Televised Meeting of Council
1. Town of Oliver will apply for grants from the Okanagan Basin Water Board. Grants of between $3000 and $30000 are available for many municipalities, regional districts and non-profit community groups. The two projects are the rehabilitation of Flume 3 – south of Gallagher Lake and the Rockcliffe Domestic well – chlorine analyzer. The Okanagan Nation Alliance is also applying for such grants and council decided to endorse local projects rather than supporting competing proposals.
2. In a split decision, Council approved a Temporary Use Permit for the operation of a wine making plant at 860 Fairview Rd. Owners Kristie and Scott Stefishen have been given a 3 year period to prove the viability of such an operation manufacturing up to 575 cases of wine. Staff pointed out that such an operation is not a permitted home occupation use so the permit is necessary.
3. Council has asked staff to report back on any ramifications of allowing Solar Hot Water Regulations similar to other municipalities in the province. Under the Climate Action Plan – municipal government is being urged to provide for innovative ways of saving on energy costs even though the installation of such devices can increase the cost of a home.
4.Council will go along with a request from Fortis to supply information on a host organization that could receive an award for Earth Hour. Last year the Oliver Senior’s organization was the group but did not win the prize. Council was concerned about the late notification of such a programme for 2012 but will try to work around it.
Congratulations Scott and Kriste !! I still have not opened that bottle you gave from your very first batch. Waiting for a special occasion !!!
Congratulations Scott & Kristie and best of luck with your project. It likely won’t take long for people to realize that traffic in the area isn’t going to change and the world isn’t going to spin off its axis. I know a good place to buy barrels when you need them!
I too would like to congratulate the Oliver Council for approving Scott and Kristie’s application. These young people are highly skilled at what they do and we all need to support them in their endeavors. For our town to thrive, we collectively need to encourage small business to locate to our town. The representatives on Council also hold this belief and we should thank them for their forward thinking.
Scott and Kristie, I look forward to buying your wine and I hope that in the near future we can do business together.
My feelings go out to the neighbours of Kristy and Scott.
Thinking about traffic that might be coming and going all the time. Even having
thoughts that your property value might depreciate. – Who knows?
Thinking that one is living in a residential area and then having a Winery go up beside you. Wow! I would be some upset.
Im all for anyone starting a new business – but that type of business in a residential neighbour hood? – go figure eh!
Now the neighbours might be driven out of town..
How will this entity be taxed, will it be taxed as commercial mill rate or residential?
There is a big difference.
Councils spend thousands and thousands of $ on planning and zoning. Whats the point?
Publisher: I will check but BC Assessment determines what percent is deemed residential and how much is deemed commercial/industrial etc.
Taxes are then assessed on that split.
Congrats Kristie and Scott. Three years is a huge step. Knowing the both of you so well as a physiotherapist, a wine master and of course friends, Oliver is lucky to have the both of you. Your perfection and professionalism is a great asset to the town.
Cheers from Alberta!!!
Understand that Councillor Jack Bennest and Councillor David Mattes voted against approving a young couple who are attempting to establish themselves in oliver – especially when a phsio is needed (1 week waiting list) – you came very close to driving them out of town – thank you council for the approval of the temp o rary permit – may i suggest a poll as to how many people have access to televised council meetings
Publisher: Dave – I have adjusted your comment to put some clarity in the mix. ODN has no role in what goes on at a council meeting. The physio business has been up and running for some time and was not the subject of the Temporay Use Permit (the TUP was for a wine manufacturing plant). The decision of council was made in favour of the applicant. Polling people on whether they have access to cable TV seems far fetched from the nature of your first point.