By Corey Fischer

Ranch Plan Commended

Mar 5, 2018 | 6:00 AM

The O’Keefe Ranch is looking to the future — one that involves less reliance on City of Vernon funding.

The heritage attraction will see its annual grant from the City go from 100-thousand dollars this year, to 50 thousand next year, and to $10,000 in 2020, with the plan after that to phase it out completely.

Max Russman, chair of the Ranch, and the non-profit Interior Heritage Society, says self sufficiency is just one of the goals they’re striving towards.

“We’re changing our goal a little bit, away from the status quo, and more toward improving and continuing to grow the Ranch, making it a destination that people want to come to,” Russman tells CJIB News.

Russman says in a report to city council, with new board members, a high level leadership team, and a 2-5 year strategic plan, there is no telling how successful the ranch could be.

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“I believe that the O’Keefe Ranch as we now know it, will not exist in a few years,” he writes.

Russman admits the process won’t be easy.

“It is a challenge, but it’s a challenge that no one is shying away from, and we actually welcome, because if there is further generosity going forward, which we’ve seen to date, that’s fantastic. We can use the additional capital to improve the operation even further.”

Two city councillors, Scott Anderson and Catherine Lord, commended the board on their plan.

“I like the idea of reporting to council 3 or 4 times a year. I hope you keep moving in the same direction because you’re moving it the right way,” said Lord.

“I’ve seen the board go through tremendous challenges, (but) it’s leading in a very good direction right now,” said Anderson.

The ranch, which was founded in 1867 by Cornelius O’Keefe, is located in Spallumcheen and owned by the City of Vernon.

by Corey Fischer