By Lyonel Doherty

Oliver Chronicle

Protecting water supply and green space were top issues addressed by candidates at Wednesday’s forum at Frank Venables Theatre.

Water councillor candidates were asked what they are most passionate about in terms of water delivery in Oliver.

Incumbent councillor Andre Miller said he is most passionate about making sure there is enough water for farmers.

Incumbent Rick Machial agreed, saying having a good supply at an affordable cost is the key. He noted he takes this as a personal responsibility.

“Two years ago when the flooding hit at the end of Road 7, I was there that afternoon . . . I was there until 11 o’clock that night. I didn’t see anybody else there; I was there.”

Machial stated when Town staff said it would take five or six days to fix, he said no, it had to be fixed in two days, and they got it done.

Candidate David Machial said he is most passionate about pressing the federal government to provide the funding to reroute the canal at Gallagher Lake.

“It’s terrifying. We’re one rock slide away in the summer from an agricultural and economic disaster for this community.”

Candidate Parminder Sidhu said he is most passionate about safety in the community, recalling the devastating impact of the Testalinda mud slide in 2010. He noted that flooding appears to worsen every year, so something needs to be done to enhance public safety.

A failure to communicate?

Council candidates were asked how they are communicating effectively with residents about what is going on in Oliver.

Candidate Aimee Grice said she proposes to improve communication by creating a monthly “councillor chat” forum for residents. People will be able to speak to the councillors without having to use a microphone. Grice also said she would like to see council send polls out to residents in order to get their feedback.

Incumbent councillor Petra Veintimilla said the Town uses social and local media to communicate with the public. But she expressed interest in Grice’s idea of an informal council meet-and-greet session for taxpayers.

Candidate Dermott Hutton mirrored this sentiment, adding council can also do a better job on social media.

Incumbent Dave Mattes invited members of the public to reach out to councillors any time via phone.

Incumbent Larry Schwartzenberger said there appears to be a disconnect between council and the public, noting that residents want a less formal way to talk to councillors.

“I’d be more than willing to engage the public outside of council meetings, using a less structured way.”

Area C candidate Randy Toor’s response generated some laughter: “Pop by the (my) winery, have a case of wine and chat with me.”

Water councillor candidate Parminder Sidhu said they need to meet with people onsite (face-to-face) to see what the issues are in order to carry out effective communication.

Incumbent water councillor Rick Machial said he receives a lot of calls from farmers and he takes those concerns to council.

“Any time somebody’s water is off, I get a phone call.”

Fellow candidate David Machial invited people to contact him, either by phone or stopping by the farm.

Incumbent Andre Miller invited people to come to council meetings and express their concerns. “We’re always available.”

Incumbent Mayor Ron Hovanes said communication is a two-way street, reminding people to attend public hearings on issues that affect them.

“Interesting thing, though, is that if you have a hot topic coming before council, the council chambers will be full. And yet, we will pass our annual budget, all of your tax dollars being spent, and we won’t have one person in the room engaged in a discussion.”

Hovanes noted they have a public question period at the end of every council meeting.

Local businessman Randy Toor, running for Area C director, answers a question during the all-candidates meeting on Wednesday. (Lyonel Doherty photo)

Don’t pave paradise

Resident Wayne Danbrook said closing the former RV park in town was not a good business decision.

“Why are we selling more green space next to the hotel?”

Hovanes said this piece of property was subject to a huge amount of public engagement to allow this to take place.

But mayoral candidate Martin Johansen said he is very concerned about turning green space into bricks and mortar.

“Green space is so hard to come by. There is not a lot of it in the community and when you put a building there it’s gone forever.”

Johansen said he really struggled when the Town gave the hotel developer a 10-year tax exemption to build on the most prime piece of real estate in the community. He also questioned council approving five more years of nine per cent tax increases to pay for RCMP.

“I think revitalization is important but I also think you got to save your green space . . . 10 years from now you’ll be wishing you had some green space and you won’t have any.”

Veintimilla said she believes the parcel next to the hotel should be left as green space. She noted there is a lot of land available for development on Station Street.

Incumbent councillor Maureen Doerr said Oliver has a lot of green space in its several parks.

“We do have a lot of parks. Ya, green space is nice, but it doesn’t bring a lot of people to the downtown area.”

Incumbent Dave Mattes said he has been working behind the scenes, noting there is a group of local businessmen willing and able to build an RV park on the remaining portion of the old Centennial Park. He has raised the issue with council (in a private meeting) but not all councillors are in agreement. He suggested people ask the councillors individually what their thoughts are.

Hutton said given the right business opportunity, and if it falls in line with revitalization with Station Street, council should look at development.

Schwartzenberger agreed.

“This town does have a lot of green space, probably more green space per capita than a lot of towns do.”

Grice said Oliver is surrounded by green space, adding the property beside the hotel could be put to better use.

Mayor on the spot

Resident Neil Seidler asked Mayor Hovanes if he will serve a full term on council and not quit part way through to run for provincial office.

“Good question,” the mayor said.

Hovanes noted that he keeps his options open, but added he is very committed to his current role.

“What plays out in the future plays out in the future, but, umm, I will do my very best not to leave the community hanging or to leave a fiscal responsibility on the shoulders of the community.”

Hovanes said he has no idea what the future holds for him politically. “If elected, this will be my last term as mayor.”