By Lyonel Doherty

Local youth are putting their brains together to help “Grow Oliver,” – the Town’s new economic development strategy. 

EcoPlan consultants recently informed council on how senior students from Southern Okanagan Secondary School are involved in this important planning document. 

The draft strategy, directed by the Downtown Advisory Committee, outlines several objectives including: Create a vibrant downtown, support and grow local businesses, attract investment and jobs, encourage affordable housing, create regional tourism, and strengthen partnerships. 

The three strategy areas are: Consolidate our foundation; strengthen our heart; and grow our opportunities. 

A total of 19 actions have been identified, including the establishment of a Grow Oliver Committee, a coordinator, a business “seed” package, a wayfinding program, food truck lot, buy-local campaign, new childcare spaces program, airport development, wine tasting centre, co-working study, and cycle tourism program. 

Consultant John Ingram said they received more than 350 ideas from the public during the consultation process. 

Ingram noted there is no silver bullet in economic development, adding the best economic gardening plans are usually diverse. 

He did recommend strengthening partnerships, particularly with the Osoyoos Indian Band. 

Ingram said he met with a number of high school students who presented some great ideas. He encouraged Town council to keep youth involved because they are the future entrepreneurs. 

Ingram said there is a real need for a coherent wayfinding program to draw people off the highway to sample what Oliver has to offer. 

He also mentioned a partner-in-parks program that would look into how the national park reserve will benefit the Town. He stated that a lot of towns that find themselves the hub of a national park really see some great economic development potential. 

Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she would like to see the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce involved as a partner. 

Councillor Aimee Grice made a motion to direct staff to look into the feasibility of a dedicated Grow Oliver coordinator. 

But council defeated the motion, with members saying it is too early for such a move. 

Councillor Dave Mattes said he is not prepared to dedicate staff time until the strategy is finalized with a meeting.