A few bright spots for Historic O’Keefe Ranch

The Regional District of the North Okanagan is preparing a report on the feasibility of contributing funds to the O’Keefe Historic Ranch.

Vernon Coun. Dalvir Nahal presented a notice of motion to RDNO in September, for consideration of a regional funding model.

Regional District partner communities haven’t supported financial contributions to O’Keefe in recent times, while Vernon council in a split decision upped funding to $125,000 dollars. It was scheduled to drop to $50,000 in 2021.

“O’Keefe has a pretty big legacy here. I think it makes sense that the RDNO gets involved,” Bruce Cummings, O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society President, said.

Meanwhile, the city is supporting two federal grant applications by the society for community economic recovery infrastructure program funds (CERIP).

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“There are some infrastructure issues that we have identified, roofs and foundations that need some attention,” Cummings said. “We are constantly looking for alternate sources of funding so we aren’t so reliant on the City of Vernon.” That grant ask is for $220,000.

A second application is for the establishment of glamping on a site just past the outdoor riding arena.

Glamping, or glamourous camping, is a trend that emerged from the adoption of online accommodation providers, like Air B&B, and the dramatic demand for campsites in B.C. These areas provide the benefits of a B&B accommodation with the outdoor experience of camping without the hassle of setup and take down. This convenient, simple infrastructure is a cost effective method to provide more accommodations for Ranch guests. This area will be utilized by tourists, local families and special event guests looking for onsite accommodations.

“We have been looking at this as an alternate source of revenue for sometime. We would be allowed 10 sites by the Agriculture Land Commission. This would get that work underway,” Cummings said.

The plan calls for canvas trapper type tents powered by solar, but may move into covered wagons or other unique structures down the road.