By Corey Fischer

Funding Cut For O’Keefe Ranch

Jul 18, 2017 | 6:41 AM

Vernon council has decided how it will implement a funding cut to the O’ Keefe Ranch.

The City’s funding for the heritage site, which is owned by the City, will go from $150,000 — to $100,000 next year.

Ranch Manager Glen Taylor says they will have to look deep into the operation.

“It will be a major deal because we are so dependent on that funding. But we are going to have to come up with some other funding alternatives and other funding sources,” Taylor tells Kiss FM.

The ranch will get the funds in three installments, starting with 50-thousand dollars in January.

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“We need the money at the beginning of the season, not in August and even not in May, because, even this year, we found that we needed more money before opening up because once we get operational, we can kind of sustain ourselves,” says Taylor.

The city will also provide $40,000 to allow the ranch to complete a business plan.

“That’s a great thing and hopefully that will give us some direction on moving forward and hopefully being sustainable in the future,” adds Taylor.

Council’s action came from a notice of motion put forward by councillor Scott Anderson.

“It hits all the hot points everyone is concerned about. It gives the ranch a real good chance to reach it’s potential,” said Anderson.

The ranch is celebrating its 150th birthday this year.

by Corey Fischer