Administrative Recommendation:

THAT the Regional District defer the request for a letter of concurrence to locate a Communication Tower west of 6450 Spartan St pending response from ratepayers within a Public Notification Area of 150 metres from the subject parcel.

Purpose: To allow for a new Wireless Communication facility.

Land Owners: Town of Oliver
Agent: Chad Marlatt (Cypress Land Services -for- Rogers Communications)
Legal: Lot 1, Plan KAP15192, District Lot 2450S, SDYD
OCP: Resource Area (RA Zoning: Resource Area (RA)

Proposed Development:
Rogers is requesting of the Regional District Board its concurrence for the proposed replacement of one (1) new tri pole tower structure with six panel antennas an a lightening rod to provide wireless communication services.

This telecommunication tower is located at 6450 Spartan Street

The applicant is seeking to undertake a public consultation process following the RDOS Board Policy for Communication Towers / Antenna Systems Approval Process (adopted May 7, 2015), with a reduction to the Public Notification Area of 1 km to 150 m.

Site Context: accessed from Spartan Street, immediately adjacent to the Town of Oliver boundary. The surrounding area is comprised of large undeveloped resource area parcels to the north, south and west. To the east, in the Town of Oliver, is an established residential neighbourhood.

Background:
Under the Electoral Area “C” Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 2452, 2008, the subject parcel is designated Resource Area (RA) and is the subject of an Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit (ESDP) Area designation and is also partially within a Watercourse Development Permit (WDP) Area.

Under the Electoral Area “C” Zoning Bylaw No. 2453, 2008, the subject parcel is zoned Resource Area (RA) and defines ‘utility uses’ as meaning “facilities for broadcast transmission and the distribution and collection of electrical, telephone, T.V., cable, natural gas, sewer, water and transportation services servicing the general public”. Section 7.3 (Uses Permitted in Every Zone) of the bylaw permits ‘utility uses’ in every zone.

At its August 26, 2019 Closed meeting, Oliver Council resolved to lease a small portion of space at 6450 Spartan Street for the purpose of installing a telecommunications tower and directed staff to undertake joint public notification with the RDOS for the proposed tower and disposition of land.

66 properties in the Town of Oliver would be notified. The north would be placed north of the water reservoirs.

What say you?

Who is that masked man?

The Kiwanis Market re-opened for sales on Saturday, June 27. 

New hours of opening will be Saturdays only, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The opening comes with new rules to address the COVID-19 virus.

The wearing of masks will be required in the market, so bring your own or purchase one at the door for $1.00.  This is to protect our vulnerable staff as well as our valued customers.  Hand sanitizer will be required at the door and will be provided free of charge.  The market has been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing, so be aware of the markings on the floor.  Any young children will need to be closely monitored.

Donations will be accepted and stored in the Kiwanis truck outside at the back door off the loading dock, and can be dropped off there directly.  The only access to the market will be through the double doors on Sawmill Road (front of building), where public parking will be permitted.  Staff parking will be off the alley.  Any customer parking at the back will be required to walk around to the front for access.  The door off the alley at the back will be locked since there will be no public access through the back entrance.

Purchases that can be carried by the customer can be taken out at the time of purchase.  Any purchase that needs to be picked up will be accommodated once the market is closed after 1:00 pm.  Deliveries will be done at the same time, after 1:00 pm.

There will be a book sale at the front in the parking area (weather permitting), since the Friends of the Library donated all books for their annual sale to the Kiwanis Club of Oliver.  Thank you to the Friends of the Library and the community of Oliver for all the book donations.

The Kiwanis Club of Oliver hopes to give its patrons a positive and safe experience, but remember, your safety also depends on you.  We welcome everyone back this coming Saturday.

Coincidence or Divine Providence?

Shortly after WW2 a young man named Cliff, and his fiancée Billie (a woman), were anxious to get married. They had very little money. They managed to scrape together enough funds for a simple wedding and two train tickets to a city where he had been asked to help a friend with a revival campaign. By combining this responsibility with their honeymoon, they thought they could make it. They planned to stay at a nearby hotel.

The couple got off the train and took a bus to the hotel, only to learn that it had been taken over by the military for use as a rehabilitation center. It was no longer open for guests. There they were, stranded in an unfamiliar city with only limited funds. There was little to do but attempt to hitch a ride on the nearby highway. Soon a car pulled over, and the driver asked where they wanted to go.

