Members of Oliver Town council have many priorities for 2015 and beyond. Budget talks began this week and the mayor and council hope to schedule a strategic planning session in the near future. From left are Water Councillor Rick Machial, Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger, Councillor Maureen Doerr, Mayor Ron Hovanes, Councillor Petra Veintimilla, Water Councillor Andre Miller and Councillor Jack Bennest. Lyonel Doherty photo
Oliver is one “step” closer to establishing two new public parks.
Last week Town council awarded the tender for building the Fairview Road and Gala Street parks.
The tender goes to 5 Point Operations from West Kelowna for $313,623 – the lowest of five bids.
“Now it’s time to build it,” said Shawn Goodsell, Oliver’s director of operations. Both parks are slated for completion this summer.
Public Works employee Mark Jamieson gave council a lively presentation on the parks’ features.
For example, a “meditation path” in the Fairview park will give people an opportunity to de-stress and reflect on their lives.
In other areas, people will smell the fragrance of berries as they walk along the pathway with benches here and there.
In the Gala Street park, plantings will be more sparse, with a meandering path through the centre.
“We will reclaim it back to the way mother nature had it,” Jamieson said.
The horticulturist noted that a retaining wall will stabilize the steep bank, and xeriscaping will feature a variety of colours to “keep the eyes moving around.” Jamieson said it will be soothing and aesthetically pleasing.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said it would be nice to upgrade the public staircase that has fallen into disrepair.
The issue of lighting was also brought up. Goodsell said lighting can be added, but it won’t be cheap.
Councillor Maureen Doerr said she would like to see the contracts stay local. Goodsell said it is his understanding that 5 Point Operations will hire local sub-contractors.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
