By Lyonel Doherty
A joint effort is in the works to formally protect the Town Hall as a heritage building.
Town council recently received a request by the Oliver and District Heritage Society to designate the site as a heritage structure.
“This undertaking is an ideal way to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation and ensure an important legacy for future generations,” said society president Sue Morhun.
She noted the hall is arguably the Town’s oldest and most important historic building, and the designation would complement the BC police station (museum) and the CPR Station that are already under heritage status.
Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich said the proposed designation for the Town Hall could include the cenotaph and the John Oliver statue. She noted that such a designation would restrict the owners in making any changes to the exterior of the building.
Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan told council that the society wants the Town to take on the project. But she said the Town does not have the expertise to write a statement of significance.
In February 2007, the Town of Oliver established a Community Heritage Register that contains statements of significance recognizing properties for their historic value. A statement of significance was created for the Town Hall, along with 25 other locations.
Council agreed that heritage designation of the Town office should be a joint effort between the municipality and the heritage society.