“We don’t know,” they said and explained their predicament. The man was sympathetic and said perhaps he could offer a suggestion. A few miles down the road was a grocery store that was owned by a woman he knew. She had a couple of empty rooms upstairs and might be willing to let them stay there inexpensively. They were in no position to be choosy.

The lady rented them a room for five dollars, and they moved in. During their first day in residence, the new bride spent the afternoon practicing the piano, and Cliff played the trombone he had brought with him. The proprietor of the store sat in a rocking chair, listening to the music. When she realized they were Christians, she referred them to a friend, who invited them to spend the rest of their honeymoon in his home. Several days later (after their own revival meetings were over) the host mentioned that a young evangelist was speaking at a youth rally in a nearby Christian conference center. They were invited to attend.

That night it so happened that the regular songleader was sick, and Cliff was asked to take charge of the music for the service. What a historic occasion it was! The evangelist turned out to be a very young Rev. Billy Graham. The groom was Cliff Barrows. They met that evening for the first time, and a lifetime partnership was formed. They became part of the Billy Graham team for decades, along with Bev Shea, until they were no longer able to do that kind of work. Just think of all the incidents that fell into place for this team to form and then last for 60 years. These events were no coincidence.

Praise the Lord!

Henry Wiebe

Chace Alaric

500.00 – Carson Ruhland Memorial Scholarship

550.00 – Nick Jones Scholarship

650.00 – Robert McDowell Foundation Scholarship

500.00 – Catholic Women’s League Bursary

500.00 – Old Stockers Hockey Club Award

***
Joshua Allenbrand

1,500.00 – SOSS Enrichment Fund Society Scholarship

500.00 – SOSS PAC Scholarship

***

545.00

Alex and Pat Jones Forman Bursary

Japleen Aujla

***

500.00

Bhav Sagar Tarn Sikh Temple

Gurleen Bajwa

500.00

Babbaljit Singh Brar Memorial Bursary

Gurleen Bajwa

***

500.00

Mark Crucetti Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Baker

100.00

Bruce Porteous

Daniel Baker

***

500.00

Ross Rutledge Award

Madison Boen-Shekula

650.00

Robert McDowell Foundation Scholarship

Madison Boen-Shekula

1,500.00

SOSS Enrichment Fund Society Scholarship

Madison Boen-Shekula

500.00

Phui Thai Memorial Scholarship

Gursharan Braich

1,000.00

South Okanagan Minor Hockey

Gursharan Braich

500.00

Babbaljit Singh Brar Memorial Bursary

Gursharan Braich

500.00

Bonnett/Hindle Bursary

Sarah Cairns

500.00

Principals & Vice-Principals Association Bursary

Sarah Cairns

2,000.00

School District 53 Academic Scholarship

Sarah Cairns

1,000.00

OK Falls Senior Citizens Bursary

Jakob Chapman

500.00

Oliver Community Arts Council Bursary

Jakob Chapman

500.00

James Laird Wight Memorial Scholarship

Jakob Chapman

500.00

Dr. George & Carolyn Cope Scholarship

Cassidy Colk

1,000.00

Robert Fleming Memorial Scholarship

Cassidy Colk

500.00

Okanagan Falls Lions Club Bursary

Andrew DeVos

1,000.00

Oliver Senior Centre Bursary

Andrew DeVos

500.00

SOSS PAC Scholarship

Andrew DeVos

500.00

Al Mutlow Memorial Scholarship

Jayden Encina

1,000.00

Riley Martin Inspirational Bursary

Anthony Evans

500.00

Pat McGibbon Memorial Scholarship

Anthony Evans

500.00

SOSS PAC Scholarship

Anthony Evans

500.00

SOSS Field Hockey Goalie Award

Kiera Gaudet

1,500.00

Peer Counselling Bursary in the amount of $1500.00

Kimran Gill

500.00

Maureen Franz Memorial Bursary

Sharon Grewal

1,000.00

Oliver Senior Centre Bursary

Sharon Grewal

300.00

Oliver Ambassador Program Award

Sharon Grewal

250.00

Desert Sun Counselling Award

Elle Gustavson-Rich

500.00

Okanagan Correction Centre Scholarship

Ethan Hagel

500.00

SOSS Alumni Scholarship

Ethan Hagel

1,000.00

Oliver Elks Bursary

Dayton Hayes

1,500.00

OK Falls Royal Canadian Legion 227 Scholarship

Jordan Hofley

1,500.00

Ron Powell Memorial/K & C Silviculture Bursary

