Times Chronicle Staff
The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is building momentum in a draft plan to retain and expand local businesses in addition to helping new ones relocate to the region.
On Feb. 13, Chamber manager Denise Blashko updated Oliver town council on the work plan, saying they received a $35,000 funding commitment from the regional district. Oliver and Osoyoos will contribute $10,000 each, while Area A (rural Osoyoos) will contribute $2,500 and Area C (rural Oliver) and Okanagan Falls will contribute $5,000 each. Area I is also on board with $2,500.
In December 2022, the Chamber had originally requested budget funding in the amount of $20,000 subject to a satisfactory work plan with performance measures and financial assistance from the other funding partners.
In a presentation to Osoyoos Council on Feb. 14, Blashko advised that the Chamber has received conditional approval for an Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI) grant for $30,000 contingent on the other communities involved in the program match the funding.
The Chamber also reconsidered the scope of the project, she said, reducing the original ask to $10,000. This amount was approved by council.
Blashko said they are very thankful for everyone’s buy-in.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said the opportunity for all local regions to get involved in such a big project is rare, so it would be “silly” for Oliver not to participate.
Blashko said this is the first time they’ve done a project like this including all of the regions, noting if they do a good job in the first year, they can apply for $100,000 funding for subsequent years.
Councillor Dave Mattes said this plan will grow and expand, providing the Chamber with a new challenge. “I think a lot of good will come out of it.”
Councillor Aimee Grice said she hopes this project will build the Chamber up and create confidence among local businesses who see the Chamber in action.
Blashko said the Chamber has developed more of a presence in helping local businesses, and they want to show these businesses that their investment and participation is needed.
In related news, Director of Development Services Randy Houle asked council for further direction in the “Grow Oliver” project that Blashko has been working on. He said there are several outstanding issues to discuss, including the food hub and harvest hut project, childcare spaces, transit mobility, and shoulder season events.
Veintimilla said her interest is revisiting the harvest food hut concept, noting the original intent was neighbours sharing food with neighbours. She would also like to further explore the downtown beautification and wayfinding program, in addition to cycling tourism and expanding local trails.
Mayor Martin Johansen said one important piece is missing from the Grow Oliver plan that was identified during his and Blashko’s business walks downtown.
“It’s pretty clear employers are struggling to hire people because there’s no place for them to rent in this town. You can grow Oliver the way you want but if people aren’t able to come here and work and employers are not able to have their businesses grow, then I’m not sure we’re accomplishing anything at the end of the day.”
The mayor said the town needs a plan to support affordable housing for people coming to the community and looking for rentals.
Council also has plans to further discuss its Station Street development plan since it recently shelved the plaza project due to cost overruns.
