Øygarden

Øygarden is a municipality in Vestland county, Norway. It is an island municipality located in the traditional district of Midhordland, stretching along the west coast of the county. The village of Straume is the administrative centre of the municipality. Other villages in the municipality include Alveim, Blomvåg, Vikavågen, Ågotnes, Fjell, Foldnes, Knappskog, Knarrevik, Kolltveit, Landro, Sekkingstad, Skogsvåg, Klokkarvik, Tælavåg, Kausland, and Hammarsland.

Øygarden kommune
Municipality
View of the local Blomvåg Church
Coat of arms Vestland within Norway
Øygarden within Vestland
Coordinates: 60°36′39″N 04°49′29″E
Country	Norway
County	Vestland
District	Midhordland
Established	1 Jan 1964
Administrative centre	Straume
Government
• Mayor (2019)	Tom Georg Indrevik (H)
Area
• Total	314.51 km^2 (121.43 sq mi)
• Land	300.34 km^2 (115.96 sq mi)
• Water	14.17 km^2 (5.47 sq mi)  4.5%
Area rank	260 in Norway
Population  (2020)
• Total	38,316
• Rank	27 in Norway
• Density	127.6/km^2 (330/sq mi)
• Change (10 years)	19.5%
Demonym(s)	Øygarding[1]
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
ISO 3166 code	NO-4626
Official language form	Nynorsk[2]
Website	oygarden.kommune.no
Data from Statistics Norway

The municipality consists of a chain of islands to the north and west of the city of Bergen. Øygarden is connected to the mainland by a series of bridges and a single road running across the islands. Some of the major islands include Litlesotra, Store Sotra, Bildøy, Bjorøy, Misje, Turøy, Seløyna, Alvøyna, Ona, Blomøyna, Rongøyna, and Toftøyna.

The 315-square-kilometre (122 sq mi) municipality is the 260th largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Øygarden is the 27th most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 38,316. The municipality's population density is 127.6 inhabitants per square kilometre (330/sq mi) and its population has increased by 19.1% over the previous 10-year period.[3][4]

General information

View of Hellesundet

The municipality of Øygarden was established on 1 January 1964. It was created by a merger that was set in motion by the Schei Committee. The newly created Øygarden was made up of all of the old municipality of Hjelme (population: 956) and almost all of the municipality of Herdla (population: 2131) that was located west of the Hjeltefjorden (except for the islands of Turøy and Misje which went to the neighboring municipality of Fjell).[5]

On 1 January 2020, the three neighboring municipalities of Fjell, Sund, and Øygarden were merged into one large island municipality called Øygarden.[6]

The administrative centre of Øygarden has changed three times over the years. From 1964 until 2009, it was located at the village of Tjeldstø. From 2009 through 2019, it was located in the village of Rong. In 2020, the administrative centre was moved to the large village of Straume after a large municipal merger.

Name

The name was created in 1964 for the new municipality. The name is the finite form of øygard which means "row (fence) of islands". The first element is øy means "island" and the last element is gard which means "farm".[7]

Coat of arms

The coat-of-arms were adopted in 2020 and they were based on the arms for the old Sund Municipality which had recently been merged with Øygarden. The arms of Sund were granted on 23 March 1988. They show a blue lighthouse on a white or silver background. This symbolized the importance of the se and the alertness of the local population. The previous arms were in use from 1966 until 1988 and the new 1988 arms were a simplified version of the old arms. The previous arms were blue with a black and white lighthouse on an island surrounded by waves.[8][9]

Before 2020, Øygarden had a coat of arms that was granted in 1966, shortly after the establishment of the municipality. The arms showed a black and gray reference seacairn sitting on an islet on a blue background. The municipality consists of a number of islands and is dependent on the sea for its development. Hence the importance of sea cairns, buoys and lighthouses for safety in the municipality.[10]

• 
  Arms since 2020
• 
  Arms from 1966 until 2020

Churches

The Church of Norway has four parishes (sokn) within the municipality of Øygarden. It is part of the Vesthordland prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Bjørgvin.

