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Help our Farmers and Seasonal Farm Workers

Last Updated on Saturday, 18 February 2012 20:05 Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

by Alex Atamanenko

It is the time of the year when farmers in the Southern Interior of British Columbia are making plans for the next season which includes securing labour. Many orchard and vineyard owners are placing ads in their local papers looking for full time farm workers for next year. Season duration and wages vary depending on the nature of farm work. Some are expected to start working as early as January or February and continue until November 2012 with an hourly wage of between $9.50 and $12.00 (as of May 1st, 2012 the minimum wage in BC will be $10.25/hour).

Ideally, all those jobs would go to the local population. However, if farmers do not receive enough applications locally, they have to apply for Labour Market Opinion (LMO) in order to apply for the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program (Mexican and Caribbean temporary workers). Once farmers receive the positive Labour Market Opinion, they can contact foreign workers who then apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for a work permit. Usually the employers do not have to provide a place to live for their employees unless they are farmers hiring temporary farm workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program.

There is another option for our farmers. They can wait until the last minute to see how many young farm workers will come from other parts of Canada, especially from Quebec, to join the local work force for the summer.

Whichever option farmers choose, other than hoping to find and hire as many workers locally as possible, they are burdened with additional worry and expense of securing the accommodation and on-farm sanitary facilities for their seasonal workers.

The BC Fruit Growers Association (BCFGA) passed two resolutions in 2010 (Sanitary Facility Funding and Accommodation Funding) in an attempt to secure financial support from the federal and provincial governments, but so far no assistance has been forthcoming. Meanwhile, we are witnessing meetings between municipal authorities, farmers and seasonal farm workers trying to resolve the perpetual issue – tending to the basic needs of workers without jeopardizing the farm operation or additionally taxing the farmers who are already taxed enough by the unfair trade agreements.

Certain communities have established camp grounds for farm workers and some are in the process of looking for accessible sites on Crown Land to create similar facilities. Unfortunately, our rural communities do not have public transit and campgrounds are far from the farms and downtown amenities. Workers often have to carpool or hitch-hike to get not only to and from the farm but also whenever they need anything from town.

Some fruit growers have a wide variety of fruit trees which extends their season and therefore, the need for seasonal workers and they do their best to provide the amenities. Others only plant one type of fruit and do not need workers for longer than a week. As a result, they find it a financial burden to have to invest in facilities for workers for this short period of time.

Both our federal and provincial governments have an opportunity to step up to the plate and work together to assist our farmers and their workers by creating guidelines and providing financial support to ensure the survival of our fruit industry.

Oliver to get gas tax dollars

Last Updated on Saturday, 18 February 2012 20:04 Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

After much debate at a recent RDOS meeting, the board resolved the direction in which the regionally significant gas tax dollars will be allocated.

The board amended the list of projects to show the rural funding portion split equally between the Okanagan Falls wastewater project and the Gallagher Lake sewer proposal.

Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said the Town and other communities agreed that their projects warranted their share of the dollars as most dealt with water issues including. Funds slated for Oliver include a new supply well ($409,800) and a water treatment system ($92,000).

“With very little in grant dollars being available currently, I am very happy that this decision was made at the board table,” Hovanes said.

The mayor also noted that the tax requisition from the Town of Oliver is down from last year. This is because the RDOS has tracked the time allocated for administration and has determined that more of its administration time is used by rural as opposed to urban areas.

The gas tax allocation request is now being sent to the Union of BC Municipalities for approval.

Oliver taxpayers get a break in 2012 budget

Last Updated on Saturday, 18 February 2012 20:04 Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

by Lyonel Doherty

It’s a good news budget this year in Oliver.

Chief Financial Officer David Svetlichny said staff were able to transform the budget from a cash deficiency of $435,880 to a balanced budget. This reduction was accomplished without having to raise taxes. In fact, average Oliver residence will see a small tax savings of approximately 0.5 per cent or $2 (from $456 to $454).

Marathon deliberations by council last week resulted in further budget cuts of approximately $19,000 from the original general budgets of $3,143,323.

No major projects have been affected by the cuts, and there is still more deliberation required to determine how to use the $19,000 in savings.

Council went through each department to see where they could trim the budget.

Councillor Dave Mattes introduced a motion to hold their indemnities to last year’s level (at $93,394).

