Oliver & District Community Economic Development Society (ODCEDS)

It was May of 2000 when community leaders took affirmative action to deal with economic development in the Town and Rural District and created ODCEDS. The society was and still is jointly funded by the two founding jurisdictions. Since that beginning the style of the society has changed, moving from a community membership base to a tighter society structure with the Town and Rural District each appointing four community members to form the board of directors. Directors are appointed for a two year term with half rotating out annually.

The Society is administered by an Economic Development Officer supported by an Administrative Assistant. Summer students are engaged assisting with major initiatives being undertaken by the Society.

From the outset the board had a vision and a belief that to succeed Oliver needed strategies and plans for development. It believed that with well constructed plans development and economic prosperity would grow in an orderly fashion without having to sacrifice the agriculture base of the community. With firm plans developers would have a thorough understanding of developments to be welcomed in Oliver that would complement the agriculture base.

That direction hasn't changed. The Wine Capital of Canada Master Plan, the Wine Village Accord, and the Rural Determination have been developed. An Agricultural Area plan is being developed and will be followed by the Agricultural Resort Area status. Exciting times for a small agriculture community that has vision and is demonstrating that creative thinking can make a difference.