Avery Kane

500.00

Bill and Pat Graham Memorial Scholarship

Avery Kane

500.00

Elizabeth Ann Meadows Scholarship

Avery Kane

500.00

Jack McKay Rotary Memorial Scholarship

Avery Kane

1,500.00

Fairview Mountain Scholarship

Aidan Kitt

1,250.00

SOSTU Scholarship

Aidan Kitt

500.00

Oliver Community Arts Council Bursary

Chyna Lee

1,000.00

Medical Staff of SOGH Scholarship

Nadia Lee

1,000.00

Kiwanis Club Bursary

Nadia Lee

1,000.00

Oliver/Osoyoos Aktion Club Scholarship

Nadia Lee

1,500.00

OK Falls Royal Canadian Legion 227 Scholarship

Nadia Lee

500.00

Old Stockers Hockey Club Award

Kyton MacFadden

2,000.00

School District 53 Trades Scholarship

Kyton MacFadden

1,000.00

Patricia Jean Gallie (Blidook) Scholarship

Kyton MacFadden

500.00

Bonnett/Hindle Bursary

Sydney Meyer

500.00

Mountain West Bursary

Sydney Meyer

1,000.00

OK Falls Legion – Ladies 227 Scholarship

Sydney Meyer

1,000.00

SOSS Alumni Anonymous Donor

Sydney Meyer

1,000.00

Patricia Jean Gallie (Blidook) Scholarship

Sydney Meyer

1,000.00

Oliver Chronicle Bursary

Michaela Mills

1,000.00

Rotary Club of Oliver Scholarship

Michaela Mills

500.00

Ivan Walker Memorial Scholarship

Michaela Mills

1,000.00

OK Falls Legion – Ladies 227 Scholarship

Nataliya Morezwich

850.00

Charlotte Campbell Memorial Bursary

Nataliya Morezwich

1,000.00

SOSS Alumni Anonymous Donor

Jasleen Morneau

1,500.00

SOSS Enrichment Fund Society Scholarship

Jasleen Morneau

550.00

SOSTU Bursary

Grace Neily

1,000.00

Oliver Elks Bursary

Scarlet Patzer

1,000.00

Minnie Egerton Memorial Scholarship

Scarlet Patzer

1,000.00

Oliver/Osoyoos Aktion Club Scholarship

Scarlet Patzer

1,000.00

Sharon Besler/Robert Baker Endowment Fund Scholarship

Riah Podmorow

1,250.00

SOSTU Scholarship

Riah Podmorow

2,500.00

South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary Bursary

Riah Podmorow

500.00

Oliver Women’s Institute Scholarship

Taylor Radcliff

1,000.00

Patricia Jean Gallie (Blidook) Scholarship

Bret Rollison

500.00

SOSS PAC Scholarship

Bret Rollison

500.00

Bhav Sagar Tarn Sikh Temple

Muskaan Sidhu

1,000.00

Patricia Jean Gallie (Blidook) Scholarship

Muskann Sidhu

2,500.00

South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary Bursary

Muskaan Sidhu

500.00

Similkameen Chapter #78 Order of the Eastern Star Bursary

Azriel Starcic

500.00

Oliver Women’s Institute Scholarship

Azriel Starcic

Priceless

Quilt

Lauren Summers

500.00

Bill and Pat Graham Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Summers

500.00

Pat McGibbon Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Summers

500.00

Jennifer Mapplebeck Memorial Bursary

Lauren Summers

2,000.00

School District 53 Academic Scholarship

Nya Trakalo

650.00

Shiela Bull Memorial Scholarship

Nya Trakalo

500.00

Dave Wight Memorial Scholarship

Nya Trakalo

500.00

Burnett Bump Bursary

Nya Trakalo

750.00

Murray Family Scholarship

Joseph Trudel

2,000.00

School District 53 Trades Scholarship

Joseph Trudel

1,000.00

Patricia Jean Gallie (Blidook) Scholarship

James Typusiak

250.00

Sabyan Automotive Scholarship

James Typusiak

750.00

SOSS Enrichment Fund Society Scholarship

James Typusiak

500.00

Wine Country Racing Association Scholarship

James Typusiak

1,000.00

Kiwanis Club Bursary

Jennifer Zepeda

1,000.00

Oliver Elks Bursary

Jennifer Zepeda

300.00

Oliver Ambassador Program Award

Jennifer Zepeda

1,500.00

Soroptimist International of Osoyoos Bursary

Jennifer Zepeda

1,000.00

Dorothy & Ron Bonnett Memorial Scholarship

Jennifer Zepeda

500.00

Rudi Guidi Memorial Scholarship

Jennifer Zepeda

550.00

SOSTU Bursary

Jennifer Zepeda

2,500.00

Francis Family Scholarship

Avery Kane

2,500.00

Francis Family Scholarship

Nya Trakalo

As I write this the water in our rivers throughout the South Okanagan, Boundary and Similkameen are still dangerously high. While the flooding this year has not destroyed people’s homes to the extent of 2018, it has put more people and land at risk and continues to add frustration and costs to their daily lives.