“I didn’t get into this job expecting an increase . . . I’m happy to forego it and set an example that we are looking after the Town’s money.”

Mayor Ron Hovanes said he favoured raising indemnities in small increments to keep up to the cost of living. If they don’t, council could suddenly find itself trying to catch up (with a large increase) and then hearing about it from taxpayers.

Councillor Jack Bennest agreed.

“My fear is if we say we’re going to hold the line this year, you’re obligating yourself to say the same thing next year.”

Councillor Linda Larson said nobody takes this job to make a living because it’s impossible. But if you want quality people, you have to pay for it, noting the number of hours councillors put into the job.

Mattes said voting for a hike in remuneration this year means an increase of $1,776 in the budget.

The motion was defeated, with Bennest, Larson, Hovanes and water councillor Andre Miller voting against it.

Svetlichny said the Town has a bylaw (like other municipalities) that states council remuneration will increase by the consumer price index annually (the CPI for this year is 1.66 per cent). The total increase in the 2012 budget for this amount is $1,776. When compared to the Town’s overall general budgets, this increase is less than half a percent, Svetlichny said.

Another issue that generated discussion was parks maintenance (labour costs), which will see an increase of $10,000 this year.

Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said Town staff have put in a lot of time and effort beautifying the community and making it look nice because of the Communities In Bloom (CIB) initiative.

Goodsell said Public Works could cut back on weeding to save money. But Larson said the entrance signs to Oliver should be kept immaculate.

However, Bennest said the CIB initiative is over, so the Town should be able to maintain its parks at the current level.

But Councillor Maureen Doerr said they can’t let maintenance work slide or they’ll start hearing complaints.

Mattes said he’s willing to live with a few complaints. But Hovanes isn’t, noting if they take more money out of the maintenance budget, they’ll hear about it from residents.

Council voted to increase the budget by $10,000 to better reflect what it actually costs to maintain Town parks.

The other significant difference from 2011 is legal costs, which show an increase of $10,000 due to increased demand for legal opinions.

Under airport costs, there is an overall decrease of $39,000 due to the partial completion of the Airport Strategic Plan.

The original $22,000 earmarked for economic development contingency was reduced by a new $15,000 line item for a hotel feasibility study.

Under rental properties, revenue increased by nearly 20 per cent as the CPR station rent now reflects market rates.

Under bylaw enforcement, there is a $1,457 decrease over last year’s budget (of $89,500) because of a 50 per cent reduction in extra hours of enforcement.

Councillor Jack Bennest questioned why the Town is spending this much money on bylaw enforcement.

Councillor Maureen Doerr said parking tickets are not being paid, noting people think it’s a joke.

Councillor Dave Mattes made a motion to cut the extra hours budget from $3,000 to $1,000, which council approved.

Council also eliminated $3,500 in web-based marketing costs after Mattes made the motion.

Under the fire department budget, council initially instructed staff to remove the 15,000 capital cost to complete the upstairs renovation of the fire hall. Council also instructed the department to cut its annual budget by an additional $20,000.

In a subsequent meeting, stakeholders were in favour of reinserting the capital project into the 2012 budget. So last week council resolved to take the $15,000 renovation expenditure out of the joint fire department reserve fund (shared by the Town and the rural fire protection district, which funds approximately 50 per cent of the overall fire department budget).

By paying for this $15,000 capital expense this way, there is no effect on current year property taxes, Svetlichny said.

Fire Chief Dan Skaros informed council that the department is short of space for training purposes, so it wants to complete upstairs renovations. This area would be used for watching training videos.

Ernie Rotheisler of the fire protection district said it’s a shame to have this project left unfinished. “We have no problem taking it ($7,500) out of our reserve.”

In other fire budget news, major capital purchased for 2012 include four Ipads for trucks (4,500); various rescue equipment ($34,000); and a training tower ($5,000).

Petition opposes gravel crushing in Oliver

Last Updated on Saturday, 18 February 2012 20:05 Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

by Lyonel Doherty

Residents in the industrial park area have signed a petition opposing gravel crushing and asphalt mixing in their neighbourhood.

Concerned homeowner Meranda Elliott started the petition when she heard rumblings that a gravel crushing business was being proposed.

