Modern-day problems have a Vernon heritage site under siege. RCMP have
received complaints of people breaking into the Luc Girouard cabin on 31st Avenue, across from the Schubert Centre, and using it for drug deals. “It’s a gathering place for the homeless,” said Gord Molendyk, with the Safe Communities Unit. “Perhaps as we’ve put pressure on the Upper Room Mission, they’ve looked at every nook and cranny to go into.” One of the challenges has been determining who is responsible for the cabin and the green space along Swan Lake Creek. “It’s a forgotten part of our heritage and it’s in no man’s land,” said Molendyk. Greater Vernon Services Committee officials claim no responsibility for the site, and they referred questions to the City of Vernon. The RCMP requested that the windows be covered over, and by noon Friday, plywood was in place. “We have temporarily secured the building and we will do a further assessment to see how we can properly secure it,” said James Rice, the city’s public works manager. According to the city’s heritage register, the cabin was built by Luc Girouard in 1865 and it served as the community’s first post office. It was ultimately moved to Polson Park where it was used by the Vernon Lawn Bowling Club for many years. But it was relocated to its current site in 1997, close to the original spot where it was constructed by Girouard. Bob Wilson, Vernon Heritage Society president, was shocked to hear about the recent problems at the cabin.
“We don’t want it wrecked,” he said of its historic importance. “It’s the beginning of Vernon.”Wilson plans to make society members aware of the situation. “Until recently there hasn’t been a problem so we have to take care of it immediately,” he said. Molendyk believes there needs to be a broad-based effort to ensure the integrity of the cabin. “It would be nice if some group took ownership and restored it. Maybe the city could allow a vendor to work there and provide some normal activities,” he said. Rice isn’t aware of any plans to find a use for the building as a way of deterring illegal activities. “It’s probably something we should talk about,” he said.
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Apr 15 2007 EDITORIAL
If the Luc Girouard cabin is any indication of how the City of Vernon deals with heritage, then it should just stop trying. Tucked away on 31st Avenue, just across from the Schubert Centre, the cabin was constructed by pioneer Luc Girouard in 1865. It served as the community’s first post office. It found a role for decades as the lawn bowling clubhouse in Polson Park, but in 1997, it was relocated to a site close to its original base. Since then, nothing has been done with the building. It has just been left derelict, a disgraceful act in a community with such a rich heritage. And the situation has only grown worse recently as those pursuing illegal activities have claimed it for their own. Police have received complaints about drug deals going on there, and it’s likely some people have been sleeping inside. The city took action Friday by slapping plywood over the windows. But that feeble attempt at security won’t last. Within days, the wood will be ripped off and the problems will surface again. With such a beautiful setting next to the creek and on a busy pedestrian thoroughfare, the cabin and park could be beautified as a way of attracting more law-abiding pursuits. Perhaps a private business could be encouraged to move on site. And before heritage advocates roll their eyes, keep in mind that the cabin was used as a clubhouse for decades, and many vintage homes on East Hill host businesses. If none of that is possible, the cabin needs to move to O’Keefe Ranch. It would be well away from its historic location, but at least it would be safe. In the end, Vernon has long prided itself on its heritage, but its treatment of the Luc Girouard cabin is embarrassing.
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