The Town of Oliver would like to hear your ideas on how to revitalize the downtown core.
Town council wants feedback from the public on how best to revitalize the downtown core.
Council is seeking people to sit on a special committee to discuss ideas.
“What would the community like to see? What can we do to revitalize the downtown core?” asked Mayor Ron Hovanes at a recent meeting.
He noted that council has some money set aside to develop something downtown (a piece of property, perhaps). But they want to involve the public.
“If the public is not engaged early enough, it may blow up in our face . . . we need buy-in before we go too far,” Hovanes said.
People are encouraged to bring their names forward by calling the Town office at 250-485-6200.
In the meantime, the Town of Oliver has updated its strategic plan and priorities for this year.
For example, Main Street improvements (happening now) consist of the construction of 12 pedestrian safety “bumpouts” (curb extensions) at three intersections.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer David Svetlichny said another priority is an asset management plan.
“The vision is to have one policy that will help ensure the Town has a good process in place ensuring that our capital infrastructure is being regularly maintained and funded appropriately.”
Council also wants to review its bylaw enforcement policies, such as the new Good Neighbour Bylaw.
Council adopted the bylaw on July 13 of this year. Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich said the intent is to promote civic responsibility and encourage good relationships between neighbours.
The new bylaw consists of a number of consolidated bylaws dealing with health, littering, noise, panhandling and property maintenance.
Inspections are complaint driven only.
According to Vaykovich, property maintenance is the largest complaint the Town receives.
She explained the property owner is provided a number of steps to remediate the problem. If not corrected, the Town will take corrective action, for example, cut down weeds at the owner’s expense.
“Bylaws do not solve all disputes between neighbours, sometimes it is a civil matter between the residents,” Vaykovich said.
The corporate officer said the top complaints received by the Town include: unsightly premises (tall weeds, dead landscaping and accumulated garbage); dogs at large, as well as noisy dogs; traffic bylaw infractions; and miscellaneous – drinking in public, business licence infractions, noise complaints, etc.
By Lyonel Doherty
