Petra Veintimilla tops the council polls at Town election

Petra’s working plan:

I would like to see us be proactive, and allocate proper funds to by-law enforcement. If we start working on a proper plan now, come next summer we will be in a position to properly educate the public and keep our Parks and Trails clean and family friendly.

I feel that we need to find a way to engage the community – there are a lot of people out there with a lot of talent, and let’s find a way to make them a part of the conversation and put their talents to good use.

Let’s look at ways to take advantage of our powerful Wine Capital of Canada brand, we should’ve shy away from all that makes us great – we should be proud of what we have and not be afraid to brag about it.

Terry Schafer elected Rural Area Director

“We enjoy a very special cost sharing arrangement with all three local governments (RDOS OIB Town) that has evolved over the decades for the benefit of all constituents including Fire protection, Parks and Recreation. I also work every single day at being the best ambassador for the region I can be.”

We are the Wine Capital of Canada, yet driving through out downtown you would have no idea unless you read the signs at either entrance to town – more should be done to take advantage of this potentially lucrative branding.”

Mayor Hovanes re-elected – unopposed

Ron Hovanes kept the mayor’s chair in Oliver by acclamation and he says it’s a credit to the work done the last three years.

“I appreciate the fact that I’m going to be mayor for the next four years,” he said.

On the referendum for operational funding for the Frank Venables Theatre:

“It bodes very well for the community. We probably have the nicest 400-seat theatre you are going to find anywhere. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The opportunity to bring it up to its full potential and to have some decent dollars towards the operation of the theatre is going to allow it to flourish.”