RCMP lead search for Winnipeg woman missing near Peachland, B.C.

PEACHLAND, B.C. – RCMP and search and rescue teams continue to scour a forested area of B.C.’s Okanagan Valley for missing Winnipegger Kara Stoyanowski, 24.

Stoyanowski was camping with her boyfriend when she walked away from the van they were travelling in. She’s been missing in the woods north of Peachland, B.C., for more than a week. She was wearing a shirt, shorts and flip-flops when she walked away.

“We’re still optimistic,” said Stan Wieczorek, a search and rescue worker. “There’s water. It is cold at night, but she should be able to survive it quite easily.”

READ MORE: Search for missing camper enters week two

The Southeast District RCMP’s serious crimes unit is overseeing the search.

“We’re hopeful we’re going to find her,” said Cpl. Jeff Shore of the serious crimes unit.

Shore said it’s not unusual for RCMP to oversee a search and he’s not sure how unusual it is for the serious crimes unit to take part.

“It’s a large search, covering a vast area, and we’re looking at as many different angles as possible.”

READ MORE: Winnipeg woman missing in the Okanagan

RCMP said they are aware of Stoyanowski’s past involvement with police.

Kara Stoyanowski, 18, was convicted of aggravated assault in Manitoba in 2009, and a woman with the same name was charged with possessing marijuana and cocaine in 2011.