Bloomin – its just Bloomin
Posted on | March 8, 2010 | Comments Off
The Town of Oliver is the latest to take up the Communities in Bloom challenge, looking at it as a way to both revitalize the community and raise its profile.
“With the demise of the economic development function, and the recent closing of General Coach, anything that can get the town of Oliver headed toward revitalization should be welcomed with open arms,” said Kenn Oldfield, president of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce, who recently voted to support an initiative to get Oliver’s Communities in Bloom project off the ground.
Longtime Oliver resident Betty Lou Trimmer-Bahnsen, who is spearheading the project, said that Oliver council also voted to support the initiative and a committee has formed that includes the community garden organizers, heritage society, downtown merchants, the arts council and the SOCC.
“It is my intention to try and develop some interest in this topic and at the very least to get the town cleaned up so that it becomes more attractive to businesses and visitors,” said Trimmer-Bahnsen. “We need it because we could do better. We could attract more business, we could feel better about ourselves, we could have more civic pride, we could reduce vandalism, we could look good and we could increase economic and property values.”
Trimmer-Bahnsen said such a program would help residents be more inclined to shop locally, and would make for easier marketing for the town.
“In the past five to 10 years Oliver has been deteriorating,” Trimmer-Bahnsen said.
Communities in Bloom is a non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility, beautification and to improving quality of life through community participation and the challenge of a national competition, with focus on the protection and promotion of green spaces.
The communities are rated on criteria of tidiness, environmental awareness, community involvement, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscaped areas, floral displays and turf and ground cover.
The Oliver group must register its intent to participate by the end of March. The first year, they will be taking part in the “non-competitive” category, meaning that while the program’s judges will still visit in the summer, the town won’t be up for official judging until the following year.
(Copyright (c) 2009 Black Press Group Ltd.)
Calf Rustler Nabbed
Posted on | March 7, 2010 | Comments Off
For Immediate Release
NEWS RELEASE:
$2,000 Reward Issued for Cattle Rustling Tip & Conviction
A $2,000 reward has been issued by the BC Cattlemen’s Association for the arrest and conviction of a cattle rustler in the Oliver area.
Peter Ginter was formally charged by the RCMP with Theft Under $5,000 and received 2 years probation plus a $200 victim’s service charge.
The RCMP received a tip from a concerned citizen and later executed a search warrant at Peter Ginter’s home where the animal carcass was found hanging in the shed.
This conviction was only possible with the keen observation skills of a member of the public who took quick action to preserve evidence and contact the RCMP.
Last year over 100 head of cattle were reported missing and rustling is suspected. Many more go unreported and are assumed to have been lost to wild predators. Convictions such as this one are rare.
The BC Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to reward this individual for their swift actions that resulted in a conviction. Any member of the public can report suspected cattle rustling to the local RCMP or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.
The Association will not release the names of the individuals involved in this case.
The BC Cattlemen’s Association advocates on behalf of our 1,325 rancher members and represents their interests on issues of importance. The BCCA is a non-profit Association with voluntary membership that has been proudly representing ranchers since 1929. For more information, visit www.cattlemen.bc.ca
For Immediate Release
February 22, 2010
Contact:
Elaine Stovin, BCCA Communications Coordinator
P 250-573-3611 | estovin@kamloops.net
Adult Learning Centre to be moved?
Posted on | March 7, 2010 | Comments Off
Editor’s note – In the announcement Friday Feb 26th – no mention was made of the downtown Learning Centre at 9149 – 350th Street or how much the province was investing and the community at large was not invited to the announcement – the 2nd such announcement in less than a year.
OLIVER UNVEILS PLANS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD LEARNING CENTRE
OLIVER – Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater was joined by parents, students and school district officials to unveil plans for a Neighbourhood Learning Centre that will be part of the $29-million rebuild of Southern Okanagan Secondary school.
“This is a major and much-needed upgrade for our school,” said Slater. “And with the addition of a Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the new school will be a resource that can be used by the whole community.”
