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- calendar_today November 5, 2026
Longstanding Downtown Kelowna Salon Announces Closure
Kelowna Hair Design, a mainstay in downtown Kelowna for the past 15 years, is set to close its doors in March 2027. The closure comes after owner Colleen Woelders concluded that mounting issues related to crime and street disorder had become unmanageable.
Years of Service Come to an End
The salon, located on Gordon Drive, has been a familiar presence for clients and community members. Pat Cudmore, a hairstylist who has worked at the salon for the past 15 years and has been in the hair industry for nearly five decades, faces an uncertain future with the impending closure. Cudmore has cultivated a loyal clientele over her 48-year career, much of it spent at the Kelowna Hair Design location.
Owner Reports Repeated Crime and Disorder
Owner Colleen Woelders cited ongoing and repeated incidents of vandalism and property damage as major contributors to the decision. The salon has experienced broken windows and doors, as well as persistent issues with garbage and debris accumulating around the business. "We’ve dealt with axes, we’ve got knives, broken windows, broken doors," Cudmore added, reflecting on the variety of incidents staff have faced.
Staff Face Direct Threats
Kelowna Hair Design's employees have encountered not only vandalism but also threatening individuals. Cudmore described incidents involving people carrying weapons, including a machete, a gun, axes, and knives near the business. Such experiences have taken a toll on staff and contributed to the owner's difficult choice to close.
Impact on Employees and Community
The decision to close Kelowna Hair Design marks the end of an era for its employees and long-standing clients. For Cudmore, who has spent 48 years as a hair stylist, losing the salon means saying goodbye to a dedicated customer base and the familiarity of her workplace of 15 years.
Closure Set for March 2027
The salon's final day will come in March 2027, bringing an end to what was once a thriving local business. Both Woelders and Cudmore point to ongoing social disorder, property damage, and vandalism incidents as the primary reasons behind the business closure. The situation highlights the challenges some downtown Kelowna businesses face due to persistent street disorder and safety concerns.
Source: globalnews.ca.
