What otherwise would have been a quiet day for a coffee shop in downtown Kelowna, took a turn Thursday morning.
Customers were enjoying beverages at Bliss Bakery on Ellis Street when a man, passing by from Cawston Avenue, randomly picked up a patio chair from in front of the shop and threw it against the window.
Owner Darci Yeo said thankfully the chair bounced off the window, where a woman was sitting just behind the glass.
But he picked up the chair and tried again, showering glass everywhere as the chair sailed through the store.
It was like everyone was in shock, Yeo害羞草研究所檚 husband, Barry said.
Two customers then chased after the man.
In the seven years the shop has operated, Yeo said she害羞草研究所檚 never had anything like this happen before, but in past few weeks has seen an increase in incidents involving the harassment of employees and customers, people sleeping in the shop, and stealing small items like sugar.
A new temporary homeless shelter run by the John Howard Society, just down the road on Ellis St. opened in the past few weeks.
害羞草研究所淚t is pretty much at capacity every night and in the mornings we are getting a full-20 coming over to our drop-in centre next door,害羞草研究所� said Laurence East, pastor with Metro Community.
Metro Community church purchased the old Central Okanagan Food Bank, which is currently being used as an emergency shelter. Previously it was being renovated to serve the needs of its membership.
READ MORE: Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 new temporary shelter a success on first night
Those renovations went on hold when a decision was made to use the space for a temporary shelter while temperatures dipped to sub zero levels and pre-existing shelter spaces filled up.
Crystal Russell has owned the neighbouring business Chai Babba tea for the last five years of its 10 years on Ellis Street.
She said, in a previous interview with the Capital News, when the building was used by the food bank and now, with Metro Church moving in, there have been occasional incidents with people struggling with mental health issues interacting in a negative way with customers and employees.
Their motto, however, is to 害羞草研究所渢reat everyone with the same kindness you want to be treated with,害羞草研究所� she said.
害羞草研究所淲hat would help with that is some resources for when trouble arises. It害羞草研究所檚 too much to call for police in those times,害羞草研究所� said Russell. She also said that she害羞草研究所檇 like people to be treated with dignity. The Downtown Patrol can help, but they tend to be slow.
READ MORE: Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 temporary shelter may be open longer
Other than these incidents, Russell said, the neighbourhood takes care of itself and despite its increasingly urban reality has maintained a small town feel.
carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
