We are convinced: Olten has potential, a lot of potential. But where to start? Below, we present ideas on how Olten could become even better.
To vote, assign each idea a rank from 1 to 4, where 1 is the best. You can also assign the same rank or no rank for multiple ideas.
The voting ended on January 31st 2021. In the mean time we have counted the votes. On our homepage, there is post post with all the results.
On this page, we present four ideas on how to make Olten even better. And we want to know your opinion about them. Which ideas do you like? Which one is your favorite?
To find the broadest possible consensus, we're conducting a vote using the Schulze method. In this way, you'll help to decide which of the four ideas we'll pursue in the coming months and flesh out into a proposition.
All those who are interested in Olten can vote on these ideas. Whether resident in the town or just next door, with or without a Swiss passport, already 18 or not quite yet. Because what we are also convinced: How our city should develop and change should be decided by those who live in it.
To participate in the voting, you must either register with an email address or scan the QR code you received with the flyer.
The voting will run until January 31, 2021
.After that we will evaluate and publish the result here on the website, on social media and in the regional newspapers. At the same time, we will get to work on formulating a fully developed proposition (Initiative) based on the the winning idea. In mid-February we will submitt the proposition. If the text of the proposition is declared valid by the City Chancellery, we will start collecting signatures.
We have 60 days to collect 500 signatures. If we manage that, the initiative will first go to the municipal parliament. If the parliament agrees, our goal is achieved. If the parliament rejects the initiative, Olten's voters will have the final say.
Of course we would be happy to count on your support in collecting signatures and if it comes to a popular vote. If you sign up to our mailing list, we will let you know how things develop.
"Decide for Olten" is a project of "Olten now!".
Olten jetzt! is an association of passionate Olten residents who are convinced that our city has more to offer than just an important train station.
We are committed to a vibrant, open and sustainable city that promotes and supports self-initiatives from within the population. Since 2017, we have been active in Olten's municipal parliament with four representatives. In 2021, we will also compete in the municipal elections. We also want to take responsibility in the executive with Nils Loeffel as our candidate for the city council.
Making better use of the potential of Olten's big river with a holistic concept and small measures.
Stairs for entry and exit, wooden boardwalks, signposts and an "Aare-Swimming" brochure could quickly and inexpensively improve access to the Aare and make it safer. Fresh water showers would provide additional comfort for the numerous swimmers.
At Amthausquai, along the path towards Chessiloch and also on the right side of the Aare, stairs and smaller, semi-official accesses to the Aare already exist. With small investments, the Aare could be made more accessible in a cost-efficient and safe way.
Pontonierhaus, Ländiweg, Bahnhofplatz: In the next few years, construction will take place on the left and right board of the Aare. If the Aare is considered as factor and usage space in these projects, improvements to accessability and amenity can be implemented in one sweep. And why not take a closer look at seemingly crazy ideas? For example: an airdome, for parts of the "Badi", so that it could also be used in winter?
Actively and transparently promote interim uses of rental properties.
Empty storefronts not only look sad, no one profits from them. Interim uses bring owners at least a little money, can contribute to an increase in value, and businesses and restaurants also benefit from the additional offerings.
Inexpensive interim uses can create opportunities and free spaces for all Oltners; for cultural projects, social initiatives or pop-up stores. More free space not only leads to more attractiveness, but also to new ideas on how Olten and our life together in the city can evolve.
The initiative aims to create the basis for clear rules for interim uses in Olten. Through the coordination and mediation function of the city, there is a point of contact for both sides and both the owners and the project initiators have the certainty that the rules will be followed.
Munzingerplatz: the most central and beautiful square of the city should belong to the people of Olten instead of the cars.
As decided, the art museum will move to the former nature museum building. The planned extension will have an impact on the Platz der Begegnung and Munzingerplatz. Let's take the chance to make Munzingerplatz a real meeting place!
During the monthly market, the carnival and the chilbi, the parking spaces on Munzingerplatz are already lifted today - just when many people flock to the city. So why not otherwise?
Olten always has enough free parking spaces, the challenge is to know which spaces are unoccupied. Thanks to the parking guidance system, alternative parking options will soon be easier to find. Those who are out and about in the city without a car and don't like lugging can already have their purchases transported by the Collectors.
Making urban and private brownfields bloom through community gardening projects.
With official support of community and urban gardening projects on as many undeveloped areas in the city as possible, the path to sustainability will be pursued in a cost-effective way. The ecological awareness of the population will be raised and the urban climate improved.
Community gardens bring people from diverse walks of life to together, as already existing initiatives such as "Garden for All" prove. Without the pressure to consume, they lead to encounters and make the city more attractive.
Our vision: The city provides its own areas, and mediates those in private ownership according to transparent rules. The actual (gardening) work is done by the population itself. Community gardening is sustainable urban development: cheap, self-determined and low-threshold.