We are not looking at the Spring flooding as a once in a lifetime experience anymore but rather a new normal that we will have to adapt to and be prepared for every year. Repairs and mitigation        (preventative) works still have not been completed in many areas from the 2018 floods. Costs continue to rise and government is now asking you to take on more of the responsibility for your own properties, especially those in low lying flood prone areas. Our love of “waterfront” property continues to haunt us.

My office will continue to help you in any way we can and pass on your concerns to the appropriate Government Ministries.

Covid-19 is a challenge for all of us, not just here but across the country and around the world. As British Columbians and Canadians we have, together, kept the curve relatively flat. But we are all getting frustrated by the restrictions that we have been living under and will continue to live under for many months to come. We are a bit ‘cranky’ at times and impatient with others, who perhaps, are not as diligent as we are in following the rules.

Please be kind, do not judge others, we are not the Covid police.

An area of concern for many was the arrival of our Quebec transient farm workers. This concern was dealt with very quickly by our farming community and agencies under the direction of the RDOS and Interior Health. There are not now, nor was there ever, any cases of the virus in our farm labour communities. There is a shortage of farm labour throughout BC.

The entire South Okanagan, Simiilkameen and Boundary areas are economically dependent on a successful farming season. In addition to a labour issue there are also added costs to our farmers with the need to supply to their workers the necessary PPE ( Personal Protective Equipment) due to Covid-19. Even the weather has conspired against our farmers this Spring.

Many of our local Fruit Stands and Markets are beginning to open and they offer a wide selection of local produce and processed items, like jams and salsa. As Tourists are not going to be here in the numbers we are used to, we (the local residents), are the only consumers able to support our farmers. There will be some visitors from Alberta and other Provinces as restrictions are lifted and the money they put into our local businesses is desperately needed. Many of them own properties in our areas and are paying taxes here just like everyone else. As Dr. Henry says every day to all of us “Be Kind”. Please check for local produce before you purchase imported goods at the grocery store. Even our grocery stores do their best to buy local so check the labels and support the local economy if you are able.

Occasionally when we are dealt lemons we can actually make lemonade and many of our local distillers have taken that to a new level. Dubh Glas Distillery at Gallagher Lake is one of those businesses that stepped up and started producing Hand Sanitizer. Their product, is registered and approved by Health Canada and is available to local consumers in manageable amounts.

In addition to selling the Sanitizer they also donated it to many local organizations and front line workers like our Fire Departments, Search&Rescue and the Food Bank. A shout- out to Grant Stevely and his crew at Dubh Glas Distillery and all the Distillers in our Communities who have helped to fill a shortage of sanitizing products that we need every day.

The Legislature resumed sitting in Victoria on June 23rd.
Under the distancing rules approximately 30 MLA’s can actually be physically present in the Chamber at any one time. Others will be in the building isolating in their offices. 50% of the MLA’s will remain in their respective Ridings but will participate in all proceedings through Zoom. Large screens have been installed in the Chamber and the faces of all will be visible. Proceedings will include the normal Question Period, the statements by Members and the introduction of Bills. If you were an avid fan of the Legislative channel you will be able to watch as before. The hours will be Mon- Thurs as usual. I will be participating from my home or office.

My Office in Oliver is open Tues to Thurs from 10-3. You will either need an appointment (preferred) but drop-ins are also allowed. You will need to ring the buzzer to be let in and sanitize your hands ( available inside).

Graduation 2020 still happened despite the limitations. Many innovative solutions were developed to connect and celebrate the end of the normal public education process for our graduating students. Friends and families gathered in small groups, created videos or did a drive by parade of graduates. A lot of work by teachers and parent groups went into making the Grads of 2020 feel special and I want to thank all of you for the extra effort, it will be remembered.

Finally – please continue to safe distance, get outside as much as possible, attend farmers markets, wear a mask when asked to do so and if it makes you feel safer, treat yourself to a meal at a restaurant, and again from Dr. Henry- “Be Calm, Stay Safe and Be Kind”?

