Ranch focus of strategy

Published: March 03, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Officials with historic O’Keefe Ranch are trying to remain optimistic despite an uphill battle. Directors with the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society held a strategy session Saturday to determine short-term goals for the City of Vernon-owned site, and long-term actions to make it financially self-sufficient. “There are still challenges,” said Rod Drennan, society president. Among the issues at hand are failing infrastructure, a lack of funds and paid admissions dropping by about 4,000 visitors in 2008, partly because of high fuel costs keeping tourists from travelling. As a result of the strategy session, it’s hoped that the highest priority infrastructure items will be completed by the end of the year. Advertising for a general manager will begin soon, and it’s hoped to have the position filled in May. “We need somebody on the ground because of staff issues and a lot of issues going on,” said Drennan.

The society parted ways with former manager Tom Danyk in December. He will receive a severance of $42,187 for his four years of service. Largely because of Danyk’s severance, the ranch was looking at a $46,178 shortfall for 2009. But city council agreed to provide an extra $45,800 to the ranch this year, bringing its total financial support to $260,178. Drennan is looking forward to a positive 2009. “If we can maintain a good visitor base and hire a manager, we will have made a good contribution over three difficult years,” he said, adding that a number of new directors will join the board this month. But a major stumbling block is funding, and Drennan personally would like to see Coldstream and Areas B and C join Vernon in supporting the ranch operations. Other funding sources will also be investigated, but likely off the table is an RV park because the Agricultural Land Commission would only consider 50 spaces, not 100 as requested. “That doesn’t justify any work on our behalf because that’s not viable,” said Drennan of 50 spaces. Participating in the strategy session was Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.“I really think they (directors) have the right attitude and it’s a working board. They are dynamic people that can make this work,” she said.