Churches in Øygarden

Parish (sokn)	Church name	Location of the church	Year built
Blomvåg	Blomvåg Church	Blomvåg	1931
Fjell	Fjell Church	Fjell	1874
	Foldnes Church	Foldnes	2001
	Landro Church	Landro	1977
Hjelme	Hjelme Church	Seløyna	1971
	Old Hjelme Church	Seløyna	1875
Fjell	Fjell Church	Fjell	1874
	Foldnes Church	Foldnes	2001
	Landro Church	Landro	1977

Geography

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±%
1951	1,050	—
1960	1,057	+0.7%
1970	2,835	+168.2%
1980	2,534	−10.6%
1990	3,158	+24.6%
2000	3,623	+14.7%
2010	4,267	+17.8%
2019	38,117	+793.3%
Source: Statistics Norway.

The municipality is made up of many islands. The main islands are (from north to south): Seløyna (7.2 km² [2.8 sq mi]), Alvøyna (12.2 km² [4.7 sq mi]), Ona (6.8 km² [2.6 sq mi]), Blomøyna (9.1 km² [3.5 sq mi]), Rongøyna (2.7 km² [1.0 sq mi]), Toftøyna (7.5 km² [2.9 sq mi]), Misje, Turøyna Sotra, Litlesotra, Geitung, Bildøyna, Bjorøy, Algrøyna, Lokøyna, Syltøyna, Toftøya, Lerøyna, Bjelkarøyna, Tyssøyna, Risøy, Vardøy, Golten, and Viksøy. Besides these larger islands, the municipality consists of hundreds small islands, islets, and reefs. Some of the other islands include Hernar in the far north and Førehjelmo.[7]

The landscape is low and relatively flat. Several smaller lakes are located on the islands. The west side of the islands is an important nesting site for birds. The North Sea lies to the west of the islands and the Hjeltefjorden.[7]

Tjeldstø Marka on Alvøyna has been a protected nature reserve since 1995. It is one of the largest wetland reserves in Hordaland. The Ormhilleren friluftsområde is another nature reserve surrounding the Rongesundet strait.[11]

Government

All municipalities in Norway, including Øygarden, are responsible for primary education (through 10th grade), outpatient health services, senior citizen services, unemployment and other social services, zoning, economic development, and municipal roads. The municipality is governed by a municipal council of elected representatives, which in turn elect a mayor.[12] The municipality falls under the Bergen District Court and the Gulating Court of Appeal.

Municipal council

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Øygarden is made up of 45 representatives that are elected to four year terms. The party breakdown of the council is as follows:

Øygarden Kommunestyre 2020–2023 [13]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	8
	People's Action No to More Road Tolls (Folkeaksjonen nei til meir bompengar)	4
	Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)	4
	Green Party (Miljøpartiet Dei Grøne)	2
	Conservative Party (Høgre)	10
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	4
	Red Party (Raudt)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	4
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	2
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	1
	Sotra List (Sotralista)	5
Total number of members:		45

Øygarden Kommunestyre 2016–2019 [14]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	6
	Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høgre)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	2
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Cross-party Election List for Øygarden (Tverrpolitisk valliste for Øygarden)	9
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 2012–2015 [15]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	7
	Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)	2
	Conservative Party (Høgre)	4
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	1
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Cross-party Election List for Øygarden (Tverrpolitisk valliste for Øygarden)	9
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 2008–2011 [14]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	7
	Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	1
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Cross-party Election List for Øygarden (Tverrpolitisk valliste for Øygarden)	10
	Non-socialist common List (Borgarleg fellesliste)	1
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 2004–2007 [14]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	7
	Progress Party (Framstegspartiet)	2
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	2
	Cross-party Election List for Øygarden (Tverrpolitisk valliste for Øygarden)	10
	Non-socialist common List (Borgarleg fellesliste)	2
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 2000–2003 [14]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	5
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	2
	Cross-party Election List for Øygarden (Tverrpolitisk valliste for Øygarden)	12
	Non-socialist common List (Borgarleg fellesliste)	4
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1996–1999 [16]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	7
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	2
	Cross-party Election List for Øygarden (Tverrpolitisk valliste for Øygarden)	11
	Non-socialist common List (Borgarleg fellesliste)	3
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1992–1995 [17]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	9
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	5
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Election list for South Øygarden (Valliste for Søre Øygarden)	5
	Non-socialist common List (Borgarleg fellesliste)	3
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1988–1991 [18]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	5
	Conservative Party (Høgre)	6
	Socialist Left Party (Sosialistisk Venstreparti)	1
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	1
	Election list for Blomvåg parish (Vallista for Blomvåg sokn)	7
	Non-socialist common List (Borgarleg fellesliste)	3
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1984–1987 [19]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	4
	Conservative Party (Høgre)	2
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	7
	Election list for Blomvåg parish (Vallista for Blomvåg sokn)	6
	Common list (Samlingslista)	4
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1980–1983 [20]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	3
	Conservative Party (Høgre)	6
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	7
	Election list for Blomvåg parish (Vallista for Blomvåg sokn)	3
	Common list (Samlingslista)	4
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1976–1979 [21]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	3
	Christian Democratic Party (Kristeleg Folkeparti)	4
	Blomvåg parish list (Blomvåg Sokn liste)	10
	Common list (Samlingslista)	6
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1972–1975 [22]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Labour Party (Arbeidarpartiet)	1
	Centre Party (Senterpartiet)	8
	Liberal Party (Venstre)	3
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	11
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1968–1971 [23]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	23
Total number of members:		23

