Community Survey – part of Official Community Plan – review

From May 16, 2016 to July 31, 2016 the community was asked to participate in a survey and provide their feedback on a number of issues relevant to the OCP. The survey was madeavailable online on the Town of Oliver’s website. Paper copies were also available for pick-up and drop-off at Town Hall, Okanagan Regional Library and the Rec Centre. Paper copies werealso distributed through the month of July at the Evening Market.

149 people filled out the survey. Of the respondents, 94% were permanent residents, 4% were seasonal, while the remaining participants worked full-time in Oliver. The survey confirmed many of the issues, challenges and opportunities that were reported on at focus group sessions in March and April with community groups, an open house in April(attended by over 50 residents) and a second, general community meeting that covered a number of topics, including the OCP that was held in late June (attended by about 30 people). A Town of Oliver Official Commuinity Plan ‘Update Community Survey Report’ is available for Council review thatsummarizes the entire survey.

For this update, some highlights includes the top three community values participants wanted the OCP to support were:
• Small town atmosphere
• Access to nature and recreation opportunities (in Town and nearby)
• Quality of services (e.g., recreation, infrastructure)

The top three community challenges participants hoped the OCP could address were:
• Limited local commercial services (e.g., stores, shops)
• Limited local work opportunities
• Limited local and regional transportation options (e.g., transit)

Participants were also asked to rank 10 broad goals (distilled and refined from the 2004 OCP) to guide the new OCP in order of importance to them. Three clear and dominant goals emerged in this order:
• Economic development: Support and retain existing businesses, while encouraging new
businesses to locate in Oliver.
• Downtown revitalization: Support and enhance Downtown Oliver as the community’s
commercial hub and activity centre.
• Sense of place: Protect and enhance Oliver’s small town, rural character.

Next a report on Urban Growth Boundary and or Change to Town boundaries

Source: Oliver OCP Council Update and Oliver Survey Report from Consultant, EcoPlan Consulting