Southern Okanagan Secondary was built in 1948 and currently has an enrolment of close to 500 students. The addition to Southern Okanagan Secondary will be built to LEED Gold standard and will include a new library, computer lab, science classrooms, super science lab and a new gymnasium. The renovated portion of Southern Okanagan Secondary is expected to open in the fall of 2012.
All school districts in B.C. have been encouraged to find unique and innovative ways to design schools with community use in mind, and create places where people have better access to educational and community services. Neighbourhood Learning Centres respond to community interest and may include a wide variety of programs and resources including child-care programs, office space, health clinics, sports programs, seniors’ centres and family resource centres.
“Neighbourhood Learning Centres are an essential part of the Province’s vision for the future of education in B.C.,” said Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “Projects like this one in Oliver give us the opportunity to build green, state-of-the-art schools with space designed specifically to accommodate community use.”
The Neighbourhood Learning Centre at Southern Okanagan Secondary will be incorporated into a school wing formerly scheduled for demolition. The centre will support the heritage theatre connected to the wing by providing an enhanced entranceway and additional washrooms.
Community programs and services in the Neighbourhood Learning Centre will include:
- Day-care centre
- Community counselling centre
- Community performance space
- Adult learning centre
“Southern Okanagan Secondary will be more than simply an excellent school and a key part of our district’s education system, it will be a hub for families in the area,” said Okanagan Similkameen board of education chair June Harrington. “The new school will encompass a wide variety of programs and services for ages ranging from the early years to adults. This will address learning and other related needs of our community.”
www.neighbourhoods-of-learning.gov.bc.ca, the Neighbourhood Learning Centre website, includes examples of some of the community services and programs already offered in schools around B.C. As well, website visitors can create their own virtual centres using an interactive program.
Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $4.8 million on the replacement of Osoyoos Elementary and an addition to Okanagan Falls Elementary. During that time, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions across B.C.
All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. By the end of 2009-10, the Province will have committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects throughout B.C.
Gone and Bean
Posted on | March 5, 2010 | Comments Off
Your favourite Coffee Shop for the car crowd will soon be a Bottled Water Dispenser depot. The property has been sold according to reliable sources.
Geese hurt lake water quality
Posted on | March 5, 2010 | Comments Off
Money sought for goose program
By Richard Rolke – Vernon Morning Star
Published: March 04, 2010
Attempts to reduce the Canada goose population continues to take flight.
The North Okanagan Regional District will apply to the Okanagan Basin Water Board for $10,000 for the valley-wide goose management strategy.
“The concern is goose droppings on beaches and the health issues that come with it,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation general manager.
The strategy provides information to residents on why they shouldn’t feed geese and egg addling to reduce the population.
Addling consists of eggs being shaken as a way of disrupting the development of chicks.
“Addling has been successful,” said McNiven.
Besides NORD, Kelowna and the South Okanagan will apply for grants, with $30,000 being sought valley-wide. The total project budget is $120,000.
The program is comprised of staff from greater Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Osoyoos, Oliver and B.C. Parks.
Approval to addle eggs comes from Environment Canada and the Ministry of Environment.
Action was launched in 2006 because many geese aren’t migrating during the winter.
“There is quite a large number of geese that stay in the valley year-round,” said McNiven, adding that addling eggs as a control was chosen over shooting geese.
“That’s an option but in Vernon, we’ve never used it.”
After a recent visit to Polson Park, director Jack Gilroy is wondering if egg addling could be used for other waterfowl.
“Can we do it for ducks because there must be a thousand of them down there,” he said.
Vernon to get new library
Posted on | February 22, 2010 | Comments Off
Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert and ORL Chair Ted Bacigalupo look at artist rendering on the 11 million dollar new library for the City of Vernon.
At a press conference held on Monday morning, February 22, the Chair of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) Board, Ted Bacigalupo, announced that the ORL will build a new library branch to serve the Greater Vernon community. Thanks to partnerships with the City of Vernon and the North Okanagan Regional District (NORD), the ORL has the land and financing options needed to construct a new building at 2808-30th Avenue to replace its current undersized library on 32nd Avenue. The new branch is targeted to open by 2013.