Øygarden Kommunestyre 1964–1967 [24]  

Party Name (in Nynorsk)		Number of representatives
	Local List(s) (Lokale lister)	23
Total number of members:		23

Mayor

The mayors of Øygarden (incomplete list):

• 2019-present: Tom Georg Indrevik (H)
• 2015-2019: Børge Haugetun (LL)
• 2015-2015: Åse Gunn Husebø (Ap)
• 2011-2014: Otto Harkestad (Ap)
• 2000-2011: Olav Martin Vik (LL)
• 1995-1999: Rolv Svein Rougnø (H)
• 1990-1995: Otto Harkestad (Ap)

Economy

The municipality has a significant aquaculture industry, primarily with salmon, cod, and shellfish. Agriculture is limited in the municipality and is largely a part-time occupation, with most farmers have another profession too. The type of agriculture in Øygarden is dominated by raising livestock (sheep, cattle, and chickens).[7]

Since 1988, petroleum activities have become a major industry in Øygarden. The transportation of oil from the Oseberg oil field through a pipeline to Sture on Alvøyna was the start of the oil boom. In 1996, a natural gas processing plant at Kollsnes on the island of Ona was completed.

Notable residents

• Martin Hjelmen (1904–1944), a Norwegian sailor and communist activist[25]
• Alexander Dale Oen (1985–2012), a competitive swimmer on the Norwegian national team

References

1. "Navn på steder og personer: Innbyggjarnamn" (in Norwegian). Språkrådet.
2. "Forskrift om målvedtak i kommunar og fylkeskommunar" (in Norwegian). Lovdata.no.
3. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M)" (in Norwegian).
4. Statistisk sentralbyrå (2020). "09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M)" (in Norwegian).
5. Jukvam, Dag (1999). "Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Statistisk sentralbyrå.
6. "Vår nye kommune" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2017-10-28.
7. Store norske leksikon. "Øygarden" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2014-11-28.
8. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
9. "Kommunevåpen for Sund kommune" (in Norwegian). Sund kommune. Retrieved 2014-12-17.
10. "Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen". Heraldry of the World. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
11. En liten perle i Øygarden [A small pearl in Øygarden]
12. Hansen, Tore, ed. (2016-05-12). "kommunestyre". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Kunnskapsforlaget. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
13. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Vestland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
14. "Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M)" (in Norwegian). Statistics Norway.
15. "Tall for Norge: Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Hordaland". Valg Direktoratet. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
16. "Kommunestyrevalget 1995" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1996. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
17. "Kommunestyrevalget 1991" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1993. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
18. "Kommunestyrevalget 1987" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1988. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
19. "Kommunestyrevalget 1983" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo-Kongsvinger: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1984. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
20. "Kommunestyrevalget 1979" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1979. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
21. "Kommunevalgene 1975" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1977. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
22. "Kommunevalgene 1972" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1973. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
23. "Kommunevalgene 1967" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1967. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
24. "Kommunevalgene 1963" (PDF) (in Norwegian). Oslo: Statistisk sentralbyrå. 1964. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
25. Uklart om likvidasjoner

External links

• Municipal fact sheet from Statistics Norway (in Norwegian)