OIB Development Corporation CFO Brian Titus points out that Senkulmen is the only proposed location for the correctional centre which is ready for construction.  “What we have been pushing is that our location is shovel-ready,” said Titus. “We have the infrastructure ready to go in: water, sewer, electrical and roads. So that gives us an advantage because it allows the province that much more time, instead of having to put in the infrastructure before starting construction on the (facility).”Another strength of the OIB submission, said Titus, is the support for the bid within the community. – quotes from Penticton Western

The Osoyoos Indian Band has put in a bid for the correctional facility in Senkulmen Business Enterprise Park. This proposal is on OIB land and has no connection to the Town of Oliver therefore the Band is within its rights to do whatever they believe is in their best economic interest. The Band employs a lot of non-native people and this projects has benefits for almost everyone; however no taxes would be paid to the Town because it is not our land .

Oliver Town Council has supported the OIB bid because there is a net economic gain that far outweighs the negatives articulated by anti-correctional facility groups using anecdotal information and assumptions of outcomes not based on facts or based on isolated individual experiences or the US correctional model which is different from Canada.

There would be an opportunity for local contractors to bid on construction work which would assist during the present slow-down. The amount of disposable income which this facility would create with 27o+ Corrections Officers and support staff is significant. If one adds the wages earned for maintenance services within the facility and outside in the grounds there is an opportunity for local businesses to really benefit; businesses such as garden maintenance, commercial cleaning and facility maintenance, gas stations, food markets, clothing stores hardware stores, restaurants and real estate offices. Schools would benefit from increased enrollment of children of employees who live in the area and there would be less likelihood of school closures.

Residents and business people in Oliver made it very clear during the last election that they wanted to see more job opportunities for young people, more stores locally with a greater selection of merchandise, more affordable homes for young families, fewer shoppers driving through Oliver to shop in Penticton and a general improvement in the economy. That is why Council got behind the OIB.

The Correctional Facility would be an important part of the overall economic boost that our community needs to continue maintaining roads, sewers, water systems and providing the services taxpayers want.

Pat Hampson