“The ORL Board is very happy that this community will be able to receive the level of service it deserves,” says Board Chair Ted Bacigalupo. “The current branch is 13,000 square feet, and according to ORL guidelines, it should be approximately 30,000 square feet for the population base it serves.”
The construction of a new branch is feasible thanks to a partnership with the City of Vernon. The City is selling the land to the ORL for $10 and waiving fees associated with necessary zoning and bylaw issues. The site where the new branch will be built was originally purchased by the City in the 1980’s, and has been a parking lot for many years.
“The City is glad it’s able to do this, and in some respects has to thank the vision and foresight of previous Councils,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert during the press conference. “This piece of land was purchased for an intersection that, at that time, they anticipated would be needed. Since then it has been surplus land, and I can tell you our Council is pleased it is now going to such an excellent use at no extra cost to the taxpayers of this community.”
The NORD Board is also supporting this project by applying to the Municipal Finance Authority on the ORL’s behalf to borrow up to $11 million for construction costs. The new branch will have room to expand its collection and more room for programming, study spaces, and computer stations.
“Our customers are crowded in every corner of this building. For example, we squish 80-100 children and parents into our small children’s area for Monday’s storyime,” says Vernon Branch Head Maureen Curry. “We are absolutely thrilled we’ll be able to offer our customers more comfort and expanded services in the new building.”
The ORL serves 350 thousand people in five regional districts in the intereior of BC including Oliver, BC
Local girl rescued from shipwreck
Posted on | February 22, 2010 | Comments Off
Greg and Doris Smith welcome daughter Sarah back to Okanagan after long jouney homte
Pix above from CTV
Photo and story from Kelowna Courier
Local girl rescued off coast of Brazil to return home this week
Sarah Smith, the Oliver teen who spent as long as 40 hours in a lifeboat off the coast of Brazil, is expected to be reunited with her mother and sister today when she arrives at Kelowna airport.
An official with West Island College International of Lunenburg, N.S., which operates the Class Afloat program, said students, staff and crew of the SV Concordia are in final meetings prior to their departures from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The doomed tall ship carrying 42 Canadians, many as young as 16, made international headlines last week when it sank. They were later rescued by a Philippine cargo boat.
Sarah‘s mother, Doris, spoke briefly with her daughter Saturday morning, nearly 72 hours after the sinking, and then had a 30-minute conversation late Saturday evening.
The Canadians were scheduled to arrive in Toronto today and are expected to be greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“Sarah was happy, healthy, laughing and in disbelief that this actually happened,” said Doris. “She is praising Captain Bill (Curry) and is hoping that the media is not blaming him in any way.
“She says, ’He was our saviour.‘ She can‘t say enough good things about the crew. You could hear the sincerity and enthusiasm in her voice.”
Doris said her daughter escaped the doomed Concordia ship with only a bathing suit, tank top and shorts.
Throughout this ordeal, Doris, a teacher at Southern Okanagan Secondary School, has managed to maintain her sense of humour.
She asked her daughter if she had any special requests for when she arrives at the airport. Sarah only asked for a Dairy Queen sundae.
“I think we can arrange that,” she said.
Class Afloat CEO Nigel McCarthy said the survivors have spent much of the last day replacing items that went down with the ship, including clothing and travel documents such as passports. He said they have also had meetings with councillors and medical personnel.
McCarthy said all that remains at this point is to get the students “into the arms of their parents as quickly as we can.”
The three-masted vessel sank in rough seas on Wednesday, leaving the crew clinging to life rafts for up to 40 hours before they were rescued by navy and merchant vessels. The ship was on a five-month voyage that allows students in Grades 11 and 12 and the first year of college to study while sailing around the world. There were 48 students on board – 42 from Canada – while others hail from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Europe and the West Indies.
Homes first – Canyon Desert Resort
Posted on | February 18, 2010 | No Comments
Construction is designed to begin in the winter of 2010-2011 on the five phase Canyon Desert Resort at OIB. Chief operating officer Chris Scott says pre sales will begin in July. 
