Council report – Part One

1. The Oliver Tourism Association told Oliver Council that it hopes to gather more money from the private sector to fund programs to attract visitors to the area. Beth Garrish told members of council Monday that the 2012 budget has increased to nearly $137,000 with the Town contributing $42000 and the Rural Area C $14000. The town also supplies the building for the Visitors Information Centre which is a further subsidy of $17000. The OTA has now published its second annual “Lure” brochure which is now available at the Vistors Centre and will be distributed around BC and Alberta.

2. The Ministry of Transportation told council it is going ahead with planning for a four lane section of highway at McIntrye Bluff. Pampaul Dulay told council 87 percent of traffic is passenger vehicles and additional passing opportunities are needed in the South Okanagan. 68% of the time drivers are behind other cars in platoons and would seek to pass. The Ministry will have to do more engineering, environmental and archaeological assessments and purchase the land needed before the project can go ahead – possibly next year.

3. Oliver Kiwanis Club  has donated $3000 to the scattering gardens at the Oliver Cemetary. A presentation was made Monday.

4. Earth Hour is going ahead on Saturday March 31st where everyone is asked to turn off lights and powered equipment for one hour at 8 pm. Call 1-866-436-7847 to pledge and get entered in a contest for prizes. Fortis is the sponsor and the local non profit is the Oliver Seniors Centre which could win big if the participation and pledge level is high.

5. Fire Department wages have been increased by the same percentage as given to CUPE civic workers. Fire Chief is paid $ 10252, Asst Chief $5373 with a regular firemen receiving $21 per hour for firecalls and a fee of $16.72 for a two  hour practice session.