Officials bungle O’Keefe Ranch (EDITORIAL)

Lack of funding jeopardizes O’Keefe Ranch’s future
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff May 30 2007

The future of historic O’Keefe Ranch could be bleak unless there is a huge infusion of taxpayers’ dollars. Officials with the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society admit that the popular attraction could ultimately close if something isn’t done to stabilize finances. “The operation of the ranch is uncertain,” said Rod Drennan, society president. The ranch opened for the season in early May and its operating budget is already running a deficit. The society presented its five-year business plan to Vernon council Monday, and it indicates $1.8 million being required for capital works and operations. “We’re asking for a lot of money but the city is the owner,” said Drennan of the ranch. Of that, $1.1 million is being sought from the city and the North Okanagan Regional District, but Drennan admits there are also other pressures on those agencies.,

“They’re talking about the library, the science centre and the art gallery. I know we are another organization but the city owns the ranch,” he said. The remainder of the cash could possibly come from fundraising, a building adoption program and outside agencies. A total of $400,000 is being sought from the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust. “This is one of the functions that falls within the mandate and has a good chance,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert, who sits on the SIDIT board. Of the $1.8 million, about $750,000 would go towards establishing a proposed recreational vehicle park on St. Anne’s Road. “If a significant revenue source is developed, like an RV park, something good could happen,” said Drennan. Beyond providing additional revenue, it is hoped an RV park would help wean the ranch off taxpayer subsidies. “It would bring the ranch up to where it should be so it is sustainable,” said Drennan. However, support from Spallumcheen council is required because the ranch is within the township, and the Agricultural Land Commission would have to endorse an RV park being constructed on farm land. Vernon council voted Monday to send O’Keefe Ranch’s monetary request to its finance committee for further consideration.

May 30 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ EDITORIAL

It’s almost like the little boy that cried wolf. O’Keefe Ranch has cast doubts on its future many times over the years so it’s hard to always take the situation seriously. But based on the latest report to Vernon city hall, things are beyond the crisis point. In fact, being in a deficit just a month after the ranch opened, should indicate all is not well at the historic site. And if anyone is to blame, it is the very political agencies the O’Keefe Ranch board is trying to get $1.1 million out of. The City of Vernon has owned the ranch since the 1970s and done little in terms of concrete marketing or ensuring the integrity of the heritage buildings. Allowed to deteriorate over the years, many of the structures now need special attention. And the North Okanagan Regional District’s involvement has been a complete joke. There was tremendous optimism when NORD started funding the ranch, but most participants have now opted out for various reasons. Only four are left and they are caring the financial burden for something that benefits the entire region.

With tourism a crucial part of our economy, it is vital that we have attractions for them to visit. And in the case of O’Keefe Ranch, it taps into the lucrative sector of cultural tourism. Its role could also grow if a proposed recreational vehicle park takes off. Not only would it provide visitors a place to stay, but any revenue would offset the taxpayer subsidy. But such a project will require not only funding from the city and NORD, but vision. In the end, O’Keefe Ranch is worth saving. But if it closes, that dark chapter in our history will thanks to the politicians.