The town is moving forward with hiring a consultant to do a Town Centre Revitalization Plan for the downtown business area. On Monday, council approved a recommendation to engage MVH Urban Design and Planning Inc. of Surrey to do the study. (Richard McGuire photo)
Town of Osoyoos Council on Monday awarded a contract for a consultant to come up with a Town Centre Renewal (TCR) Plan for revitalization of the downtown commercial area.
The contract, not to exceed $55,000, was awarded to MVH Urban Design and Planning Inc. of Surrey to prepare the renewal plan.
A request for proposals resulted in seven proposals, a response that impressed council and staff.
The proposals were reviewed by senior staff, who shortlisted two, and these were reviewed by a Town Centre Renewal Task Force. Besides MVH, the other chosen candidate was CTQ Consultants Ltd. from Kelowna.
Councillor Mike Campol, who sat on the task force, said it was “a really tough decision,” because both proposals were very good.
“We didn’t come to that decision quickly,” he said.
The plan will address downtown physical improvements, such as streetscape and sidewalk improvements; business development including retention and expansion; promotional activities; as well as organization building.
“A vibrant and healthy downtown is especially important for Osoyoos’s continued success as a service and tourist centre, and for attracting new business and residential growth,” said Gina MacKay, director of planning and development services, in a report to council.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
