Businesses along Sutherland Avenue say issues related to an increased homeless population are extending out of downtown.
Kelowna councillor Ryan Donn says he met with three business owners in the Capri neighbourhood this week.
"We booked a meeting to talk to them (on Wednesday). Also, it seems like the concern has been below the radar, is what I would suggest. Now it seems to be getting a little louder in the community, they're feeling unsafe and they've had some issues with theft and some needles on the ground, kind of thing," he said.
He says the businesses didn't ask for anything specific, but that he's asked them to bring collective concerns forward to council.
"I think that's an opportunity for them to share what's going on, so we can see what kind of supports we can provide," he said.
"There wasn't a specific request, it was more of a here's what's going on. I think now it's going to encourage them to have a collective voice, and then bring that to council, and encourage them to talk to council and staff as well."
Donn says he agrees there needs to be a balance between long-term plans like Journey Home, and resources that can help resolve issues in the meantime.
"What I heard was they don't feel safe, and they've got some significant issues with needles in the area. There are a few steps they're going to take, and I'm sure that there'll be a conversation at council on Monday on the topic, because I've had a call from a few councillors already," he said.
"We'll just try and catch up with the information and what's going on, and see what's happened in the past. And then there'll be a community conversation on where we go next."
When it comes to enforcement, the downtown is considered a "red zone", where troublemakers can be removed from if there are recurring issues.
The Sutherland strip is outside that specified red zone, and is close to the Inn from the Cold shelter, which now operates year-round instead of exclusively in the winter.