Not everyone left because of smoky skies in Oliver last week. A number of RV operators were still camped in Centennial RV Park. But the Oliver Visitor Centre saw a marked decline in tourism numbers. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Oliver tourism is still recovering from the blow it received last week from a drop in visitors due to smoky skies.
Rhoda Brooks, who manages the visitor centre, said she first noticed people leaving on the night of the big fires (on August 14).
She observed several RVs in a row heading out of town.
“One lady (on the phone) said she heard that half the Town of Oliver was burning.”
Brooks immediately told her this wasn’t the case.
“Some out of town media don’t know the difference between Rock Creek and Oliver,” Brooks said.
The visitor centre fielded a few calls from people enquiring about the smoke, some believing that Highway 97 was closed.
Brooks said visitor numbers are definitely down because of the poor air quality, but people are still coming to Oliver for hiking and biking excursions.
“I’m surprised that they’re not complaining about the smoke.”
For example, Kathleen Witte from Redmond, WA booked a cycling tour a year ago and wasn’t about to cancel because of the smoke.
“We’re not letting it stop us . . . it’s just too wonderful here.”
Witte said if fewer people are on the road because of the haze, that makes more room for her.
The only question she has is how successful her return home to Washington will be, considering the major fires in that state.
James Hodge from Apple Beach RV Park said the smoke definitely impacted their business, with campers leaving early and cancelling reservations.
Hodge estimated that business dropped 20 per cent due to the smoke.
“People come for the view. If they can’t see across the lake (they won’t camp here).”
But Hodge said he can’t complain too much because business was exceptional in June and July.
“Unlike farmers (with the weather) we get a second bite of the apple.”
Tony Munday, chair of the Oliver Tourism Association, agreed that campgrounds and RV parks were the hardest hit. “People were packing up and leaving immediately.”
Munday said the thick smoke from the Washington State wildfires certainly put a damper on the tourism sector in Oliver. It made people think twice about hiking or cycling, he pointed out.
Wineries also suffered the fallout, Munday said, noting that customer visits drastically declined as well. But at least people were able to sit indoors and taste their favourite wine.
Oliver business woman Maureen Doerr said she saw a decline in foot traffic in her shop, Beyond Bliss.
She noted there were some cancellations from older clients who had trouble breathing in the smoke.
“I believe, but am not sure, that tourists have left because of the smoke, and our locals are house bound.”
By Lyonel Doherty
