(The Oliver Chronicle continues its byelection coverage of the eight candidates seeking one council seat.)
The following was submitted by Aimee Grice:
Candidate Aimee Grice
Photo by Leza Macdonald
I feel that I represent a demographic that makes up a key part of our town but has little say in how it’s run. I am a working mother with a young family and have an understanding of what families need in this town. I am in touch with the community, approachable, willing to listen and eager to learn.
Downtown revitalization is of key importance to keeping Oliver thriving. A downtown core with empty store fronts gives the impression of a dying town. My vision is to create a funky, standout downtown core that will get people out of their cars and walking around. Here are some of my ideas to make this happen:
– Holding a weekly farmers market in the large empty lot next to OK Photo. People will come to the market then continue to walk Main Street and shop in local stores. Main Street will look busy, vibrant and attractive. Opening the farmers market up to some of the larger commercial farms could help to grow the market.
– Encouraging more events like the art walk that took place this year. Stores were open into the evening, and while showcasing art were also showcasing themselves. Rotating art installations on Main Street are another way to get people out of their cars and walking around.
– Expanding the “completed look” of Main Street all the way to Southwinds mall. Encourage more pedestrian traffic and fewer cars. More people on foot will equal more visibility for local businesses.
– A “Downtown Walking Map” (like a mall map) showcasing stores, parks, the museum, biking and walking trails, etc.
– A bike share program on Main Street could be an income source for the town, and encourage tourists and locals to get out of their cars and into more stores.
– Exploring offering rental subsidies outside of the tourist season to encourage business to remain open all year.
– Partnering with the local college and WorkBC to offer business and entrepreneurial classes to empower more locals to open businesses on Main Street.
– Partnering with the high school to encourage youth to get involved in the discussion.
Oliver is an incredible place to raise my children. It is safe, friendly, and a town that inspires my daughters to be outdoors. They can walk to schools, parks, and to their friend’s homes. The schools are excellent. The community is tightknit, and there are opportunities for sports, the arts, organizations such as Scouts and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
I feel that I am in touch with the community and a strong outspoken leader. My children are a bit older now so the timing is perfect for me to take on this responsibility.
Aside from downtown revitalization, some key priorities are: Affordable housing and rental vacancies, opening up communication between council and the residents of Oliver, keeping the interests of families at the forefront, supporting the local arts community and visibility for local wineries within the town limits.
I will listen and I will speak for those who need to be heard, ensuring that a negative vocal minority are not the only voters whose opinions are recognized. I want to engage those who don’t usually vote to do so and give a voice to families and the youth of Oliver.
The following was submitted by Patrick Hampson:
Candidate Patrick Hampson
(Photo by Dan Walton)
During the nine years I was a member of council, I recognized the opportunity for Oliver to become an economic success story.
Oliver is the hub from which visitors access Mount Baldy for skiing, Area 27 catering to racing enthusiasts, 38 wineries to visit between Oliver Ranch Road and Road 22, some with restaurants.
We have three golf courses within a 15 minute drive and a golf course at Twin Lakes; five RV parks and four motels. We can become a success story or play second fiddle to Osoyoos. I prefer to be a success story and leave the legacy of a thriving community for our children.
Oliver’s biggest challenge?
Avoiding becoming a traffic jam on the way to Osoyoos. We should make Main Street one way South from Hillcrest to Similkameen and reroute northbound commercial traffic from Road 1 along Airport Street down to Sawmill, ultimately exiting onto the highway off Station Street.
My favourite thing about Oliver is it has a small town charm which we can retain if we access professional assistance and use the knowledge and experience available from other communities which had similar or the same challenges but overcame those impediments.
Oliver must take a lead role in creating the master plan which guides economic change. Change will certainly occur and we must confirm, and articulate our development ground rules. We could allow changes to be driven by developers, but a passive approach could lead to competing interests and a community image which does not reflect our unique character.
Tractor trailers and ‘B’ trains driving in convoy is not conducive to shopping or visiting Main Street. We have been experiencing a continual increase in traffic both commercial and recreational; we want the recreational vehicles to stop and shop here, not Osoyoos.
