6338+ STATION Street,

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:

1. Introduce the three Plaza Precinct Design Concepts;
2. Share the preferred concept from the Downtown Advisory Committee meetings; and
3. 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.