The Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) is fuming after someone decided to steal palm plants that livened up Highway 33.
The City of Kelowna along with URBA has been working hard to beautify several spaces in Rutland, and the stolen plants are a blow to the project. The beautification project has seen murals, hanging baskets, banners, and planters placed in several areas. But during the overnight hours on Tuesday, thieves made off with four palm plants that lived in planters along Highway 33. The thieves left one behind, but with each plant valued at $100, it is unlikely they will be replaced anytime soon.
The palms were stolen from these planters along Highway 33 (Photo Credit: Contributed)
URBA executive director Laurel D’Andrea can’t understand why someone would take off with the plants.
“What gives someone the right to take something that doesn't belong to them?” she asked. “Taxpayers paid for these, it is heartbreaking to see that someone would do this. This is our community, and these plants are to be enjoyed by all.”
Obviously frustrated by the act, D’Andrea says URBA is willing to offer a reward if the thieves are caught, but mostly, she just wants the plants back. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
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