Although some people think Area 27 is too rich for Oliver’s blood, OIB Chief Clarence Louie says Oliver needs experienced business people. Here, Scott Hargrove from Surrey poses with a Dodge Viper that he drove during an Area 27 rally in Osoyoos last year. Photo by Richard McGuire
Area 27, the new motorsports club coming to Oliver, will attract the type of business people that the community needs, according to Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie.
“Oliver needs wealthy, experienced business people,” Louie told the Chronicle after signing a 99-year lease with the federal government and the South Okanagan Motorsports Corporation.
The lease secured 227 acres of native land east of Black Sage Road for a five-kilometre race track and facilities (called Area 27). The venture will include a clubhouse, on-site accommodation, a driving academy, and a go-kart facility for the general public. There will also be special events such as vintage car races and super bike races.
Area 27 will be funded primarily by wealthy investors and owners of exotic cars who purchase memberships.
But not everyone is convinced that Oliver needs such a costly development.
Soon after the lease agreement article appeared in the Chronicle on November 4, some people expressed opinions via Facebook.
One resident wrote: “This is destined to be an exclusive club with rather pricey membership fees. I would be more enthusiastic if it were a more accessible facility . . . even if I could afford it, I’d refrain, just on principle.”
Another resident commented: “I think most locals will never have the opportunity to drive this track, even $100 for a day isn’t pocket change for most.”
Louie acknowledged that half the people in Oliver don’t care about attracting new business people to town. They would rather Oliver stay “low key,” he said.
The chief said if there is no work in Oliver, people won’t stay here, and local schools might be in danger of closing.
“We need to attract more business, we can’t keep the ‘same old, same old’ . . .”
Louie said that every time a building burns down in Oliver, it never gets rebuilt.
He reiterated that Area 27 will create jobs and bring people with business experience.
Louie said most small communities never see this kind of opportunity knocking on their doorstep.
“It baffles me that some people don’t want development, but they want their schools to stay open, their restaurants and hospital . . .”
Area 27’s track is slated to open next year.
By Lyonel Doherty