Government of BC taking two initiatives for the farming industry in the Okanagan

1. a desire to set up more picker camps
2. to ensure proper Covid training be given to pickers

I am not going into detail of what is or is not planned – just a bit of frustration

Pickers in the Oliver area have Loose Bay

Pickers in the Osoyoos area have no camp

The government has a desire to place a camp in Summerland but locals not open to it

The government wants at least 2-3 more camps….. but time is running out and all the plans should have been looked at two months ago.

Training transient workers safe practices in a pandemic?? Is this a bit late and how do you get campers to connect with computers to take lessons.

Sometime I just shake my head.

6569 Lakeside Drive Oliver

Remedial Action Reconsideration Request –

The property owner at 6569 Lakeside Drive requested consideration to modify the time requirements. Council agreed to provide an additional 30 days to complete the retaining wall, and an additional 30 days to construct access to the upstairs patio, and further to change the requirement to side the shed with cladding to painting the shed which meets the requirements of the BC Building Code. The time requirements re-started June 22nd.

“Did I not just see a worm dangling?”

Natural feeding – not man fed

Deer

Lots of them

Downtown

In the meadows

Many congregate at Heritage House rest home and are fed on a regular basis.

A woman was standing within five feet of the deer and I advise her this was dangerous and wrong.

Take the poll

ps Mayor contacted, and Town of Oliver Bylaw Officer looking in the matter

Metal all the rage it seems

Time to provoke some thought, about the never ending war on drugs.

Canada’s simple solution began in 1908 with the opium act. Later the same year the Proprietary And Patent Medicine Act was passed making some drugs like cocaine illegal and other drugs restricted. It also required drug companies to list ingredients. The next step upped the punishments for violating the act. That saw the introduction of imprisonment and a criminal component. This came to pass in 1911. As with all things government it saw an expanded list of drugs made illegal.

The truth is alcohol was prohibited before Marijuana. Prohibition was enacted at the end of WWI. The drought in Canada was brief however in all but PEI the law was repealed in 1921. Booze was rescued Marijuana became illegal in 1923.

in researching our disguised past, racism did play a significant role. As opium was consumed in opium dens in the Chinese Community the law made it illegal to even be in a building where opium was found by law enforcement, the punishment?

Up to seven years in prison and for those of Chinese origin it could mean deportation as well. By 1954 the drug laws were revised to allow for fourteen years in prison from seven.

So what were the consequences of the war on drugs in Canada?

The laws were punitive designed to stomp out drug use and like prohibition the effort has failed. First let me say I am not for just wiping the laws off the books. However I am becoming more convinced we should decriminalize simple possession. We have legalized pot and the predictions of doom and gloom and endless winter have not materialized.

First who saw the benefits of making the laws punitive? Who saw the benefit from prohibition? Who paid the price for the illegal trade?

First drug companies made billions as they were in league with the governments regulating the supply.
The courts and police departments saw increased budgets to stomp out the crime. Bootleggers and drug traffickers made millions per month. The harsher the punishment the more value the product had.

So who paid the heaviest price? The addicts as they made their social spiral downward. To get money for their habit they turned to petty crime and or prostitution which only served to increase participation in the black market and inner crime circles. We saw dramatic increases not only in terms of addiction, it put pressure on the entire social safety net which created a vicious circle we still live with. Our government spends more than two billion a year on law enforcement for drug offenses and about a billion on treatment programs.

Today keeping possession a criminal offense, limits treatment out of fear and stigmatization. Today’s drugs are more dangerous and thousands die from overdoses annually. Before we dig battle trenches and dig in on a position let me point out a couple of things. If you smoked how hard was it to quit? What with the millions who die from smoking or alcohol – they are victims to government hypocrisy. I say that because the reason alcohol, tobacco and pot are legal is because the governments are addicted to sin tax revenue. Socially the public supports these products remaining legal. As for pot, the big producers, former politicians and the well connected got the licenses to produce it. The biggest loser in the war against drugs really is the Canadian Taxpayer. In a century of battle the war is not over, there is no end in sight and no victory on the horizon.

No, decriminalizing illicit drugs would not be a victory but rather a truce. The laws would prioritize treatment rather than prison or death. After a stalemate of nearly a hundred years it is time society had a discussion about other options.

Fred Steele

Students inside
Students outside
Speeches, awards, bursaries and scholarships presented to about half of the 85 grads

The SOSS Enrichment Society congratulates the 2020 graduates and is pleased to award $28,350.00 to those high school students planning to pursue post-secondary education.