We are being cautious he says – we will not build 100 units and not have them sell. We are going to meet demand. The 150 million dollar development is a joint venture with Bellstar Hotels and Watermark Assets Managment Ltd.
http://www.canyondesertresort.com/
Phase #1 is three bedroom condos on 71st Street near Tucelnuit Lake which border the community of Oliver on the other side of the street. Servicing that area for water and sewer has not been determined. Scott says homes in the design will fit what the market wants most.
TGIF
Posted on | February 12, 2010 | No Comments
Costly Olympics open today in Vancouver – now the rest of the happy news
Feb 12, 2010 VICTORIA — The B.C. government plans to cut an estimated $10 million in funding from organizations that provide services to some of the province’s most vulnerable children and families. 
Highlights of the Throne speech this week also include these words:
Continuing a tone set in the previous speech from the throne, the government also stressed a need for continued fiscal restraint. ”We must curtail expectations of government and look for new ways of meeting our needs within the substantial spending increases already provided,” said the speech. ”Our dreams for our future will not be won with our eyes shut, our heads down and our minds closed to today’s hard realities,” it added. ”They will be won with our eyes wide open, our sights set on the future and common resolve.”
Low apple prices brings a crowd
Posted on | February 11, 2010 | No Comments
Okanagan apple growers talk fruit
by Kevin Berar – Giant FM
Feb 11, 2010 / 2:00 pm
(thanks to Buzz Bishop for the snapy of kid bites okanagan apple)
A second meeting will take place Thursday night for apple growers concerned about the low prices and the industry.
Wednesday night about 60 growers filed into the Oliver Recreation Centre to share their thoughts and opinions regarding the current situation and how to improve it.
Joe Sardinha, President of the BC Fruit Growers Association, says to keep up and compete with the low prices of imported apples, they have to a better job promoting local fruit.
“We’ve got to tell a better story and tell that story to the consumers and I think once we’ve told a great story and painted a true picture of the producers that are behind that production I think that we will make some inroads with the buying public,” says Sardinha.
He says you can promote all you want, but consumers want the best quality product.
“You cannot have inferior quality and certainly growers are feeling the effects of seeing fewer apples packed out of every bin, more so with some varieties. You can’t second-guess quality, that’s the number one thing in consumers’ minds for all segments of the buying public.”
Young Oliver Farmers
Posted on | February 11, 2010 | No Comments
Young Coverts honoured as young farmers
Shelly and Gene Covert, (pictured at right) are winners of the B.C./Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer Program for 2010. The couple are the proprietors of Covert Organic Farm & Vineyards in Oliver. Presenting them with their award are Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer vice-president Derek Janzen (left) and B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Lands Steve Thomson.
By Jennifer Schell – Kelowna Capital News
Feel like taking a break from your busy life? The Off the Beaten Path Organic Dinner, with Dunham & Froese Estate Winery, sounds like a perfect solution.
Located on the stunning 600 acres at Covert Organic Farm & Vineyards in Oliver, you will be wowed with a five-course organic dinner paired with Dunham & Froese’s fabulous library and new release wines that were created in a sustainable, responsible method.
Your evening will begin with a personal tour of the farm where you will learn about the Covert legacy and the evolution of their family farm celebrating 50 years.
Be amazed at the incredible topography including the glacial terrace and incredible view of McIntyre Bluff next to the vineyard and winery—a 500-metre high wall of granitic gneiss streaked with thin layers of quartz and other mineral veins.
Following that, you will be led through a private winery tour and tasting with award winning winemaker Kirby Froese before you sit down to the wine-paired feast.
Hosted by the lovely proprietors, Gene and Shelly Covert and Kirby and Crystal Froese, this is sure to be a magical event.
Off the Beaten Path Organic Dinner: May 1, $129 per person. Get your tickets early. www.dunhamfroese.ca 250-498-WINE (9463).
While you are there, you can congratulate Gene and Shelly Covert for being the winners of the 2010 B.C./Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer Program. Way to go Gene and Shelly—you are truly inspiring, thank you for saving our planet
Fruit Workers forced to move
Posted on | February 11, 2010 | No Comments
Fruit workers relocated
Workers at the Summerland fruit packing house will be transferred to other packing houses in the region.
