A large police presence downtown Kelowna on Canada Day helped to ensure the safety of those enjoying the festivities, according to RCMP.
From July into the morning hours of July 2, officers in Kelowna responded to approximately 170 files ranging from thefts, and impaired driving, causing a disturbance and reported missing people, all of whom were located.
A man with Down Syndrome who was last seen downtown enjoying the Canada Day festivities with a group of people was reported missing. However, an RCMP officer found the man downtown at about 4:37 p.m. July 1, and helped him to reunite with his loved ones.
RCMP patrolled the city on foot, on bikes and boats throughout the day and evening.
Cpl. Michael Gauthier said officers arrested 15 individuals for causing a disturbance by being drunk in public, as well three impaired drivers were removed from city roads, all of whom were fined with immediate roadside prohibitions.
“Having a significant police presence throughout the city, especially in our downtown core, was instrumental not only in monitoring the influx of Canada Day participants but in socializing with them and offering a sense of safety for the thousands of participants taking in the long weekend celebrations,” said Cpl. Gauthier.