Study says O’Keefe Ranch needs $2.8M in upgrades

Jan 23, 2024 | 3:00 PM

An assessment on the current state of the O’Keefe Ranch has suggested $2.8 million needs to be spent to bring the buildings to a satisfactory condition.

The results of the overview were provided to Vernon city council on Monday at its committee of the whole meeting.

The ranch, which is located in Spallumcheen, is owned by the City of Vernon.

The facility condition assessment highlighted high, medium, and lesser priority recommendations totaling $2.875 million over 10 years.

High Priority: (Recommended work to be completed in the next fiscal year: total $500,000)

Event Cancelled

Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival cancelled after nearly 30 years

12h ago

Flood Hazards

Requests for proposals open for Water Reclamation bridge project

13h ago

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

Apr 02, 2026

North footbridge removal
Replacement of the Greenhow Museum exit stairs
Structural and wall repairs to the meat and dairy building
Chimney repairs at O’Keefe House and blacksmith shop
Repair of concrete at the hay shed
Visitor Centre carpentry repairs and drainage improvements
Ventilation at the blacksmith shop
Hazardous materials and geotechnical assessment

Medium Priority: (Recommended work to be completed in two to five years: total $950,000).

Lesser Priority: (Recommended work to be completed in six to ten years: total $1,425,000).

The report also noted the ranch and Interior Heritage Society still have to pay back a non-interest-bearing $70,000 loan to the city and insurance charges totaling $155,444.

The city has provided operational funding of $600,000 over the past five years, with an additional $50,000 approved in the 2024 budget.

“Council has directed administration to proceed with the budgeted phases 2 and 3, involving the completion of the O’Keefe Ranch Heritage Conservation Plan and Capital & Operations Management Plan,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “It is important that we let the assessment process play-out before council makes any decisions.”

In June 2023, council approved spending up to $70,000 to complete all three phases of the plan.

Phase 2 calls for preparing a heritage conservation plan with reference to the Canadian standards and guidelines for heritage conservation that will give the city guidance in preparing budgets and programs for ongoing maintenance and renewal of the ranch.

Phase 3 is developing a detailed one to 10-year capital and operations management plan, defining a maintenance, renewal, and improvement program for the site assets.

Council has directed staff to report back once phases 2 and 3 of the project have been completed.

For more on the O’Keefe Ranch and its history check their website.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments