By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
With façade improvements, a legacy clock and the Station Street Plaza project, members of Oliver town council have a lot to anticipate in 2023.
That was evident in last week’s Grow Oliver report presented by South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce manager Denise Blashko.
She began by talking about downtown beautification, referring to cleaning their fenced area on Main Street between Oliver Garden Restaurant and Edward Jones. She also mentioned maintaining the painted poles and rocks in that area.
Blashko said they have several keen artists ready to go next spring to make any necessary fixes including two vandalized poles.
She noted they have spoken to artists and building owners about doing murals and are keeping an eye out for grants.
“There is a lot of interest; we just have to find the funds or owners that are willing to pay for the mural.”
Blashko said they are also working on funding for the “legacy clock” destined for Triangle Park across from Town Hall.
She noted they have approximately $2,000 in verbally committed money from local businesses and organizations, adding they could potentially raise $5,000. However, the estimated price tag is $25,000 to $30,000.
Blashko said if the cost is prohibitive, they will redirect these funds to other beautification initiatives such as planters or murals.
The manager reported that the façade improvement initiative continues with outreach to businesses. She said Black Sage Butcher and Dollarama are early participants that have received funding for their approved work.
Blashko said there are another two pre-approved businesses in the middle of their projects, and another four to six that are interested in participating in 2023.
She reported that the Downtown Oliver Days project was a success this summer. The plan is to continue this promotion with more planning that might include street buskers and other entertainment.
Blashko said the Chamber is creating a dedicated website that will feature “stories” on South Okanagan businesses to entice more enterprises to relocate to Oliver and Osoyoos.
“This will really allow us to showcase businesses and highlight all that is wonderful in our region,” she said.
In addition, the Chamber is creating a short agriculture video for the region. A video on manufacturing in the area will follow as funds allow.
Blashko reported that business walks have started again after a two-year hiatus.
Town Councillor Petra Veintimilla, representing the Oliver Business Association, said 80 per cent of the business owners they spoke to indicated that business was steady or increasing.
“We didn’t come across one that was not positive,” she said.
Blashko told council there is a need for basic business services in town such as a printing service. She suggested creating an office space run by the Chamber or someone else.
Council discussed the town’s initiative to establish a secondary wine tasting room in the downtown core, along with the Station Street Plaza and community pavilion.