I have nine years of experience both as mayor and councillor. I was also fire chief/municipal department head in Squamish administration for 17 years. I now have experience from both sides of the fence.
The following was submitted by Donald Lawlor:
Candidate Donald Lawlor
What would I do to enhance economic development in Oliver?
Projects in Oliver have been proposed and denied or rendered unfeasible by excessive demands for costly attributes, which I find questionable. These stifling attributes include large numbers of vehicle parking requirements, exclusion of windows and many others.
I want viable projects to succeed and will push to minimize unreasonable prohibitive barriers. This in turn will increase the tax base, improving the economic viability of the Town.
Why or why don’t I support cannabis legalization in Canada?
Cannabis will be legalized in Canada and I don’t object. Cannabis performs wonders to friends of mine with Crohne’s Disease, with back pain and with many other problems. To prosecute people for using cannabis is absurd since it should and will be a right. And like prohibition, nothing will stop its use.
Forcing police to prosecute, filling the courts and jails with pot users and destroying lives by doing so is costly to the taxpayer and of no social benefit. It is a reality we should embrace.
Do I support a national park reserve in the South Okanagan?
I do support national parks in the South Okanagan. Park lands are needed to protect against over-development. We have much beauty here in the South Okanagan but without protection it could be destroyed in a short time.
To have the ability to go paddling on a beautiful lake, to go for a run on scenic trails, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or even hunting are all valuable activities to us humans. But more importantly the deer, bighorn sheep, tree frogs, moss, flowers and trees; they deserve a chance.
The following answers were submitted by Charles Pollard:
Candidate Charles Pollard
(Photo by Dan Walton)
I would do research on the ways of bringing businesses to Oliver by either lowering some taxes, considerations or possible changes to the way we offer any new business to settle here.
I do not support cannabis legalization. I believe it would allow people to drive under the influence of cannabis rather than alcohol. That is already a problem for police. Why add another source for impaired driving? It is already used for medicinal purposes to help people, why make it easily accessible to kill people.
The national park question has been flying around for years. There have been people on both sides of the fence. First, has the park location actually been determined?
Thirdly, will it stop camping, hiking, sightseeing or any other recreational activities? I certainly hope not. Will it affect people owning land and will they lose it if it passes?
There has been a lot said about a park but how much is fact and how much is speculation?
The following response is from Susan Kosola:
Candidate Susan Kosola
In regard to economic development, we need to promote Oliver to industries. We are currently seasonal, having another year-round company, would bring in new people and provide jobs for locals as well. This would bring about the need for more homes to be built, as well as increasing year-round demand for businesses already established.
Regarding cannabis legalization, if strictly regulated and taxed, it could be financially beneficial and particularly for those that use it medically. BC bud is already big business, has been for decades. Let’s take it out of the hands of illegal dealers.
The national park issue is a hot one. The public needs to be fully informed before it goes any further. I have to sit on the fence until we have all the facts.
The first time I stopped in Banff, it was a sleepy little town, 25 years later, I didn’t recognize it – it was so developed.
I think we can learn from their experience and others.
The following are responses from Dave Mattes:
Candidate Dave Mattes
Economic development is different everywhere. In order to accomplish anything on council, the first step would be to re-establish a rapport with the rest of council.
During my last term on council we established tax incentives for new development. I think this was a factor in getting a major hotel. I think we could expand incentives to develop the industrial area and then get the word out that we are not only open but helpful to new business.
Why or why don’t you support cannabis legalization in Canada?
I support the legalization of cannabis because it is a first step in reducing the harm that all drugs cause. It may also prove to be a source of tax revenue for municipalities.
Do you support a national park reserve in the South Okanagan? Why or why not?
I support any initiative to bring more customers into the area to shop at our downtown businesses. I do not think a full blown national park or reserve is the answer to this. But I have no problem with the current protections given to the area.
The Chronicle has not received responses yet from candidate Peter McKenna or Lutz Stelzner.
Candidate Peter McKenna
Candidate Lutz Stelzner
An all-candidates meeting is being held this Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Oliver Legion Hall starting at 6:30 pm.
