By Lyonel Doherty

The Oliver Tourism Association (OTA) has requested a 20 per cent boost in funding from its partners.

On Monday, Oliver Town council reviewed the request that, if approved, will see OTA’s requisition jump from $56,000 to $67,200.

The association is also asking for a one-time grant of $15,000 and an extended service agreement with the Town and regional district.

The OTA provides visitor information services to promote tourism in Oliver and Area C. It also manages the “wine capital” website and coordinates Festival of the Grape.

The association is asking for additional funding to address some new initiatives including an application to the Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) program, which would impose up to a three per cent (hotel) tax on the purchase price of accommodation in the region.

A rough estimate provided by OTA shows that approximately $91,000 in potential tax could be realized through this program.

Other initiatives include: enhancing the “Canada’s Wine Capital” brand, developing a new tourism website, maintaining a special events calendar, marketing new experiences with the Venables Theatre, Coast Hotel, Area 27 and Mount Baldy, developing new agri-tourism experiences and outdoor activities, and exploring new attractions such as bike rentals, a patio café and an interpretive salmon walking loop.

“Our current financial picture does not allow us to address the above initiatives in earnest,” OTA says, noting it can only implement one new initiative per year.

Cathy Cowan, the Town’s chief administrative officer, said these initiatives would provide tangible and intangible benefits to the Town and Area C. Therefore, she recommended the funding request be referred to the 2020-23 budget process.

Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said the MRDT application would ultimately bring in more revenue, which would decrease OTA’s requisition.

Carol Sheridan, a representative of OTA, said they are reviewing an executive director position (funded by Festival of the Grape revenue). She noted this person would manage the visitor centre coordinator and any strategic priority identified by the association.

Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she thinks it’s great that OTA will be able to fund this position with revenue generated from Festival of the Grape. But she noted it makes sense to inject a little more funding into OTA to help the group reach its next growth level.

Councillor Aimee Grice questioned if an increase in funding would improve OTAs organizational stability.

It was agreed that Veintimilla would discuss the issue with Area C director Rick Knodel.