Members of the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society recently discussed the need for a public shower in the community.
It was noted that once the community pool closed, there is no option for public showers.
Society chair Shiela Lange said they agreed to have one arena shower available for an hour a day until the end of September.
“We realize there is a need and it fits with our staffing availability.”
But the board agreed it isn’t their mandate or role to provide public showers. However, Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan is contacting a few organizations that deal with farm workers and their need or desire for showering facilities.
Pinder Dhaliwal, vice-president of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, said the issue has never come up. But he noted he will bring it up to local farmers to get their feedback.
Area C director Allan Patton said he has set aside some money for the construction of another toilet and shower facility at Loose Bay campground. They are just waiting for Interior Health approval on that.
Patton doesn’t favour a public shower facility in the Town of Oliver because he thinks this should only be accommodated at Loose Bay.
“We want to encourage pickers to go to Loose Bay . . . for a couple of bucks you can get a good shower there.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
