The once-peaceful downtown core of Kelowna is facing an unexpected crisis as local business owners grapple with escalating teen vandalism that has shattered more than just storefront windows. Restaurant owner Neil Martens has become the reluctant face of this growing problem, taking to social media with a desperate plea after his establishment, Central Kitchen + Bar, became the target of recurring destructive incidents.
“We’re at our breaking point,” Martens told CO24 News in an exclusive interview. “This isn’t typical teenage behavior—it’s calculated destruction that’s costing us thousands in damages and creating a hostile environment for our staff and customers.”
Surveillance footage from Central Kitchen + Bar captured a disturbing pattern: groups of teens, typically aged 13 to 16, deliberately vandalizing property, harassing patrons, and creating disturbances that have forced the restaurant to close early on multiple occasions. What began as minor incidents has escalated to smashed windows, damaged furniture, and even threats toward employees attempting to intervene.
The economic impact has been severe for businesses already struggling with post-pandemic recovery. “We’ve spent over $8,000 in repairs this year alone,” Martens explained, pointing to a recently replaced window. “That’s money that should be going toward staff wages or improving our customer experience.”
The situation reflects a troubling trend across Canada where youth-related vandalism has increased by 18% in urban centers since 2021, according to recent statistics from the Canadian Police Association. In Kelowna specifically, reported incidents involving teen vandalism have doubled in the downtown core over the past 18 months.
Local authorities acknowledge the problem but face limitations in addressing it. “These are predominantly minors, which restricts our enforcement options,” explained Kelowna RCMP Constable Janelle Thompson. “We’ve increased patrols in the area, but we need parental involvement and community support to create lasting solutions.”
The situation has sparked debate about deeper social issues. Youth advocacy groups point to insufficient recreational programs and mental health support following the pandemic, while business associations call for stricter enforcement and parental accountability.
“There’s clearly a disconnect between these teens and their understanding of how their actions affect real people and livelihoods,” said Downtown Kelowna Association spokesperson Michael Williams. “We need to address this through both immediate security measures and longer-term community programs.”
For Martens and other affected business owners, the path forward remains unclear. Many have invested in additional security systems and hired evening security personnel, creating unexpected operational costs. Some have adjusted their business hours, closing earlier to avoid the prime hours for disturbances.
The community response has offered a glimmer of hope. Following Martens’ social media post, local residents organized volunteer groups to maintain a visible presence near vulnerable businesses during evening hours. This grassroots initiative has shown early signs of deterring vandalism.
“We don’t want to vilify these kids,” Martens emphasized. “But we need parents to know where their children are and what they’re doing. And we need these teens to understand that their actions have real consequences for people trying to make an honest living.”
As Kelowna approaches the busy summer tourism season, the question weighing on the minds of many business owners is whether this crisis represents a temporary phase or a fundamental shift in the social fabric of this Okanagan community. Can a balance be found between supporting youth development and protecting the livelihoods of those who form the economic backbone of the city?