“My biggest concern is quality of life . . . I believe this type of business should not be in a residential area.”

Elliott has obtained approximately 50 signatures, but said 200-300 more are needed for the petition to have any clout with Town council.

The petition refers to industrial park property owned by Chris Jentsch (adjacent to Nulton Irrigation) on Sawmill Road. Jentsch has been issued a business licence to operate a gravel processing and asphalt mixing plant on Maple Avenue. A licence has also been issued to Thorp’s Concrete and Masonry Products Ltd. (under agent Bill Ross) on Miller Avenue.

Gravel crushing and asphalt mixing plants are currently permitted on land in the M2 (heavy industrial) zone established in Oliver’s current zoning bylaw.

The previous council instructed staff to bring forward a zoning amendment bylaw that would remove these as permitted uses in the M2 zone. However, after a public hearing in November, council chose to abandon this amendment, leaving gravel crushing and asphalt mixing uses in place within the existing bylaw.

Council is currently in the midst of updating the bylaw and plans to consult with industrial land owners and the broader community about heavy industrial uses in Oliver.

Elliott fears that if enough people don’t become informed about what’s going on, they may see a gravel crushing operation in their backyard.

“If this goes through, I’m going to sell my house (before the property value declines), Elliott said.

She cited concerns about air pollution, noise, constant dust, increased truck traffic, and surface water contamination.

But Jentsch said the issue is really being thrown out of proportion.

“Noise and dust levels will be in the accepted norms of any business operating commercially. These operations are very seasonal and exist in most every municipality.”

As the owner of C&B Gravel and Paving, Jentsch has begun operations in the industrial area where the current M2 zoning allows. He will start processing and selling gravel in the spring.

“I would invite anyone with noise and dust concerns to go up to the high school where crushing of materials has been co-existing harmoniously for many weeks . . . in the center where children are learning and in the heart of residential Oliver.”

Jentsch urges the community and its leaders to make informed decisions and allow the hard working men and women who work in the area’s industries to be allowed to do so, “all the while raising their families and at the same time feeding our tax base.”

This latter point is sometimes lost, he pointed out.

But local resident Deborah Johnson said the thought of having a gravel crushing operation in her neighbourhood is “devastating.” Her property backs onto an oxbow where a lot of wildlife call home.

“If they bring that (asphalt plant) in, it will just destroy my sanctuary.”

Homeowner Daryl Sanderson said he can’t see how locating a gravel crushing plant in this area is feasible. He stated the noise will echo quite loudly and the gravel trucks hauling the material will take a huge toll on Sawmill Road.

Sanderson said he used to live within two miles of a gravel crushing plant in Mission, and he still felt the effects of the dust and noise.

Mayor Ron Hovanes said the Town will invite all those effected to a meeting in order to get their feedback. At some point after this, council will host a public hearing on the matter before adopting the zoning bylaw.

“We will make every effort to hear from the effected land owners, neighbours and the public,” Hovanes said.

Elliott encourages everyone with concerns to make sure they attend the public hearing when it is announced. Anyone who wishes to sign the petition can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Elliott said she is not opposed to gravel crushing operations as long they are located away from residential neighbourhoods. For example, the operation in question would be best suited for Senkulmen Business Park, she pointed out.

Brennan Clarke, public relations officer for the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, said the ministry would have little to do with gravel crushing on private land in the industrial park. In terms of noise abatement, this would fall under municipal regulations, Clarke stated.

Because of the current zoning, property owners in the industrial park can do what the zoning allows, in this case, process gravel, Clarke said.

For council to suddenly change that use could be “problematic,” he noted.

Clarke said if an applicant is merely crushing gravel on site, it’s a municipal issue. If he extracts gravel from the site, it becomes a provincial issue.

In any event, residential homeowners have a responsibility to know what is and what isn’t allowed in their neighbourhood before they purchase. “It’s buyer beware,” Clarke said.

School board briefs

Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

Local students ‘ACE IT’

Superintendent Bev Young reported there are 10 students signed up for ACE IT (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training) and duel credit programs.

In Okanagan College programs, five students have been accepted into the Oliver welding program, while two are in the residential construction program in Penticton.

One student is in dental office administration, and one is entering BCIT’s electrician program at the Burnaby campus.

Another student is attending the esthetics program at the Okanagan Cosmetology Institute in Penticton.

