An infusion of new blood is creating a sense of optimism at cash-strapped O’Keefe Ranch. The O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society held its annual general meeting Tuesday and six new people joined the board — Jim McEwan, Brian Postill, John Blunt, Wayne Kinghorn, Carolyn Farris and Catherine Lord. “We feel very confident,” said Rod Drennan, president. “We recruited for skills we need on the board such as marketing, infrastructure and special events. This (new directors) is huge for us.” The 50 people at the AGM were also informed that 37 applications were received for the manager’s position. “If we work at this, we could be looking at having someone there during the first or second week of May,” said Drennan.
Last December, the society opted not to renew its contract with Danyk, who had been manager for four years. Largely because of Danyk’s severance, the ranch was looking at a $46,178 shortfall for 2009. But the City of Vernon agreed to provide an extra $45,800 to the ranch this year, bringing its total financial support to $260,178. With money continuing to be limited, the society has been in discussions with the city — which owns the ranch — to identify revenue sources. Also topping the agenda is ensuring the integrity of the buildings on site, including new roofs and heating systems. “We feel very confident that with grant money coming forward, we should be able to get all of the infrastructure completed by October,” said Drennan. “There will be a new look and feeling at the ranch by the end of this season.”
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