Summary Paragraph:

We urge the Kelowna City Council to address the increasing population and safety risks posed by deer encounters in Lower Mission. With numerous incidents of aggressive deer behaviour toward residents, including close calls with pets and family members, it is evident that the current deer population poses a threat to public safety. As Kelowna invests in making Lower Mission more pedestrian-friendly, it is essential to ensure these spaces are safe for all. We respectfully request that the Council take action to manage the deer population, promoting a safe, enjoyable environment for the community.

Below is a formal petition that we intend to bring to city council once we have enough support from the community

Formal Petition to Kelowna City Council:
Action Required on Deer Safety Issues in Lower Mission

To: Kelowna City Council

Subject: Request for Prompt Action on Deer-Related Safety Concerns in Lower Mission

Purpose:
We, the undersigned residents of Kelowna and supporters, respectfully petition the Kelowna City Council to address the escalating safety risks associated with frequent and aggressive deer encounters in Lower Mission.

Statement of Concern:
As a resident of Lower Mission, I have noticed an unsettling rise in deer-related encounters in our neighborhood over the last few years. Deer are frequently seen roaming residential streets and yards, grazing on shrubs and plants with little fear of human presence. Although deer are a valued part of our natural landscape, the size of these herds and their proximity to residents has now become a safety issue.
Recently, my own family has experienced alarming encounters:

Aggressive Behavior: I personally had a close call with a doe that charged me as I attempted to avoid her and her fawn on a trail. Despite my attempt to avoid her, the doe charged me from behind as I walked away before I eventually scared it off.

Incident with My Son: My teenage son was cornered by a deer while walking our dog, which resulted in the deer attempting to stomp the dog. A passing driver intervened, allowing my son to escape by jumping into her car.

Risk to Vulnerable Family Members: My mother-in-law, who is frail but enjoys neighborhood walks with her small dog, now fears going out alone. A sudden encounter with an aggressive deer could result in severe injury to her, especially if she were knocked over or injured while attempting to avoid the animal.

These incidents are not isolated. Many neighbors have shared similar stories and concerns, and it’s becoming clear that these aggressive deer encounters are a growing issue that cannot be ignored. If I've had two personal encounters in my family I have to imagine that this is happening often in the neighbourhood. 

One of the primary challenges is the inability to predict or avoid these encounters. Deer often remain nestled in foliage or behind corners along sidewalks and paths, making it nearly impossible to anticipate when and where you might encounter a herd as you walk around to enjoy our beautiful the neighbourhood. This unpredictability, combined with the lack of natural fear the deer display, leaves residents vulnerable. In many cases, attempting to back away calmly is ineffective, as some deer will continue to approach or display significant aggression regardless. Often their fawns are behind you by the time you encounter the adults so your safe path is blocked

Impact on Community Safety and City Investments:
Kelowna is investing heavily in developing parks, green spaces, and pedestrian pathways in Lower Mission, making it a more vibrant and walkable area. These improvements have enhanced the quality of life for residents and attracted more foot traffic, aligning with the City’s vision to foster active, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods.

However, without addressing the safety risks posed by the growing deer population, these investments may not reach their full potential. Residents—particularly families, seniors, and pet owners—now express hesitance or even fear when using these public spaces due to the threat of deer aggression. This undermines the City’s efforts to promote a safe, walkable environment and risks deterring people from engaging fully with these community spaces. 

Proposed Actions:
We are requesting that the City Council deal with this problem and:

• Prioritize community safety by addressing the growing deer population in Lower Mission.
• Consider effective deterrent or relocation programs to manage deer presence in residential areas.
• Evaluate potential measures that would allow residents to safely enjoy our community without fear of wildlife aggression
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Support from the Community:

To highlight the urgency of this issue, we aim to collect 200+ signatures from residents in Lower Mission and nearby areas who share our concerns. We will then present this petition to City Council, advocating for prompt and meaningful action to improve safety in our neighborhood.

News Reports Supporting the Concerns:
Recent reports of deer attacks in Kelowna underscore the seriousness of this issue:

Woman injured and dog killed in deer attack
Aggressive deer chases West Kelowna woman and her dog
Kelowna jogger attacked by buck

Petition Request:
We urge Kelowna City Council to consider this petition as a formal request for action and to allocate the necessary resources and strategies to address the deer safety issue in Lower Mission. By doing so, the City can ensure that its investments in parks and pedestrian infrastructure are not only attractive but also safe for residents to enjoy, furthering Kelowna’s reputation as a livable and family-friendly community.

Thank you for considering our request. Together, we hope to restore the balance between our community’s safety and the natural environment.

Signature Collection Goal: 200+ signatures from Lower Mission and surrounding areas.