A cut above – Mehar Khaira has been pruning fruit trees for 16 years, which makes him a veteran in the industry. Here, he goes to work on a cherry tree south of Oliver.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) is in the midst of completing renovations on its new hall, but one thing stands in the way – electrical power, or the lack of it.
This was the crux of the presentation given to Oliver council recently by OOSAR members Meghan Vetsch and Jim McConnell.
The group has applied for a grant-in-aid (GIA) in the amount of approximately $11,000.
Members recently acquired a new building near the air cadet hangar at the Oliver airport. Structural renovations are necessary before they move in. These renovations include resealing the roof, plumbing the building, constructing bathrooms, installing a kitchenette, drywalling and reflooring.
“But a lot of the renovations we can’t complete because we have no electricity,” Vetsch said.
She explained OOSAR gave FortisBC a cheque for $10,120 and the utility erected a power pole and a transformer.
“They said that was all they would do. We are responsible for getting the electricity from the pole to the building.”
Vetsch said trenching the line, laying the conduit and paying development cost charges ($3,273) will cost more than they expected.
Councillor Dave Mattes said this particular grant-in-aid request was a “tough one” because there is not enough in the GIA account to cover the $11,000. However, he did support waiving the development cost charges.
Councillor Jack Bennest said everyone on council wants to help so that OOSAR is functioning the way it should.
Water councillor Andre Miller said everyone in the rural area benefits from this group, therefore, he encouraged Vetsch to ask Area C (regional district) for funding.
Council reserved its decision on the GIA request to a later date.
