Ron Candy has a passion for collecting but that doesn’t extend to buckets of water. Torrential rainfall outside resulted in a cascade
of water inside the Greater Vernon Museum Thursday afternoon, with the
area around the main doorway resembling a raging waterfall. “This is the worst we’ve ever had,” said Candy, the longtime curator. “In the past, leaks have been isolated to one location but this was several locations.” Staff and volunteers immediately began moving
artifacts to prevent water damage, but some of the larger items —
specifically exhibit cases from the former Jacques Jewellers — couldn’t
avoid the water. “Fortunately no artifacts have been damaged,” said Candy. “We were lucky this time but we’re dealing with a 45-year-old roof. Leaks could occur anywhere.” Mops, buckets and wet vacs were utilized to try and bring the tide under control. “This is disgusting,” said volunteer Joanne Georgeson.
“This should have never happened.” Leaks around the loading doors are common. “This has been ongoing for 20 years and I’ve continually asked to have it fixed,” said Candy. Humidity and its negative impact on artifacts was an immediate concern, but some potential damage may not surface for awhile. “Over the next few weeks and months, we will
check the areas affected by the leaks to make sure we’re not getting
mold,” said Candy. The flooding escalated frustration museum staff
and volunteers already have with the cramped, inadequate conditions of
the building. “If there was ever a cause for a new museum, this is it,” said Candy. “This emphasizes the need for an artifact collection, which is the public trust, to be looked after so it’s not threatened.” City of Vernon and Regional District of North Okanagan officials were on scene Thursday surveying the flooding. (more)
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