Residents, business owners and the many others who have ties to this community, are being asked for their input as to how Oliver develops as a community. And, as Town of Oliver staff and political leaders found out this past week, the process of shaping the future can be painstakingly onerous – and somewhat drawn out- what with the page after page of policy which was laid out in front of them. The consultants hired by the Town to review the Official Community Plan (OCP) were in Oliver for a Thursday Open House with the public and Friday briefing of Town Council in Chambers. The result, and application of the soon-to-be-adopted Official Community Plan will allow residents and businesses to move forward understanding the updated set of policies which will guide Oliver’s future growth.  So, why is the Town of Oliver undergoing this review, with the goal of updating it’s Official Community Plan?

To begin with, the old plan dates back to 2003-04. A lot has changed since that time. “I felt initially I’d like to do more of a quick and easy one – and just focus on some of the priority areas, like the lakefront, the downtown core, Centennial Park – some of these items which have been a little more controversial over time,” said Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes during Thursday’s Open House. “But, looking back over time, and realizing it’s been over 10 years, it’s time to do a comprehensive plan. The thing about an OCP, it’s not so much a regulating body, but it gives that broad vision for a community and where it wants to see itself in the future.”

During Thursday’s Open House, the 25 or so members of the community who choose to come out to the Elks Hall were given a power point presentation on what has taken place so far – from surveys, to a previous Open House, to connecting with many community groups.   Residents were there to listen, and be heard. And that’s exactly what Council wants to see take place. “I’ve always said, and my council have said as well, that the best decisions we make at the council table is when we hear from a lot of people, and have healthy discussion, and make a decision. An Official Community Plan needs to have that broad connection and engagement with the community,” said Hovanes, who had all council members at the Open House at various times. “This is an opportunity get a bunch of community members out and start hearing from the community – what they see, what they like, what they don’t like, where do they want the community to go, and what’s missing. We as a council believe the timing is so right.”

But did the community say?

While there were in access of 75 attendees at the first Open House, only about 25 showed up at the second Open House. And there were no members of the public in attendance for Friday’s two-hour briefing of council, when the five-member group questioned consultants on solar power, Tuc-El-Nuit Lake development relating to ALR (Agricultural Land Reserve), and suggested changes to commercial zoning.

Hovanes admits a ‘hot-button’ issue would have the room packed, while receiving input on shaping the Town’s future is tougher to achieve. Still, the results, and the implementation of new OCP policy will lead to a continuation of the good things already taking place, believes Hovanes. “We’ve got a brand new high school and a diverse economy with pockets of industry all over the place. And now we have corrections which just opened up,” said Hovanes. “The timing is perfect to hear from the community on where they want the community to go.” So, what are the results of the OCP Survey and community engagement telling Council and Staff? Economic Development, Downtown Revitalization and Sense of Place are formost in residents’ minds. “We are not a resort municiality. We’re an authentic farming community surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and OIB (Osoyoos Indian Band) and their industries. We’re growing and maturing in a balanced and good way. There’s lots of good news stories here,” added Mayor Hovanes, responding somewhat to the ‘Sense of Place’ residents identified as important to them. “I think we need to do a better job of telling our story – that we are that authentic farming community that is desirable. Our secret is out. Our housing starts for new subdivisions is huge, and more people are moving to town.”

As for economic development and downtown revitalization, Council is moving forward in providing ‘shovel-ready’ land, wetting the appetite of future developers. “We’ve recently purchased three lots downtown side by side. I’d like to get some direction from the public in where we can go with that, and what we can do with that property to enhance the rest of downtown,” insisted Hovanes. “We have some really exciting things happening downtown, but I would really like to see some revitalization to support our existing businesses and to grow what we have.” Other items residents expressed as important include Natural Environment, Residential Development and Housing, Community Health and Wellbeing, Water Resources, Agriculture, Infrastructure and Services, and Transportation.

Consultations between elected officials, Town staff and residents will continue.