Assistant superintendent Jim Insley recognized career preparation teacher Rod Kitt for spending his Christmas holidays putting this advanced esthetics course together.

School trustee Sam Hancheroff suggested taking Grade 6 and 7 students to see the woodworking and metalworking classes at SOSS in order to “whet their appetite.”

School celebrates Rick Hansen

Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School has been selected as a site to celebrate the launch of the Rick Hansen 25th anniversary relay on May 8.

“It’s really an honour for them to showcase the wonderful things the school is doing,” said district superintendent Bev Young.

The school is now in the process of choosing a worthy student as the medal bearer, a symbol of hope and determination.

Enrolment decreases

District enrolment in December was approximately 2,380 full-time equivalent students.

This is an overall decrease of 13 students (from September 2011).

Elementary schools have decreased by seven students, while enrolment at secondary schools has declined by 31 students.

YouLearn, however, has increased by 25 students since September.

Strike affects school visits

It was reported that the teachers’ job action is affecting school planning councils and their visits.

Each spring trustees visit schools in the district to talk about learning plans. But because of the strike, meetings with teachers are not happening.

This has resulted in these visits being modified.

Technology waits for no one

School trustee Rob Zandee attended a recent symposium where technological change was discussed.

Zandee questioned how the district will prepare its students for the shift in technology when it changes so fast.

“Fifteen years ago the World Wide Web did not exist. Now we have it in the palm of our hands.”

Board to acknowledge First Nations

The board passed a motion to acknowledge First Nations people at its public meetings.

Trustee Myrna Coates introduced the motion, saying she wanted to acknowledge that these meetings take place on the traditional territories of First Nations.

“We recognize and honour their attachment to this place.”

Coates noted she was born and bred in the Similkameen and was raised to appreciate First Nations people.

Read and Rec programs having impact

Assistant superintendent Jim Insley reported that the Read and Rec and Rhyme and Rec programs are having a significant impact on students.

He said the programs help prevent students from falling behind and enables them to be closer (in reading levels) to their classmates in September.

He noted many students who enrol in these programs gain several levels during the summer.

Trustee Myrna Coates said the more often we have contact with students, the greater they learn.

“This is so vital to students who are having trouble (reading). In the summer most students stop all academic learning,” she noted.

Trustee Sam Hancheroff said the district needs more money to hire more educational assistants to work with at-risk students.

Trustee Rob Zandee wondered aloud if there is the willingness to have a continuous school year to enhance learning.

Insley said the district has identified 20 per cent of the student population that should participate in these programs but don’t.

Oliver physicians get funding

Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00

by Lyonel Doherty

South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver will receive $200,000 to strengthen public access to emergency services.

This is part of last summer’s announcement by the province that $200,000 was earmarked for rural, fee-for-service physicians who commit to emergency services at their local hospitals.

This funding will be used to hire additional physicians, provide incentives for working weekends, holidays or night shifts, and equipment purchases.

Some of the funding will be targeted to physician recruitment and retention programs.

Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater said the funding is in response to last summer’s concern about Oliver doctors finding it difficult to staff the emergency room (ER) department at SOGH. Local physicians (who work on a fee for service basis) also raised a concern about their remuneration for ER work not being up to par with doctors (on salary) at Penticton Regional Hospital. As a result, some physicians said they were going to withdraw their ER services from SOGH.

Slater acknowledged that patients shouldn’t have to sit in the ER waiting room for a long time when they pay for medical services. But that’s the demographic reality of it all, he stated.

Slater said the hope is to establish a system using technology that will see patients accessing their doctors over the phone or via computer as opposed to visiting the emergency department and adding to wait times.

Slater said the $200,000 will definitely help Oliver physicians at SOGH, but he admitted it’s only a short-term fix.

“We want to make sure that we have physicans 24/7 at the hospital . . . SOGH is a great facility and we want to keep it alive.”

Slater noted that 250 families will be relocating to the Oliver area once the new correctional centre is built. This should keep the hospital busy.

Events with alcohol policy approved

Monday, 13 February 2012 00:00

by Lyonel Doherty

An issue that has caused some consternation on council has finally been harnessed and put to bed in a clearly defined policy.

Introducing the “Events With Alcohol” policy, which council approved without much fanfare last week.