Jan Crawford (Canadian, b. 1958 TBC), Women Wrapping Apples, 2001, monoprint, 91 x 61 cm. Purchased 2006, support provided by the Canada Council Acquisition Assistance Program, and the Central Okanagan Foundation.
By John Arendt – Summerland Review
Published: February 10, 2010 4:00 PM
Updated: February 10, 2010 4:10 PM
Workers at the fruit packing house in Summerland will move to other locations later this month when the facility closes.
Mohamed Doma chief labour negotiator with the Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative, said the closure of most of the facility’s operations will take place on Feb. 20, although it will continue to be used for fruit storage.
“This was a hard decision to make,” Doma said. “Unfortunately, it was not the last hard decision we’ll need to make.”
At least 80 of the 85 employees will be given the opportunity to work at other fruit packing facilities.
A total of 50 positions are now available, with 22 in Oliver, six in Osoyoos, 12 in Kelowna and 10 in Winfield.
Doma wants to have the remaining 30 placed by the end of this month.
The closure of the Summerland facility was announced in fall and Doma said it is part of a change happening in the fruit industry.
“The industry has been undergoing tremendous change in the last few years,” he said. “No packing house can survive on its own.”
Several years ago, there was a merger of Okanagan packing houses and in the years following, efforts have been made to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
Some of the changes include running two shifts at a plant instead of just one.
Doma said the B.C. fruit industry has been getting smaller. Some of the factors include a large Washington State industry and changes in retail purchasing.
Washington produces 40 times as much fruit as B.C. and can produce its fruit at a lower cost.
“We are now becoming less competitive on the open market,” Doma said.
Buyers for the major retail chains are now making their purchases in Ontario and no longer have the same level of loyalty to B.C. fruit.
Oliver at the Richmond ‘O’
Posted on | February 10, 2010 | No Comments
An Oliver wine featured at Richmond O Zone opening night
Remarkable
Delicious
Exciting – Rick Hansen was the hometown hero at Tuesday’s Olympic Torch celebration in Richmond.
The largest crowd in the Torch Relay’s 103 day history was on-hand to welcome Hansen to the Minoru Park
O-Zone.
Hansen says transporting the Olympic Flame up the wheelchair ramp to the stage wasn’t easy, “That was one of the most challenging hills I’ve had in awhile. What a fitting way to end Richmond’s version of the journey to the Olympics while organizing the Games. Everybody here’s worked so hard.”
All Okanagan valley communities are participating in the 16 day affair at the Richmond O welcoming the world.
Two other Vincor labels, Nk’Mip and See Ya Later Ranch, are to be featured as house wines and at special functions in all official sports venues and provincial pavilions.
Perhaps the most fun part is an Inniskillin Icewine Gallery tasting bar. Here, the public can taste our proudest wine export—for a fee, of course. Watch how many folks belly up to that bar and ask if this is the wine Oprah Winfrey’s O magazine picked as a Valentine’s Day selection. Yes, it is.
The Icewine Gallery is located at Richmond’s O Zone, across from a large art installation called ICE GATE. It’ll be open from February 12 to 28, Monday to Friday 3 to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon to 11 p.m. Cost is $5 a hit for a half-ounce sample, $10 for three half-ounce tasters.
Okay, a quick taste tour through the wines, starting with the bubbles.
Both are nonvintage sparklers, both are made from 100-percent South Okanagan Chardonnay, both were made according to the traditional methode champenoise (which, of course, we’re not allowed to say, so the official words are methode classique); for the extra 20 bucks the Gold got some partial barrel fermentation as well as some oak aging before the secondary fermentation in the bottle.
(thanks to CKNW news and Jurgen Gothe of the Georgia Strait for articles on the opening and the wine)
Betty Neufield in Olds, Alta
Posted on | February 6, 2010 | No Comments
One of Oliver’s great ladies has gone. Betty Neufield has left her post at Valley First Credit Union and now up and running in Olds, Alberta. Best wishes to Betty.
Meat off the Bone at the Owl
Posted on | January 30, 2010 | No Comments
Attention A succulent dish from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver. The Braising makes for fall-off-the bone meat. It’s featured in Wine Feast by Troy and Cheryl-Lynn Townsin, a collection of recipes from winery chefs in B.C.