Televised on You Tube

12:15 pm Wednesday

Crews of Oliver Fire Department still seeking to control fire on steep hillside above the Highway at Secrest Hill Rd – east side.

No one injured
No structures nearby

Lantz – left and Iannella shown at right

June 2020

Tony Iannella, former deputy elected as Fire Department Chief following retirement of chief Patrick Lantz.

November 2017

Patrick Lantz is the new Fire Chief in Willowbrook

A 12-year veteran of the department, Lantz served previously as deputy chief in Willowbrook, and replaces Brad Fossett, who retired after five years in the top job.

Oliver – Firearms stolen during break and enter at Canadian Tire store.

On June 13^th, 2020, at 3:30 a.m., a male suspect broke the glass front door to the Canadian Tire store in Oliver, BC.

Once inside the store, the man was able to enter a locked firearms cabinet, in which he removed four firearms along with ammunition. He then fled out the same front door, and into a parked car where another male driver was waiting.

The firearms stolen: Mossberg Patriot Night Train 300, bolt action, Mossberg Maverick hinge action shotgun, Ruger 10-22 .22 rifle, Savage Model Rascal Target .22 bolt action rifle.

The suspect was captured on video surveillance, and Police are hoping the public may be able to identify him.

The Oliver RCMP is requesting that if you have any information on this, or any other crime, to contact them at 250-498-3422, or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

South Okanagan Traffic Services (SOTS) based out of Keremeos is utilizing creative new methods to detect drivers using electronic devices. Distracted drivers can expect to be detected long before they ever see a police car or an officer in uniform.

Using a variety of disguises, including officers in civilian clothing, spotters are radioing ahead to uniformed enforcement teams. Traffic officers are also incorporating commercial vehicles as elevated platforms to catch offenders.

Prior to curtailing enforcement efforts in March due to COVID-19, SO Traffic Services conducted a distracted driving enforcement blitz across the South Okanagan. The effort saw officers conducting targeted enforcement efforts in Penticton, Summerland, Princeton, Keremeos, Osoyoos and Oliver.

Over 200 tickets were issued for either distracted driving or occupant restraint violations.

“We could just do enforcement but we would be missing an opportunity to prevent these offences from happening in the first place. To that end, we are raising awareness and actually advertising our tactics in the hopes that drivers with an illegal electronic device habit will change their behaviour, says Sgt. Ryan McLeod, Unit Commander of SOTS.

Penalties aside, we are asking drivers to ask themselves one question: ‘Is that text message or phone call worth my life or the life of someone else?’

Every driver has choices to make when it comes to driving. Please make it a habit to put your phone in a place where you won’t be tempted to use it, use the Do Not Disturb feature, or ask a passenger to take a call for you. It’s never too late to make the right decision.

According to provincial statistics, distracted driving is responsible for more than 1 in 4 fatal crashes in BC and claims 76 lives each year. Studies show that drivers using their electronic devices lose about 50% of what is going on around them visually and are 5 times more likely to crash.

The use of handheld electronic devices while driving has been banned in BC since 2010. A ticket for distracted driving involves a $368 fine and four penalty points ($252) for a total penalty of $620.

Bridge Park

Metal statue installed
Fountain installed
Bike fix unit installed

Just a bit more polish…. and

Southern Okanagan Secondary School in Oliver, which has a graduating class of  85 kids. They will be split into two groups for separate ceremonies, one outside and one in the atrium.

By ROY WOOD

Oliver will finally get a RV sani-dump after council this evening approved about $120,000 in funding for excavation and other related work. The dump, where recreational vehicles can empty their grey water and sewage tanks, will be located on about 10,000 square feet of airport lands just behind the Canadian Tire store.

The plans are for a $10-per-use charge. Operations director Shawn Goodsell told council that charging for use would allow his staff to monitor usage and would allow the project will pay for itself. Mayor Martin Johansen said that he had been reluctant to support an earlier proposal for a sani-dump near the town works yard. But the airport location, just behind Southwinds Mall, will increase tourist traffic and help local businesses, he said.

The lone dissenting voice was that of Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger, who said, “I’m not convinced it’s a driver of tourism.” He pointed out that people who bring RVs to town tend to stay in full-service campsites, which include their own dump sites. “The people who want this are local,” he said, who go camping in places without facilities and come back home and need to dump their grey and black water tanks.

Although the price tag is higher than the $95,000 budgeted for the project, Goodsell told council that savings from another sewer capital project will more than cover the overrun. The approximately $100,000 earthworks contract went to Mike Johnson Excavating of Oliver.