Let me formally introduce myself; my name is Maureen Doerr and I was born in Kelowna and moved with my family to Oliver in 1964.  We lived at what was known as Myers Flats, which is now Willowbrook.  I moved away for 15 years and in 1985 returned to Oliver. I raised my two children here, and my daughter, Julie, still resides in Oliver and is in business for herself, along with my step daughter, Nicole.  My son, Buddy, is in the Canadian Military and resides in Edmonton.

My working experience is in the banking, retail and the food industry for the past 26 years.    My family has always been very involved in the community as volunteers and I am no exception.  My volunteer work has been extensive over the years, one historically including the Oliver Ambassador program which I contributed over 25 years in various capacities. Most recently I have been directly involved with the Oliver Rotary Club, Oliver Business Association and Oliver Tourism Association.

Oliver has much to offer its citizen’s for such a small community.  I have lived in many small communities in BC , and passionately believe that Oliver is a very unique community – one we need to preserve what we have but at the same time, be visionary with its growth.
We must keep moving forward to encourage business and industry to look at Oliver as a viable option for relocation.  We have so much to offer with our agricultural base, our first class wineries, our neighbours the Osoyoos Indian Band, and the potential of our airport. Without the willingness to develop and prosper, our infrastructure will become a burden on the citizen’s to maintain and repair. I believe in smart growth with a strong economic development plan, and the completion of  the Airport Strategic Plan is another positive step forward for Oliver.  An airport is a vital part of any community looking to create a strong environment for business and industry; it moves us into the 21st century.

I am also interested in continuing to foster a positive economic relationship with the OIB as it is beneficial to all parties concerned.   With their pending application for the Correctional Centre on their land which was endorsed by the Oliver Business Association, I foresee the potential for business, increased school enrollment and much needed infrastructure trade jobs as well as eventual full time job opportunities.   The Osoyoos Indian Band has a proven track record of stimulating growth, and is now focused on a new housing development and potential hotel which positively affects Oliver. I would like to encourage the citizens to become engaged in the decision making and political process.

If only 30% of citizens exercise their right to vote, then only 30% of the citizens have the right to voice their opinion.  We all have a choice to become involved and I hope to get more people engaged in the decision making process so that decisions made at a municipal level reflect the majority, not just a token few. I have a very strong belief in Oliver as a great community, but to continue into the future we must be forward thinking and open to all stakeholders.   I am running for council to ensure that we continue to MOVE FORWARD….For a Vibrant Sustainable Community for All Citizens.