3 pounds short ribs (bone in)
1 tablespoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
11/2 cups diced onions
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
3/4 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large tomato, diced 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 4 tablespoons dried)
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 tablespoons dried)
1 cup Merlot
6 cups beef stock
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a roasting pan, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and then sear the short ribs for about 5 minutes per side or until they turn a deep-brown colour.
Remove the ribs from pan and set them aside. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, tomato and herbs and saute for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the wine and allow it to reduce by 3/4, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Place the short ribs back in the roasting pan and add the beef stock. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid or tinfoil and place the pan in the oven for 11/2 hours, until the short ribs are fork tender.
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully transfer the short ribs to a platter, cover lightly with foil to keep warm. Skim off any fat from the top of the liquid, then strain and discard the solids. Return the liquid to the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Allow it to reduce by 2/3, so that you only have 2 cups remaining. Taste the liquid and add salt and pepper if desired. Pour the sauce over the plated meat and accompany with soft polenta or mashed potatoes.
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Torch Event on Native Land
Posted on | January 26, 2010 | No Comments
Chief Clarence Louie and Councillor Theresa Gabriel radiant Sunday evening in Osoyoos as torch arrives
Torch passes Oliver BC
Posted on | January 25, 2010 | No Comments
Olympic torch passes Oliver on long journey – large crowds welcome the runners and entourage. Thanks to Terry Schafer for photo below
Lorraine Wylant torches up at site of John Oliver statue Monday- picture supplied by Nancy Boutin. Shot taken by Alleson Mandziuk
Day begins – leaving Osoyoos this morning – First torchbearer is Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie, accompanying him will be six local youth runners, Osoyoos Indian Band Elders on horseback and a contingent of local Osoyoos Indian Band drummers and singers.
Ten Oliver torch bearers will run up to Oliver today and beyond on
one leg of a multi province relay event leading up to the opening of the Olympics in Vancouver on February 12th.
Oliver Torchbearers include: Norm Houle, Clarence Louie, Paula Martin
Richard Baptiste, Juleen McElgunn, Vanessa Lameiras, Prescott Wick, Deb Olafson, Gurjit Aujla, Marisa Nelson, and Lorraine Wylant.
Torchbearers are expected in Penticton by 12 noon
Is stucco next MAXX?
Posted on | January 23, 2010 | No Comments
4.5 story Maxx Hotel near Park Avenue Estates in east Oliver gets the black paper and wire treatment – ready for stucco as soon as spring arrives. Time frame for completion not known but investors are willing to keep putting in the capital until it can go on the market or attract the necessary business to make it a success.
Oliver B.C. Canada
Gleaners encouraged!
Posted on | January 23, 2010 | No Comments
The Okanagan Gleaners‘ ongoing fight to remain in their rural Oliver home appears to be almost over. 
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen rural directors voted 6-2 Thursday to give initial support to a rezoning application, which will allow the Gleaners to purchase a portion of their currently-leased food-processing plant property on 336th Avenue.
The Gleaners want to subdivide a 1.5-hectare parcel off a 5.7-hectare farm owned by Martin and Jill Rothe. This portion would then be rezoned for site-specific light industrial use. Spokesman Don Chapman, with close to 100 Gleaners supporters packing the RDOS boardroom, outlined the society‘s operations. Working out of a renovated tobacco barn for the past 16 years, the Gleaners have produced tons of dried soup mix from donated food. The soup mix and other food products are then sent overseas to help feed people in impoverished Third World countries. Chapman said they now need to upgrade their facility to modern standards, possibly including a new building. An RV park for visiting summer volunteers is also proposed. “We‘re in desperate need for more storage for frozen food, for refrigerated food and dried food,” he said. Chapman said the Gleaners have enough funds to purchase the property and upgrade their facilities. “This is a one-off request. I don‘t think this board, unless the Gleaners expand to Keremeos, will ever get another application from a faith-based, not-for-profit benevolent society whose primary goal is to process surplus food for Third World countries.” he said. “We don‘t care what the zone is. It‘s what we do that counts.” Under the land‘s current agricultural zone, no subdivisions less than four hectares can be permitted and the RV park would be a non-conforming use. Chapman said the current site is much more suitable for those summer campers, giving them more of an agricultural experience.
