Station Street
Revitalization: https://www.oliver.ca/whats-happening/station-street-revitalization
New Public Space in Downtown Oliver is Moving Forward
At the October 26, 2020 Council Meeting, Council adopted Option
B as the preferred design option.
July 12, 2021 staff applied for a grant to the Canada Community
Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The fund is intended to help communities across
Canada build and improve community infrastructure so they can rebound from the
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national allocation of $500 million
over two years, the Fund’s purpose is to support not-for-profit
organizations, municipalities and other public institutions, as well as
Indigenous communities on the road to economic recovery. The focus of the
funding will be for projects that assist with community vitality, support
social and economic cohesion and help reanimate communities.
We are transforming the old RV campground into a Community Hub
and Plaza!
The Town of Oliver is undertaking an exciting design process to
create a new Public Plaza and Community Hub at the old RV campground between
the River and Station Street. The purpose of the Public Open House held on
October 6th was to:
- Introduce the three Plaza Precinct
Design Concepts;
- Share the preferred concept from
the Downtown Advisory Committee meetings; and
- Receive your feedback on all three
Concepts as well as the Preferred Plaza and Community Hub Concept.
How does the Plaza and Community Hub fit into the big picture?
As part of a recent Economic Development Study for Oliver, and
building upon previous planning initiatives, this site has been identified as
the gateway into Downtown Oliver for the surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as
the many hikers and bikers travelling along the river from neighbouring
communities. As a key connection point between the larger recreational trail
network and the Downtown retail/commercial street network, this site has the
potential to become a catalyst for future development partnerships for vacant
lots along Station Street and nearby areas.
What is a Community Hub, you might ask? It can be many things,
but Oliver’s Community Hub proposal is envisioned to be an inviting outdoor
place for all community members, and visitors alike, used for everyday
activities such as playing, eating, drinking, socializing, and hanging out.
As we continue to
develop these designs we will incorporate the information from the surveys
collected, such as the preferred options or any particular elements, activities
or qualities that you think will help this site become a safe, fun and
welcoming place for community members and visitors to experience in the future.
The design and
program of the Plaza can help create a vibrant, inviting and identifiable
community destination or Hub, contributing to the sustainability of Oliver’s
social and economic health. A pavilion structure and small food kiosks have
been proposed within the conceptual designs with the idea they would contribute
to the success of the “Hub”, by providing affordable spaces for local
enterprises
and community groups and help activate this area throughout the different times
of day and seasons.
This space could
also be designed to host programmed community events, farmer’s markets, art and
cultural meetups and special festivals.
Oliver
BC is a town in the South Okanagan. Named the "Wine Capital of
Canada", with a population of approximately 5000 people, located alongside
Tucelnuit Lake and the Okanagan River, and nestled in the Okanagan valley
Oliver is a wonderful place to live and work. Mt Baldy Ski Hill is a short
drive away and whether you are seeking desert, water or mountains our little
town and valley offers the best of all worlds.
The
District Wine Village is located just a few kilometers north of the town, other
attractions include the Venables theatre, many
beautiful hiking and walking trails, the annual Festival of the Grape and a
thriving music scene.
