Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Improving access to health care and revitalizing the airport are two priorities that Oliver’s mayor is focusing on during his re-election bid.
In a recent interview, Martin Johansen declared his intention to run again.
He noted his number one priority is health care, which is “deteriorating.”
“As the unattached patient list continues to grow, action is needed now more than ever and I’m committed to doing everything I can.”
The mayor said he has built some good relationships over the past four years with ministers such as Health Minister Adrian Dix. He recently met with Dix to discuss the loss of physicians in Oliver and Osoyoos and what resolutions could remedy the problem.
Johansen’s other priority is transforming the airport into an economic driver.
“I think there is a tremendous economic opportunity that is being overlooked at the airport. I think we can get to a place where we are not only cost neutral but maybe a revenue generator for the town.”
Johansen said he recently leveraged some of his contacts with the City of Kelowna regarding new opportunities at the Oliver airport. He noted the Town is applying for a grant to work with a consultant on a strategic plan.
The mayor said with local economic development, the OIB, and Area 27, more planes are flying in and out of Oliver. He also noted that a shortage of pilots is becoming a serious problem everywhere, so there is an opportunity for companies to set up shop and provide pilot training here.
Johansen also suggested turning the wildfire service camp at the airport into a permanent entity.
The mayor said he is very proud of this council enhancing public safety and policing in the community. He noted the update to the safe premises bylaw and the signing of the new municipal RCMP contract which includes two additional officers in Oliver.
Johansen said the Town now has seven provincial officers and six municipal officers, for a total of 13. He noted the City of Penticton has eight provincial officers, only one more than Oliver.
“That’s a realization by the province that the workload here is huge.”
The mayor also pointed to the establishment of the new “Situation Table” in Oliver through the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee.
The other issue Johansen is proud of is the completion of the Gallagher Lake siphon repair project that ensures irrigation water for farmers.
The mayor said there has been a lot of talk lately about affordable housing. He heralded the 46 units being built on Airport Street, and the subdivision approval for 48 single family lots and 69 multi-family units, bringing the total to 163 housing units approved in Oliver over the past three or four years.
“We still need to do some work to encourage rental housing to be built. I’ve got family that can’t find a place to rent.”
Johansen turned to Station Street as it continues to undergo development, particularly the upcoming Station Street Plaza project that has funding approval.
“I really personally think that is key to a sustainable downtown revitalization driven by the economy.”
The mayor, who admittedly stays away from social media, said the most frustrating and challenging aspect about the job is talking to government and not seeing results. That’s why instead of complaining about issues, he tries to present tangible solutions with specifics.
“The frustration is it takes a long time. I’m a get it done kind of guy, let’s get this project done, let’s get this project awarded, let’s get this built.”