Allan Patton, RDOS director for Area C (Oliver rural), and the area‘s advisory planning commission opposed the application. However, Patton emphasized they fully support the Gleaners‘ continuing operation in the Oliver area.
“We value the Gleaners. We think they‘re a huge asset to our area and we‘d like them to stay,” he said.
“But at this point, I‘m actually going to recommend to the board to deny their application, solely because I feel we have several options to offer the Gleaners that are better than what they have here now.”
Patton said he‘d prefer to see the Gleaners relocate to a property on Sawmill Road which is closer to town and has room for possible future expansion.
Commenting afterwards, Chapman said the Sawmill Road property simply isn‘t suitable. He said the Gleaners would have to invest an undetermined amount of money to make the site attractive enough to attract volunteer groups who camp on-site each summer.
“That was a much more expensive venture that brought us closer to town, which is not an advantage with youth groups,” he said.
The rezoning application will now go to a public hearing in Oliver.
at a yet-to-be-determined date. Ministry of Transportation approval is also required.
Have you gone for a walk lately?
Posted on | January 21, 2010 | No Comments
North of drop structure at 369th Avenue at start of ox bow restorations at Oliver BC
Oliver Tourism – New Tourist Site
Posted on | January 15, 2010 | No Comments
The Town of Oliver with partner Rural Area C has launched a new tourism website.
http://www.winecapitalofcanada.com
This website will direct viewers to information on OLIVER and the Visitors Centre operated by the Chamber of Commerce which will field all calls and inquiries on the area.
Here is a sneak peak of the new Oliver Tourism web site
Tags: B.C. Canada > canada > Oliver BC > Oliver tourism > tourism > tourism website
New Alert – Olympics soon!
Posted on | January 7, 2010 | No Comments
Parking fees could cause illness?
Posted on | January 7, 2010 | No Comments
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Effective Jan. 22 – Interior Health has informed South Okanagan area residents that pay parking will be introduced at Penticton Regional Hospital. IHA believes health care dollars should be spent on patient care rather than parking infrastructure.
Parking fees are being implemented as follows:
Hourly $1 Daily $4 Weekly $24 Monthly $46
Stations are located throughout the parking lots and accept both coins/credit cards.
Note changes to Prescott’s Event
Posted on | January 6, 2010 | No Comments
Note to the following – the time for the reception at the hanger has changed to
11am
The photo op at Town Hall is scheduled for 9:46 am January 25
Greetings Family & Friends,
Just letting you know some details about a very special upcoming event. For those of you who have not yet heard, Prescott Wick was nominated for and was accepted to be an Olympic Torchbearer.
The Town of Oliver Torchbearer Committee, comprised of Mayor Pat Hampson, his wife Linda Hampson, Councillor Marji Basso and Norma Mason, as well as Webmaster, Councillor Jack Bennest (Check out his website http://www.oliverbc.ca for info on the torchbearers!), have been doing a wonderful job promoting our 8 local torchbearers. Through their commitment the entire Town of Oliver can benefit from and be proud of our participation in this notable event. To encourage community support, they will be enhancing torchbearer exposure by posting their photos around town and submitting articles in the Oliver Chronicle newspaper. They have been “… forming a plan to get schools involved… OES has committed to bus the entire school to be at the route and cheer our locals on… small flags for students to wave as the bearers go by …”
It would be great if you could come out to cheer Prescott on (Torchbearer No. OTR088-036). His segment is on the way out of Oliver town centre, towards Osoyoos, with running distance of approx 300 metres (details attached). After carrying the Olympic flame, he will be returned to the Visitor Information Centre via Official Olympic shuttle. We’ll head over to Town Hall where the scheduled photo shoot with dignitaries will take place 9:46 am and until that time, we will cheer on the other torchbearers along with many students and other community members who will be lining Highway 97.
