A new group has been formed to provide a voice for anyone in Kelowna who wants responsible development to happen.

Spokesperson Duane Tresnich says "we want to make sure that developers know that this city will welcome their plans and ideas".

Tresnich adds "the group also wants to make sure that Kelowna City Council knows there are people out here who want revitalization to take place and we will support them in this venue".

Lawson Landing is the first project the Move Kelowna Forward committee has decided to voice their approval for as a group.

[ Source: Castanet.net News - Posted: September 18 / 12:27 pm Story# 4103 / RT ]

[ Source: Downtown Kelowna Association ]

That question is being addressed by various parties following an increase in complaints.

"A lot more people including drug dealers and aggressive panhandlers are staking claim to the area," says Clint Mackenzie of the Downtown Kelowna Association. "Drug trafficking is an ongoing problem that seems to be escalating."

In an effort to curb the trend, Kelowna RCMP now have two full-time officers patrolling the downtown area.

"All departments within the city have seen an increase over last year and we're just trying to stay on top of things before they become uncontrollable," says Mackenzie.

He adds that some local businesses have also been complaining about the deteriorating conditions in the downtown area. Some have even moved to another location.

[ Source: Castanet.net News - Posted: August 30 / 3:26 pm Story# 3735 / KH ]