Daybreak host Chris Walker interviews Pat Linton from Oliver during the morning show hosted by Medici’s last week. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
How do you fill Medici’s Gelateria at 6 a.m. on a Thursday morning?
You either offer everything on the menu for half price . . . or host CBC’s Daybreak.
The latter was the case last week when many residents showed up to hear what was being discussed in small town Oliver.
Host Chris Walker interviewed several people about some hot topics in the community, including crime and the tensions between fruit pickers and locals.
Walker spoke with Mayor Ron Hovanes and businessman Dennis Munckhof about the impact of crime on Oliver and how frustrating it has been for local businesses.
Town council recently pledged $3,200 towards security patrols in neighbourhoods hit by thefts and break-ins.
Walker spoke to resident Pat Linton about how different Oliver is now compared to growing up in the community years ago.
Local realtor Brian Amos was interviewed about his thoughts on Mount Baldy ski hill and its financial troubles.
Brian and wife Karen raised four kids on the mountain and always considered it a “magical” place.
Brian said it is truly regrettable that the operation isn’t open for business this winter.
“We need someone to capitalize on it, but you will need deep pockets,” Brian noted.
The Amos’ believe Mount Baldy can bounce back, but suggest that it needs some value-added things like festivals and a few artisans, such as wood carvers.
In another interview, Medici’s proprietor David Badger gave a history of the building, which used to be the old Catholic church, and the warden representing the Okanagan Correctional Centre spoke about the facility slated for opening early next year.
Walker interviewed a fellow about a fire prevention plan for the community, and talked to Suha Alkhaled about Syrian refugees and the new family that recently settled in Oliver.
Walker asked Parks and Recreation Manager Carol Sheridan about the tension between migrant workers and local residents.
Walker said he heard there were some unsavory characters in Lions Park selling illicit drugs from their vehicles.
Sheridan acknowledged that problem, but noted that the community is happy to have pickers harvesting the fruit. However, when you get that many people sitting in Lions Park, tensions can arise to the point it is a “little scary,” she admitted.
But she stated that the new Lions Park Action Committee has come up with some great ideas to ease those tensions.
For example, a new off-leash dog area is being considered for the north end of the park.
In addition, they are looking at providing the pickers with transportation to Loose Bay campground (rather than have them camp overnight in the park).
Sheridan mentioned another idea is to hire a park ambassador to hand out information to let pickers know what to expect while in Oliver.
In any event, Sheridan said they would like to see a “little more acceptance” of pickers from the local community.
After the show, Walker said the Medici crowd was the biggest Daybreak turnout they’ve seen in the South Okanagan.
Walker noted that his mother grew up in Oliver, and that the community has that “old Okanagan vibe.”
One thing he has noticed about Oliver that other municipalities share is the grief about government downloading.
But Walker said what is unique is the tension caused by fruit pickers that you “don’t find elsewhere in Canada.”
Where does the onus lie? he asked. Is it the police or Town council?
No one group is responsible for the solution, Walker said.
By Lyonel Doherty
