IT'S NOT ALL BAD

It's routine for Monty Martin to pick up used hypodermic needles off the
streets. He and his co-workers have collected 131 since May.

Still, it's disturbing to see the underbelly of Kelowna.

"I saw two guys shooting up under the bridge. It was the most disgusting
thing I've ever seen," he said.

Fellow worker Scott Schaffrick recalls being bothered by seeing a homeless
man who fell and was bleeding badly. Trained in level-one first aid,
Schaffrick helped keep the man calm and stable until the ambulance arrived.

It's all part of being the "eyes and ears of the city" as a downtown patroller.

Visible in their blue T-shirts, crews walk and bike through downtown
streets until midnight, watching out for people drinking, thieving or using.

But, it's not all bad.

On one patrol, a four-year-old was missing in City Park. The patrollers
were on the scene and the hunt ended with a happy reunion.

In another case, an elderly woman couldn't find her car. Again, the
patrollers were just what was needed to unite the confused woman with her
wheels.

And, going against the theory that men never ask for directions, a total of
99 men and 69 women have gone up to the patrollers to find their way.

The six patrollers are trained to deal with social issues as part of their
overall security program, which also includes safe handling of needles,
flagging and first aid. The plan is to make tourists and people working
downtown feel safe.

"Safety is usually the first priority for merchants," said Clint McKenzie,
Downtown Kelowna Association executive director. "We're seeing more
business areas implementing patrols."

It's a boon to those working downtown late into the evening. So far, 84
women have taken advantage of the safe walks for employees going from work
to their car. As the nights grow longer, the patrollers expect that number
to go up.

During the summer, the patrollers were busy in City Park. The RCMP have
been cracking down on open liquor, said McKenzie, and the patrollers have
done their share of reporting liquor sightings - almost 250 of them.

"We hate to have families downtown and not feel comfortable with open
alcohol. It's all part of the beach atmosphere but it makes some families
uncomfortable," McKenzie said.

The patrollers hit the streets in May and will be there until December.

A review at that time will decide if they'll continue. McKenzie is hoping
to lure in more financial help from ICBC, since the patrollers have
prevented at least one vehicle from being stolen.

Funding for the program comes from Human Resources Development Canada,
$90,000, the city of Kelowna, $25,000, and the Downtown Kelowna
Association, $60,000. Kelowna's patrol team is one of only three year-round
groups in Canada.