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Azure a bar wavy Or over all a bezant charged with a hurt thereon a sun in splendour.
The town of Oliver was named for John Oliver, British Columbia premier also known as Honest John for his outspoken manner, straight talking and his vision for making this area a mecca for farming, fruit and vegetables and now for prize winning vineyards in the Okanagan.
"Following the First World War, BC’s premier, known as “Honest” John Oliver, envisioned an irrigation canal, which would bring this dry Sonora Desert region to life. The South Okanagan Lands Project was born, creating jobs and long term opportunities for veterans returning from World War I. The original townsite of Oliver was surveyed in 1921. Completed in 1923, the concrete irrigation canal (locally known as “the ditch”) soon transformed this desert region into lush orchards and farms."
Source: Oliver
Recently moving to Oliver in June 2020, the community is friendly and welcoming. The first time I visited Oliver, in April, I recall heading north from Osoyoos with all the apple trees in bloom, I remembered how beautiful it was. I knew then, I was home.
On December 31, 2020 the Town of Oliver will celebrate its 75th year of incorporation.
Nestled in the beautiful south Okanagan, Oliver can proudly call itself the Canada's Wine Capital, offering more than 40 of British Columbia's internationally recognized wineries.
Oliver: Canada's Wine Capital appears on both welcome signs. Oliver is a small community with approximately 5,000 residents drawing tourists from around the world. Though Oliver is primarily an agricultural area with an abundance of orchards, and fields of vegetables, it is the local wine industry that has boost Oliver's economy. Most of the local wineries offer tours and of course wine tasting. There are bus tours that offer a variety of options throughout the Okanagan Valley.
It is interesting to note that Oliver Municipal Hall is home in what was South Okanagan Lands Project office.