By Times Chronicle Staff

Oliver council continues to cut a trail towards a wine centre in addition to other downtown revitalization projects in 2023.

Councillors and staff have been discussing updates in the Grow Oliver plan headed by Denise Blashko. She says many residents appreciate the beautification that has taken place, noting they “love” the smaller projects such as the new posts and signs around town. She adds that new ideas like murals will bring an energy to the downtown core that is needed.

On Jan. 6 council will discuss a number of priorities and strategies for 2023 and beyond. 

In addition to a new plaza and proposed pavilion on Station Street, council is enamored with the wine centre concept. The original plan was to redevelop two empty town-owned lots on Main Street as a new town hall facility with an affordable housing component on the upper floor. But that proposal collapsed when BC Housing did not come through with funding. However, council may wish to apply for the next round of grants for another shot at the proposal. 

If successful, the plan could see the repurposing of the old Town Hall heritage building as a new wine and visitor centre (where the existing tourism centre would move into). It would also include engaging the Osoyoos Indian Band to explore First Nations history and interpretive art.

The wine centre component would include a kitchen to host wine-themed events, such as wine tastings and seminars. It would also host satellite classroom space for UBC Okanagan’s Wine Research Centre.

In addition, the concept study is looking at moving the Oliver Archives into a new location, freeing up the building for retrofitting as a hub for small-scale food programs.

The latest update on the wine centre proposal is town council is exploring a feasibility study with a potential grant to fund it. The facility would allow local wineries to establish secondary tasting rooms in a shared space.

In his report to council, Director of Development Services Randy Houle said the Grow Oliver plan includes several other initiatives being discussed:

  • New childcare spaces – working with regional partners to identify sites that can accommodate childcare facilities.
  • Transit mobility program – working with BC Transit to improve services (ride-sharing, wine bus).
  • Co-working feasibility study –  explore demand and potential spaces for a co-working facility.
  • Community investment co-operative – allows local investors to pool their money into funds that are re-invested into small businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Shoulder season events – bring major events to Oliver in spring and winter by engaging local businesses.
  • Cycle tourism program – expand cycle tourist facilities and enhance existing trail networks.