Mayor Ron Hovanes said the policy is a prudent move, and one that addresses council’s obligation and responsibility towards its employees.

The policy was previously criticized for its perception that taxpayers were footing the bill for alcohol or taxi rides home for councillors and staff at Town parties. This was not the original intent.

The original motion was: “That the Town reimburse people’s transportation costs when they attend town functions where liquor is provided.”

With regard to safe transportation following events with alcohol, the policy includes a transportation account funded by sources other than tax dollars. Options include admission charges, drink surcharges, staff contributions, donations or fundraising monies.

Alcohol served at Town-sponsored events would not be paid for with tax dollars, but would be included in the admission price or served on a no-host basis. The exception would be for guests of honour such as visiting dignitaries or retiring staff members.

The new policy “does not encourage or condone irresponsible use of alcohol,” but it promotes responsible behaviour and seeks to prevent injury or property damage.

Serving alcohol or hosting events where alcohol is provided exposes any municipality to legal risks.

Serving alcohol will be limited to the following types of Town-sponsored events: receptions held for out-of-town dignitaries; recognition events for citizens of the community or retiring employees or council members; sporting tournaments for staff and council, seasonal or special celebrations; and social events for volunteers, including volunteer fire department staff.

Providing safe transportation home will include the following options: arrange for a contractor or other private business to sponsor the event and provide safe rides home; arrange for a non-profit organization to provide transportation in exchange for a donation; assign council or staff volunteers to be designated drivers.

Councillor Dave Mattes, who introduced the original motion, said he received unanimous positive feedback on the new policy after showing it to several people.

Hovanes said the Town made it through the Christmas season without spending a nickel on the policy, “and everyone got home safely.”

2012 February 8 - Council Briefs

Monday, 13 February 2012 00:00

Council has invited the Ministry of Transportation to talk about the McIntyre passing lane project north of Oliver.

Councillor Jack Bennest said this will be a good opportunity for those who didn’t attend the recent open house at the legion hall.

A date has yet to be confirmed.

FortisBC will attend a future council meeting to present the Kingsvale-Oliver pipeline reinforcement project.

The company is proposing to construct and operate a new pipeline (161 kilometres) to loop its existing natural gas transmission line between Kingsvale and Oliver.

Councillor Linda Larson said she would like to know more if the project is going to creates jobs in the area.

Councillor Dave Mattes said the pipeline will end six kilometres north of Oliver, outside the Town’s jurisdiction. He noted a public hearing will also be held on the issue.

Larson learns lesson

Councillor Linda Larson said she learned a valuable lesson during a training session for newly elected council members recently.

“Don’t study things to death. Choose just a few priorities rather than taking 30 things and not getting any done.”

Larson said the three-day training seminar in Kelowna was very overwhelming but informative.

Local business gets CF treatment

Community Futures is asking the Town for a $7,500 contribution towards the “Economic Gardening” program in the region.

This program provides market research to help entrepreneurs grow their business.

Community Futures manager Mary Ellen Heidt said the initiative has allowed them to work

with 53 businesses, eight of which were from Oliver, including work for the South Okanagan

Chamber of Commerce.

Market analyst Sue Baker said Economic Gardening steers entrepreneurs where to target their products for the best results.

“Nowadays you have to be online in order to be competitive.”

Councillor Maureen Doerr said a lot of businesses are successful because of the work Community Futures does.

Council will review the grant-in-aid request along with all the others during its budget deliberations.

2012 February 8 - Editorial

Monday, 13 February 2012 00:00

by Lyonel Doherty

Driver frustration is one of the terms cited in the Ministry of Transportation’s proposal to construct passing lanes in the McIntyre bluff area.

At first, the thought of spending $10 million on four-laning this small stretch of highway (1.5 kilometres) may seem unnecessary, perhaps even wasteful. The collision history on this stretch of road isn’t that alarming – only two injuries (in 12 collisions) between 2001 and 2010.

