By Lyonel Doherty
There may be a bench with your name on it, but it will have to be approved under a new policy in the Town of Oliver.
On Monday, council adopted the Commemorative Recognition and Dedications in Outdoor Public Spaces policy.
Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich outlined a recent request from the Forbes family who wants to install a plaque in memory of Don Forbes for his dedication to Oliver’s wetlands.
She said the new policy will establish guidelines that describe the type of recognition amenities (benches, picnic tables, trees) are allowed in Oliver’s outdoor spaces. She noted the fees related to these amenities are borne solely by the applicant.
Vaykovich said dedications will only be allowed for the following reasons:
To memorialize or honour individuals via a plaque; to acknowledge a major donation to a park or facility; to recognize a location of historical significance; and to recognize a contribution (to the Town) of historical significance (war memorial, for example).
Vaykovich said dedications will not be installed to recognize social, ethnic or religious groups. She also noted that the placement of wreaths, flowers or other items will not be permitted in the outdoor space in question.
Councillor Aimee Grice questioned the policy’s exclusions.
“If the Christian Women’s League wanted to put a bench in the park, they can’t?”
Vaykovich said she didn’t think something like that would be denied, agreeing that would be too restrictive.
Council amended the original motion to add that any dedication would need to be approved by council.
