A number of B.C. mayors, including Tom Dyas of Kelowna, took their concerns about public disorder to the steps of the provincial legislature this week.

The mayors say there’s been a widespread surge in problems recently associated with unhoused people, criminals, and those with drug and alcohol addictions.

Downtown business owners are grappling with vandalism, theft, and random acts of violence at levels never before experienced in B.C. communities, the mayors say.

“Municipalities are on the front lines of public safety, managing day-to-day impacts of repeat crime, untreated mental health and addictions, and a justice system stretched thin, but we cannot make the systemic changes that are needed,” Dyas said.

“From the federal government, we need bail reform. From the province, we need

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