Oliver Heritage Society receives provincial funding for roof repairs

OLIVER – A new roof is in the works for the Oliver Museum thanks to funding from the Heritage Legacy Fund.

The Oliver and District Heritage Society announced today, Sept. 28, in a media release the organization will receive $10,000 from the Heritage Legacy Fund to aid in a complete overhaul of the museum’s roof.

Grant funding will provide a portion of the total cost for a new roof with the rest coming from a bequest from the late Carolyn Cope, a long time Oliver resident, according to the release. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and the Town of Oliver will also provide operational and in-kind support.

The building dates back to the early 1920s when it was known as the Oliver lockup, used as a police station and residence for officers and their families.

Heritage Society executive director Manda Maggs says in the release it is likely the building will be closed while the roof is being removed, expected to take place during the first to third weeks of October. Maggs says the old cedar shake roof is clearly in need of restoration.

This year’s grants were overseen by a four member jury supported by Heritage B.C. staff.

The Oliver Heritage Society received a $79,000 grant from Archives Canada last week to help organize a backlog of artifacts.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.