By Lexi McFarlane, Times Chronicle

The Oliver & District Heritage Society (ODHS) representatives, led by Executive Director Darren Halsted, presented to Oliver Council on October 6, giving a detailed overview of what the society has accomplished to date in 2025, and outlining their forecasted budget requirements for 2026. 

The proposal calls for a funding increase of $35,400, both to cover expected expense increases and to reduce the amount of costs that have to be covered with general reserve money. Currently, the ODHS receives just over $200,000 in revenue annually, but has $237,000 in expenses to cover. 

Expenses in 2026 are slated to increase by nearly $20,000, largely due to an increase in wages for ODHS staff who work paid roles. Other factors include a $5,000 increase for collections supplies, though the overall cost increase in the “overhead” category is mitigated by modest savings found for other items.

The ODHS archives will also be undergoing a modernization, which is a project that the ODHS is requesting $25,000 in funding, jointly from the Town of Oliver and the Regional District of Okanagan and Similkameen (RDOS). 

Funding through donations is forecast to see a $450 increase, from its 2025 level of $2,370 up to $2,820. The sustained funding increase from the Town of Oliver and the RDOS would be kept under $10,000. 

Aside from budget discussions, the ODHS listed their accomplishments and work in the community to date in 2025. A major highlight was a video documentation by the ODHS, nominated by the Town for a Heritage BC award. Winning the award would not only boost the ODHS’s profile but also put it in consideration for future external funding. 

Other highlights included the Fairview Jail renovation, new heritage signs being prepared for installation, recovering heritage-rich items from BC Tree Fruits for transfer to a site in Kelowna for preservation, assisting the Town of Oliver in applying for a provincial Heritage Legacy Grant, and completing a new community walking tour. 

Additionally, with the help of a 16-person team of volunteers, the ODHS performed work on smaller projects, including yardwork and maintenance, artifact transportation, photography, research, and Fairview site work. 

Councillor Petra Veintimilla, in responding to the report submitted, expressed full support and belief in the accuracy of the budget proposal submitted. 

“Year after year, we can be fairly confident when you (Halsted) come forward with your budget and your team, that you’re being as frugal as possible,” she said, “and (being) accountable, and making every dollar count as much as possible, and using those volunteer hours. Those numbers are so high, using those volunteer hours to their maximum potential.

“I’m confident, personally, that if we fund the extra (funding) request, it’s going to be well spent.”

Councillor Terry Schafer said the numbers make sense, since the amount requested of the Town of Oliver compensates for the amount being withdrawn from the ODHS’s own fund. 

“I have noticed you’re transferring from your general fund, $20,756, and asking for 25 (thousand), so that’s almost it,” Schafer said. “And the 25 comes from both the Town and the RDOS. So it’s not really a huge ask, if you look at everything in perspective.”

The budget will be discussed at a future Regular Council meeting.