Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

The rumours are true – an electric vehicle manufacturing plant is being proposed for the flea market building in Oliver.

On Monday, town council gave first and second reading to the zoning amendment for 6005 Station Street and 248 Co-op Avenue (the empty gravel lot). A public hearing is set for Jan. 10.

In his report, Director of Development Services Randy Houle indicated the adjacent lot behind the flea market will be fenced and used for additional employee parking and vehicle access.

Houle said the proposed use falls under the definition of manufacturing, which is not listed as a permitted use in the C3 (general commercial) zone. For this reason, a site-specific zoning amendment is required.

Houle said the amendment represents the “best use” use of the property. He noted that a vehicle manufacturing business will not be a drastic change to the character of the street. He added the proposed use will occur indoors, limiting the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

“A new, activated storefront will increase foot traffic in the area on a daily basis, rather than on a weekly basis associated with the flea market operation.”

Houle pointed out the business will hire 15 new employees and will prompt an increase in travelling customers who will contribute to the local economy. In addition, the business represents innovative and environmentally conscious technology, Houle said.

It was noted that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure must approve the proposal before it is adopted.

In a letter to council, Jeffrey Kotulak from North American EV Inc. said the company chose Oliver for a variety of reasons. These include mild climate, proximity to Area 27 (sports cars are a big part of their business), a storefront to showcase vehicles, and proximity to the US border.

Kotulak noted they plan to build fully electric race cars in Oliver.

He noted that B.C. is currently selling approximately 5,500 electric vehicles per year, adding the province has nearly 60,000 of these vehicles on the road. He also stated there is no electric vehicle repair facility in the Okanagan right now.

“I believe our presence will provide an extremely positive impact to the community,” Kotulak said.

He envisions new customers travelling to Oliver and staying in local hotels and visiting local wineries.

“Once they see how beautiful the area is and all that it has to offer, they will want to return.”

Kotulak said the company plans to sponsor several local sports teams once it sets up business.

The entrepreneur noted they plan to upgrade the flea market building and take steps to minimize the impact to neighbouring properties. For example, a privacy fence will be constructed in the back lot so that parked vehicles will remain out of sight.

Kotulak said they will abide by regular working hours in Oliver.

In the meantime, many flea market vendors have been given notice to vacate the property. Some have been trying to find other venues to continue their business.

Town Coun. Aimee Grice said the applicant spoke about gentrifying the neighbourhood, which can be good sometimes, but other times it can lead to displacement.

“I kind of wonder what’s going to happen to all those people that are utilizing the flea market right now. I think they’ve built quite a community in there.”

Grice added that she hopes the vendors can find another space to sell their wares.

While uprooting them from Station Street concerns her, Grice said the EV manufacturing proposal is exciting innovation.

“I couldn’t turn this down because I think it will be good for the town as a whole.”