By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 27, 2008
The City of Vernon hopes to step up the pressure in an attempt to save O’Keefe Ranch. On Monday, council instructed the society that operates the historical site to apply to the Agricultural Land Commission for a 100-unit RV park, not 50 units as was proposed by the society. “It’s not tenable with 50 spaces,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham of the hope that an RV park would generate revenue for the cash-strapped ranch. “We need more than that. We need to look at it as not only a tourism piece, but as heritage preservation.” The ALC recently indicated it disagrees with a 100-unit RV park and the proposed location. which the provincial commission has deemed ideal for growing hay crops. The city is proposing that the proposed site remain in the Agricultural Land Reserve and the RV park be considered a non-farm use.
Cunningham insists the ranch is of historic significance to not only the North Okanagan, but the entire province, and action must be taken to keep it open. It was recently suggested by Coun. Barry Beardsell that if another revenue source isn’t found, the city may have to set aside a minimum of $175,000 in the 2009 budget for the ranch. “The taxpayers of Vernon can’t continue to subsidize the ranch to the level they have,” said Cunningham, adding that assistance from the provincial and federal governments is needed. On Monday, council voted to ask Okanagan Vernon MLA Tom Christensen to provide support and assistance for the city in its attempt to get a 100-unit RV park at the ranch. City staff will also ensure that the North Okanagan Regional District is fully acquainted with the status of the RV park application to the ALC. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the city will lobby hard on behalf of O’Keefe Ranch, but that’s something that’s already been happening. “We do have the support of our MLA here and (Agriculture) Minister Hagen is also in support of it,” said Lippert.
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