Kelowna will be looking into applying for provincial money for deer management but it believes the issue still falls under the province's jurisdiction.
The B.C. government is providing up to $100,000 to local governments and First Nations communities to help fund urban deer management projects for next year.
Mayor Colin Basran says it's frustrating that the situation is being "downloaded" onto municipalities when in the past conservation officers and the province have typically dealt with it.
“We believe by now classifying deer in the city as urban deer and now suddenly it’s somehow our issue to deal with is a little bit frustrating,” he says “But at least I’m happy to hear their willing to provide some funds.”
Basran says councillors have been hearing concerns from residents about deer. During the summer, an Upper Mission resident submitted a petition with over 1,200 signatures to the city, calling for a deer cull.
City staff will be making a presentation to council next month to discuss the issue, including whether the city will apply for the provincial funds.