Oliver population growth expected to be robust in near future

By Jorg Mardian/Okanagan Sun

Oliver is a town with a bright future.  With its attractive climate, clean air, availability of fresh foods and a tranquil setting, many would rate it as an ideal place to live and retire.  That’s why the 2005 population base of both the town and Area C is expected to continue a vigorous expansion, driving growth demands.

The goals of Oliver Smart Growth and the RDOS Regional Growth Strategy processes aim to direct the majority of this new growth into the existing communities.  That means the Town will absorb ninety percent of new growth, and the surrounding area ten percent, minimizing conflicts and growth pressures on rural ALR lands.

In consultation with the RDOS and the agricultural land commission (ALC), the Town of Oliver undertook the 2006-2007 Growth Area Study.  It states that Oliver’s population growth, between 1976 and 2005, has slowly increased from 1,674 to 4,379 people.  However, most of the influx slowed down between 1991 and 2005, with a compounded average annual growth rate of less than 1 percent annually.

All this is expected to change starting in 2006.  Building permit statistics for 2006 indicate approximately eighty seven new residential dwelling units coming under construction, which represents about 200 new residents.  This is a one-year population increase of 4.5 percent.

Further, Colliers International prepared a background document this year, which predicted Oliver population growth to the year 2041.  Up to 2011, it is envisioned to hover near 2 percent annually, which is a higher than average growth rate.  Beyond that, the growth rate should decrease to 0.8 percent annually after 2031, to reflect the low side of Oliver’s historical growth rate.

The combined population in the Town of Oliver and Area C is projected to be 14,720 by 2041, an increase of 6,097 persons.  Though not considered huge by any means, if assumed the bulk of new growth (about ninety percent) is directed away from the rural area, the population in the Town of Oliver alone is projected to be 9,931 in year 2041.  Area C is projected to have a population of 4,789 in year 2041, which is a fifteen percent increase from the current population of 4,182.

With progressive new tourism initiatives on the horizon, all indication point to a continued and robust period of population growth.  This will preserve Oliver’s claim as an attractive business investment, a superb retirement retreat….or simply as a relaxing environment.

Reprinted with Permission from Jorg Mardian/Okanagan Sun

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