BURSTWest Kelowna–Peachland MLA Macklin McCall isn’t happy with an encampment in the Trepanier area and a recent violent incident that took place there.
Currently, West Kelowna RCMP are investigating an incident of intimate partner violence that occurred on Sunday, April 19, at the Trepanier Road encampment.
As a result of the incident, a man is facing charges of assault, forcible confinement and failure to comply with a release order after being arrested following a large police presence in the area.
According to RCMP, officers attended the scene after a woman was found with facial injuries at the corner of Trepanier Road and Trepanier Court. Due to the nature of the situation, an Emergency Response Team (ERT) was called to the scene.
“Police learned the woman had allegedly been assaulted by her intimate partner,” said West Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Ash Puri. “Further investigation determined the male suspect was also in breach of court-ordered release conditions prohibiting contact with the woman.”
On Tuesday, April 21, McCall went to X to say his stance on the matter.
“A violent intimate partner assault near the Trepanier Road encampment is a stark reminder that this situation can’t wait,” said McCall. “Peachland residents have been raising the alarm for months, about public safety, increasing environmental damage, and the very real forest fire risk as we head into another dry season.”
He added these concerns are serious and are growing, adding he’s been working with the province on the situation and is encouraged by their engagement.
“First responders and neighbours are being put at risk. The surrounding environment is being impacted. This situation requires urgent, coordinated action,” said McCall. “We need solutions that prioritize safety, protect our forests, and support vulnerable people, and we need them now.”
It’s unknown how long the encampment has been in the Trepanier neighbourhood.