City launches internal third-party whistleblower service

City of West Kelowna staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants now have a confidential third-party Whistleblower Office to report suspected wrongdoing involving the City of West Kelowna. 

On Jan. 13, 2026, West Kelowna Council approved Confidential Reporting (Whistleblower) Policy No. 0014. The policy supports Council’s expectations of corporate integrity and is a best practice for local governments who wish to promote, support, and protect ethical employee behaviour.

“We are committed to operating at the highest level of corporate integrity and putting a confidential reporting process in place for staff is a best practice for local government,” said chief administrative officer Ron Bowles. “An important part of our commitment to being open and accountable to the community is providing a safe and accessible way for staff to report serious wrongdoing.” 

The Whistleblower Office is staffed by independent investigators from Southern Law LLP. The confidential reporting system has been designed to keep reports confidential and handled only by those who need the information to investigate.

The Confidential Reporting (Whistleblower) Policy defines suspected wrongdoing as any activity or behaviour including, but not limited to:

• contravention of local, provincial, or federal law or regulation;
• negligent or improper management;
• gross mismanagement of City funds or assets;
• a substantial danger to the environment or public health and safety;
• breach of public trust, or
• an attempt to cover up any of the foregoing.

Any report of suspected wrongdoing filed under this policy must be done in good faith and based on grounds and information that the employee believes to be true and accurate. It is not intended for situations covered by other reporting processes such as occupational health and safety matters and respectful workplace conduct.

West Kelowna staff have been provided with the contact process and information for the Whistleblower Office.