People just have to slow down, right? It’s all a matter of attitude, right? Yes, but it’s hard to reason with human nature sometimes, including my own

While driving home last week, my frustration level got the better of me. I was following a truck towing a trailer that was moseying along at 70 km/h in an 80 zone. It was on a straight stretch near McIntyre dam and nothing was coming, so I gunned it, thinking there was lots of room to pass safely. Of course, that’s when you see headlights suddenly appear and approaching fast. Well, my heart started racing nearly as fast as my small engine that could because I was at the point of no return. The approaching car had to slow down and pull over slightly to allow me to finish my manoeuvre, which left me shaken and angry at my risky stunt (that didn’t appear risky at the moment of execution).

I immediately thought of the open house where a ministry official said part of the reason behind the four-laning is to prevent risky passing behaviour due to driver frustration. Guilty as charged.

Passing lanes in this area would certainly ease congestion and address safety concerns, particularly when more than 8,400 vehicles per day traverse this section of highway in the summer time. Of the 12 collisions reported, eight per cent involved the act of passing. Furthermore, 68 per cent of motorists’ time on this stretch of road is spent following other vehicles, with the average travel speed being 72 km/h.

The passing lane proposal includes wider shoulders to accommodate cyclists, a paved median in the center, rumble strips and roadside barriers as required.

The only outstanding concern left to address is the environmental impacts of the project. The expansion will no doubt affect the sensitive ecosystem (antelope brush and wildlife habitat) in the area. But the ministry plans to conduct a complete environmental assessment and mitigation plan to reduce the impact.

Unfortunately, once again, human encroachment is compromising our ecosystem . . . all because people want to drive faster to get where they want to go.

Preliminary hearing set for killing

Monday, 13 February 2012 00:00

The case of an Oliver man charged with killing his younger brother last year is slated for a preliminary hearing in April.

Kyle Louie faces a second-degree murder charge in the death of his brother, Reece Louie, who was found bleeding outside his residence on Black Sage Road following an altercation on Feburary 19, 2011.

Oliver RCMP received a 911 call about a disturbance at the home on the Osoyoos Indian Band reserve. The caller was distraught and reported that police were required immediately.

On arrival, police located Reece lying injured outside the residence. Officers applied first aid, but he died later that evening in hospital.

It was determined that a second man in

his 20s, who was believed to have been in the residence at the time of the disturbance, had left the home.

Police subsequently located 22-year-old Kyle Louie and arrested him without incident.

He was initially arrested for aggravated assault, but the charge was upgraded to murder

when it was learned that Reece had died.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 30 at the Penticton court house.

National park idea suffers another blow

Monday, 13 February 2012 00:00

Vaseux Lake was to be included in the national park boundaries, but Parks Canada has halted public consultation on the plan

because it’s not being supported by the provincial government at this time.

by Lyonel Doherty

The proposed national park for the South Okanagan-Similkameen has taken another hit – this time from Parks Canada.

The federal agency recently stated that it cannot proceed with the concept without the support of the provincial government. The Ministry of Environment previously stated it could not lend its support because of the number of people opposed to the park.

“If the province changes its position and indicates it is prepared to proceed, Parks Canada would resume its work in this area,” the agency stated. “In order to respect the province’s perspective, Parks Canada will not publicly engage stakeholders on the proposal at this time.”

Park supporter and naturalist Dick Cannings said it would be pointless for Parks Canada to continue with public consultation if the province has withdrawn its support. He noted the lands involved are provincially owned and would require a transfer from the province to Parks Canada.

But Cannings in still optimistic.

“I don’t consider the concept dead; there’s too much public support for the park, it’s too good an idea and too important an initiative to let it go so easily.”

Cannings said he’s hoping the province will reconsider its decision when it realizes how important the park is to the people. “Parks Canada has stated they would happily begin talks with the province should the decision be reversed.”

But Greg Norton from Oliver, a spokesman for the Grasslands Park Review Coalition, said democracy has spoken and he’s grateful that the BC government has listened to the concerns relating to the park.

“It needs to be a dead issue,” he told the media.

Doreen Olson from the South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Network expressed her disappointment with the decision by Parks Canada.

Oliver Chronicle | Providing Local News Since 1937 | News

Help our Farmers and Seasonal Farm Workers

Oliver to get gas tax dollars

Oliver taxpayers get a break in 2012 budget

Petition opposes gravel crushing in Oliver

School board briefs

Oliver physicians get funding

Events with alcohol policy approved

2012 February 8 - Council Briefs

2012 February 8 - Editorial

Preliminary hearing set for killing

National park idea suffers another blow

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