We would love for you to join us afterwards for an Olympic Torchbearer Party honouring Prescott. Please see the attached invitation for particulars. – Hope to see you there! – (Proud Mom) Ursula Wick
Other events January 25, 2010
9:10 Opening Speeches – Town Hall
9:15 Native Drummers
9:30 OES Choir
9:50 Tuc el nuit Choir
10:05 SOSS Jazz Band
10:20 Closing Remarks
Osoyoos monster threatens lines to Oliver
Posted on | January 3, 2010 | No Comments
Picture taken near Willow Beach. When will utility companies tear it down?
Cold dip on New Year’s Day
Posted on | January 1, 2010 | No Comments
20 people from the Oliver BC area braved cold winds and fresh snow to bring in the New Year in style at the annual Rotary Polar Bear dip at the beach.
Money raised to be used for funding the Oliver Jazz Band sponsored by the PAC group at SOSS
Noel – a very Happy Noel!
Posted on | December 15, 2009 | No Comments
Thanks to Jim Kemes for allowing me to use his Xmas Card for my web site. Jim is retired and spends much of his time creating wonderful artwork.
Parks Board to change
Posted on | December 15, 2009 | No Comments
(Regional Board pictured above must approve decisions below)
2009 Oliver Parks and Recreation Society members are:
Directors appointed by Area C
Sheila Lange, Chair
Larry Clarke
Corinne Janow
Vacant position
Directors appointed by Town
John Hong, Secretary/Treasurer
Tom McGrath
Tanya Walsh
Judy Harvey
OLIVER PARKS AND RECREATION SOCIETY
MEETINGS ARE HELD ON SECOND WEDNESDAY’S OF EACH MONTH AT 7:00 PM
OLIVER COMMUNITY CENTRE ROOM #1
Next meeting is a Special Annual General Meeting on January 13, 2010 at 7:00pm to ammend the bylaws.
***
Two things will change as soon as possible prior to March 31, 2010:
To better reflect the Joint Service arrangement between Area C and the Town – the following will occur after the Special AGM.
Employees will be transferred from the Town to the supervision of Society
A weighted vote system will be used in future once new directors are appointed:
Two reps from Regional District with two votes each (Area C director and alternate)
Two reps from Town with two votes each (Municipal director and alternate)
Each funding partner will select a councillor or citizen to represent the above if they cannot attend
One School District rep with one vote
One OIB rep with one vote
One user rep with one vote appointed by Town
One user rep with one vote appointed by Area C
More Millions for Oliver
Posted on | December 15, 2009 | No Comments
Projects in the South Okanagan are going ahead with the help of federal cash, including a new industrial park in Oliver on the OIB near Gallagher Lake, a reforestation initiative at a nursery in Princeton and arts career training in Penticton.
Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day announced more than $3.6 million for the three projects Saturday.
They include $2.7 million to develop an industrial park on Osoyoos Indian Band land near Oliver. The money will pay for road work and utilities infrastructure.
A grant of $585,750 is going to CSQ Environmental Technologies Ltd. to grow hybrid poplar root stock on a 10 hectare site. It will be used for soil remediation and reforestation projects.
And another $400,000 will build a training and entrepreneurial employment centre at the Okanagan School of Arts in Penticton.
The money is part of the federal economic stimulus project.
More Torch Bearers revealed
Posted on | December 6, 2009 | No Comments
BULLETIN – Norm Houle (Super Valu Manager) chosen to run for Coca Cola. Congratulations to Norm who will be running a segment south of town January 25.
Exitement Grows – Two more names (Paula Martens and Lorraine Wylant) have been added to the list of local torch bearers named already here on oliverbc.ca – student Marissa Nelson; OIB rep Richard Baptiste; Royal Bank Oliver employee Gurjit Aujla; student Prescott Wick (pictured);
along with SD #53 Superintendent Juleen McElgunn; and Fairview golfer Deb Olafson. That adds up to 8 so far.
“We are still looking for more of the Torch Bearers if they are out there. Have them contact Marji Basso or myself……. Great web site by the way. Thanks – Norma Mason”
Stay tuned for more information or look throughout this site for Torch Relay info