Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
It’s surprising to some people that the Fairview Jail in Oliver hasn’t already been given a heritage designation.
That was the case at last week’s Town council meeting where a couple of councillors expressed surprise that the jail isn’t protected under a heritage designation bylaw.
The Oliver & District Heritage Society made the formal request in a letter to council.
President Vance Potter indicated that the jail (circa 1896) is generally recognized as the oldest, externally unmodified building in the greater Oliver area.
Potter said early references indicate its existence in the early 1890s just as the new gold rush town of Fairview was beginning to attract permanent settlement.
When the gold rush subsided, it remained in place to be used informally for many different purposes.
However, by the late 1970s, vandalism was taking a heavy toll and, rather than see it destroyed, the newly formed Oliver Heritage Society relocated the jail.
Potter noted that volunteers moved and stabilized the building, restored the exterior and slightly reconfigured the interior to provide additional exhibit space for the adjacent Oliver Museum.
“The Fairview Jail continues to serve the community well. Volunteers have been central to its ongoing maintenance and adaptive use, and visitors appreciate what the jail has to offer in terms of exhibits and programming.”
Potter said they believe that formal protection is important to ensure this irreplaceable heritage building continues to be recognized, respected and valued for its significant historic value.
Potter explained that the jail is not covered under the existing bylaw because it was moved to its current location for safe keeping several years after the bylaw was approved.
Town council approved the request, with Coun. Larry Schwartzenberger saying he was surprised the jail wasn’t already protected.
