We ran a poll asking our readers how safe they feel in Kelowna.

Winning by a narrow margin, the majority of our readers, 46%, said 'no, I do not feel safe in Kelowna.'

This was followed very closely by 44% of voters stating 'yes, but less safe than I used to.'

The full results include:

• Yes, I feel safe in Kelowna, at 9%
• Yes, but less safe than I used to, at 44%
• No, I do NOT feel safe in Kelowna, at 46%
• Other/unsure, at 1%

Here is what they had to say:

if you look for trouble, you will find it!

I feel safe in my neighborhood, but would never walk by myself at night downtown. I’m uncomfortable walking on my own from work at KGH to the parking lot

We stayed downtown for six weeks while we were between homes last summer. We were verbally harassed and threatened multiple times when we were out walking during the day. At least once per weekend we saw or heard of someone being physically threatened while downtown. It was very concerning. 

I have lived here since 1973 and feel safe everywhere but  Downtown.  I am okay during the day but avoid downtown in the evening.

I no longer bring a purse Downtown at night.  Bike theft and car theft is also out of control.  I do feel less safe than when we first moved here

Doesn't matter if it is daytime, late afternoon or evening, I do not go into downtown Kelowna without having a buddy.  In fact I rarely use the services, stores and concerts due to safety concerns.  As someone, who has lived here for 30 years, with the growth came change, some great and not so great. There has always been a homeless issue, however, the City of Kelowna and Interior Health, accommodating injection sites and not taking care of the homeless issue is concerning.  I have had the experience of being assaulted in the later part of the daytime, and will never trusts the City to take care of my personal safety and that of others.  I openly tell friends, family, and acquaintances that downtown Kelowna is not safe, take precautions. I realized this is not unique to Kelowna, and precautions need to be taken in other Cities and Towns.  

There are way too many homeless people drifting around the city and I never know what to expect and what they are going to do.  I am continually appalled at the amount of litter they generate and leave all over the sidewalks and streets.

The city has been taken over by repeat violent offenders, violent homeless, open drug use everywhere, the city is a sewer of crime. Alberta looking better and better

I feel like i am always on guard scanning my surroundings, no i don't feel safe, especially alone

I feel Safer in Kelowna than in Vancouver, Nanaimo,Surrey, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City or any Other Major City in North America !!!