Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Town council has given the thumbs up to a proposal by the Oliver and District Heritage Society to erect special signage around town to tell the story of Canada’s Wine Capital.
On March 13 council approved a request to write a letter of support for the Society’s plan which was outlined by Executive Director Darren Halsted.
“We are not asking for money as we often are. We are requesting consideration of signage to tell the story of the heritage buildings that we have around town.”
Halsted said there are approximately 27 to 28 buildings on the heritage register in Oliver, but not all of those are suitable for this signage.
He stated that Oliver boasts a “wealth of heritage riches” which is greatly reflected in the Society’s popular walking tours every summer. In fact, the Society is in the midst of redesigning and “freshening up” the tours, Halsted pointed out.
The executive director said it is the aspiration of the board to bring Oliver’s history to informative life by placing these tales around town for everyone to absorb.
“One of the great things about heritage signage is that it adds to the amenity of the town and encourages people to linger longer and to learn more about the town, and that has an impact on dollars.”
Halsted showed examples of heritage signage in other towns, such as Ashcroft and Grand Forks.
In Oliver, the Society envisions a combination of eye catching signage with the flexibility of a QR code link for more detailed information.
Halsted said they would ensure the signage is consistent with the town’s own branding.
Early estimates for fabrication and installation of approximately 13 signs (at least six on posts) would be $1,800.
Councillor Dave Mattes commented this is a great project, adding that it complements council’s discussion about erecting a 100-year commemorative sign for the town.
