Oliver council promotes new app for residents

By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle

The following are Oliver town council briefs from the Nov. 14 meeting.

Town promotes App

The Town of Oliver is spending approximately $5,000 of its COVID-19 restart funds to promote its mobile app.

The newly developed app includes features allowing residents to access online services to view and receive property tax and utility bills. It also allows people to report an issue and upload a photograph as part of the “See Something – Say Something” campaign.

In addition, the app can notify you of local emergencies and offer information on events, news, and waste services.

Councillor Dave Mattes encouraged people to sign up for the app, noting the COVID funding means there is no impact on taxpayers.

Wine tour licensing

Town council is amending a bylaw to allow wine tour companies to operate under an inter-community business licence.

In the past, these operators were required to have individual business licences in each community they worked in.

Council plans to adopt the licensing bylaw on Nov. 28.

Fire protection renewal

The Town of Oliver is reviewing a new fire protection agreement with the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB).

Proposed changes include the provision of first response medical service within the fire protection area. 

Statistics show that calls for service increased from 17 in 2017 to 30 in the first six months of 2022. Six of those were medical calls.

Councillor Dave Mattes said he reviewed the document and noticed the term “native” was used. He suggested, in the spirit of reconciliation, that council discuss the use of this language with the OIB to ensure it is appropriate.

It was noted that the OIB had reviewed the same document and did not raise an issue about the use of the word.

But Mattes recommended sending the issue back to council and the OIB for further discussion.

Council endorses golf club plan

Town council is supporting Fairview Mountain Golf Club’s application to construct a new pumphouse and teaching centre.

Council heard the club wants to replace an existing pumphouse (for a new irrigation system) and construct a new accessory building to handle business operations.

Grant sought for fire training

Town staff has submitted a funding application for $30,000 to help the Oliver Fire Department with equipment and training.

The department proposes to run a water line and add a second fire hydrant on its training grounds. It also plans to purchase several sea-can containers to simulate multi-level fire scenarios for training purposes.

Veintimilla appointed 

Town council has appointed Councillor Petra Veintimilla to the School District Strategic Planning Advisory Committee. She said it is a great opportunity to provide input on strategic planning for students.

Paramedic invite

The Town of Oliver is inviting ambulance paramedics to council in the near future.

Council decided it would be nice to hear from local paramedics regarding the challenges they are facing and possible solutions.

Councillor Dave Mattes said he would also like to invite the province to get its point of view as well.

More information is better, Mayor Martin Johansen agreed.

Council also plans to invite BC Assessment to give a presentation to council.