beach fire pits or limiting the hours of use;
鈥� Improving lighting in key dark areas;
鈥� Increasing enforcement, including changing overnight parking restrictions from 鈥渘o parking鈥� to 鈥渢ow away;
鈥� Installing CCTV cameras with appropriate signage
Statistics provided by city officials state that roughly half of the violent crimes in the downtown area over the last two years have occurred between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Of the 110 individuals identified as victims, it added, 33 per cent were in their 20s and 15 per cent were under the age of 19.
"A balanced approach, combining increased law enforcement visibility, strategic camera placement, signage, and selective monitoring is recommended," staff's report reads.
Although the aforementioned proposed measures have yet to take effect, the city says it has already taken steps to address safety in the area.
Since June 28, RCMP has conducted enhanced patrol shifts on Friday and Saturday nights along Lakeshore Drive, each staffed by one to two officers from 6:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Additional enhanced patrol shifts are confirmed through Labour Day. The bylaw team will also join select overnight shifts in the coming weeks to enforce overnight parking restrictions and the midnight park/beach closure times, according to the city.
Camera assessments, meanwhile, are currently underway to explore surveillance options in public spaces, with privacy protections in place.
鈥淟akeshore Drive is a place where people come to relax, connect and celebrate the beauty of our city,鈥� said Julie Czeck, the city's general manager of public safety and partnerships. 鈥淭his initiative reflects our commitment to making sure everyone feels safe here 鈥� day or night. We鈥檙e investing in smart, community-focused solutions that make a meaningful difference.鈥�
In its report 鈥� to be shared in full with council on Tuesday 鈥� city officials encouraged residents to stay aware and report any concerns they see in the area.
"While the city鈥檚 public safety team is leading these improvements, officials emphasize that safety is a shared responsibility," it reads. "Residents, businesses and visitors all play a role in fostering a respectful and secure environment."
