Close to $1 million in improvements is needed to buildings and infrastructure at O’Keefe Ranch. An assessment report presented to the North Okanagan Regional District Wednesday outlines that $889,100 is required for high, medium and low priority
projects. “The buildings represent a unique and valuable resource for the North Okanagan,” said curator Ken Mather. “They represent the very beginnings of settlement in the North Okanagan.” Among the heritage buildings on the high priority list are portions of the log house, St. Anne’s Church, the O’Keefe mansion and the log barn. In the case of the carriage shed, the roof needs to be completely replaced for $7,500. “The essence of the ranch is the core of heritage buildings second to none in B.C.,” said Mather. In terms of infrastructure, the high priorities are connecting to Greater Vernon Water for fire protection, upgrading the electrical system and the Deep Creek road crossing. “Much of the infrastructure is nearing the end of its serviceable life,” said Mike Nolan, a ranch director and engineer. While the price tag for all of the work is considerable, ranch officials point out that 30,000 people passed through the gate this year, many of them tourists. “It brings much needed tourism dollars into the valley,” said Mather. The O’Keefe Ranch board didn’t make a specific financial request for capital works Wednesday but indicated that a five-year plan will be before NORD in December. “That’s helping us get to the next stage with O’Keefe,” said Rod Drennan, a ranch director. “You (NORD) own this thing and we’re just your volunteer directors.” Drennan did make a pitch for an economic impact study to see what influence the ranch plays on the entire region. “We want to show the economic impact because we will be going down the road of (pursuing) significant grants. It will be beneficial to have this information,” he said.
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