Oliver, BC – The Maps and plans created by the South Okanagan Land Irrigation District [SOLID] are being saved for posterity through the generous support of the Documentary Heritage Communities Program [DHCP] provided by Library and Archives Canada. Using funds granted by the program the Oliver and District Heritage Society has been able to purchase a high quality digital camera and associated hardware that will enable them to take pictures to ensure the information on these documents is not lost to time.

Thanks to the grant, provided by DHCP program, the over 800 maps and plans that were donated to the Society as part of the South Okanagan Land Irrigation District collection in 1997 are all being digitally recorded. A very important part of these records is a high resolution photograph of the document. The new photography equipment can create photographs that allow researchers to zoom in on a portion of a map or technical drawing no matter how large the original document, thereby limiting the number of times the original document must be handled. This is vitally important for ensuring the longevity of the documents as handling exposes them to tears, creases and light damage.

To find out more about this project or learn more about the services of the Oliver Archives please feel free to visit us at 430 Fairview Rd or call us at 250-498-4027.

PHOTO: Linda Schroter takes a picture of a map using the new digital photography equipment recently purchased by the Oliver and District Heritage Society.