Crime on the decline in Kelowna: Statistics Canada

Crime on the decline in Kelowna: Statistics Canada

Published 2:16 pm Wednesday, July 22, 2026

According to Statistics Canada, the results are starting to show that Kelowna is becoming a safer place.

​Statistics Canada releases an annual Crime Severity Index, which shows Kelowna has improved four spots among the country’s metropolitan areas for 2025, moving from fifth to ninth on the list.

​The Crime Severity Index measures changes in the level of severity of crime in Canada, with all crimes being assigned a weight based on their level of seriousness. The level of seriousness is based on the sentences handed down by the courts.

​Kelowna’s Crime Severity Index – which also includes Lake Country, West Kelowna and Peachland – went from 107.49 in 2024 to 103.68 in 2025.

​The Percentage Change in Crime Severity Index, as well as the Violent Crime Severity Index also dropped, going from 10.10 in 2024 to 3.54 in 2025, and 106.30 to 101.94 respectively.

​These numbers show crime in Kelowna is on the decline; however, a citizen survey done by the City of Kelowna in May indicates residents are feeling less safe in 2026.

​According to the survey, one in every four Kelowna residents feels unsafe, while only 13 per cent feel very safe.

Although Kelowna has seen an improvement compared to last year, the Kelowna RCMP recognizes that the Crime Severity Index (CSI) is only one measure and does not tell the whole story.

Kelowna RCMP tell Black Press Media that perceptions of community safety remain important and were identified as a key concern in the City of Kelowna Citizen Survey

“When reviewing the data, it is important to acknowledge that the CSI captures only Criminal Code offences and does not account for calls for service related to public disorder. Police continue to work closely with community partners to address the issues that matter most to Kelowna residents,” said media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang.

“At the same time, we remain focused on educating the public about the crimes that have the greatest direct impact on the community, including break and enters, assaults, and thefts. Public education, alongside proactive enforcement, ultimately contributes to a safer community.”

Lang and the Kelowna RCMP believe it is important to recognize the visible impacts that substance use, mental health challenges, and open drug use can have on perceptions of safety, as well as their contribution to public disorder.

“Addressing these complex issues requires a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, health-care providers, social service agencies, and local government.”