Times Chronicle Staff
The following are Oliver town council briefs from the March 13 meeting.
Speed reader installed
Council approved a recommendation to install a speed reader on Meadows Drive near Heritage House to address safety concerns in the area.
In a letter to council, Heritage House previously requested the installation of a pedestrian flashing light at a nearby crosswalk, where it claims that some drivers are not stopping for residents. A petition with 58 signatures accompanied the letter.
Corporate Officer Rochelle Lougheed said evaluations have been completed regarding signage, pavement markings, and other improvements to make the crosswalk more visible.
Chief Administrative Officer Ed Chow said staff recommend collecting speed reader data in this location for three months, after which time they would share the findings with Heritage House.
Councillor Terry Schafer suggested a raised crosswalk like the one in front of Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School on Park Drive.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he wanted to determine if the Meadows Drive improvement reserve would cover the cost of a flashing light.
Variance permit issued
Town council issued a development variance permit for a Bentgrass Avenue property to construct a patio addition to a single-family dwelling.
The proposal increases the maximum parcel coverage from 50 per cent to 53 per cent.
Director of Development Services Randy Houle said the proposed addition is in line with the existing house and limits any negative visual impacts. He also noted it will provide more privacy for both the property owner and a neighbour to the west.
Housing grant sought
The Town of Oliver is submitting an application for a $25,000 grant to address poverty and affordable housing.
Council approved a recommendation by Chief Administrative Officer Ed Chow who said the application will provide an opportunity for the Town to complete a needs assessment and develop target actions focused on affordable housing.
This grant comes from the Union of BC Municipalities through its Poverty Reduction Planning and Action program. Chow said it will support some of council’s priorities including affordable housing, social development, and meeting the new provincial standards around accessibility.
Hockey teams get grants
Town council has approved a grant-in-aid of $750 each to the South Okanagan Minor Hockey U13 Rep Team and the U18 team that are competing at the Provincial Championships this weekend.
