Elks Lodge #45 (photo/Goggle Street View)

By Kevin Rothwell

Mayor accused of subterfuge

Fireworks over Elks grant request

Mar 22, 2021 | 6:26 PM

The Vernon Elks Lodge #45 is getting a $5,000 grant from the City of Vernon, in hopes of accessing a nearly $100,000 dollar Heritage Canada grant to undertake renovations of the hall.

The motion passed after a dressing down of Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming and CAO Will Pearce by councillor Scott Anderson.

Anderson noted communications dating back several months from the mayor and Pearce from the Elks asking for support, and being told funds weren’t available.

“This sounds like there are two people involved in a decision, that should have come to council months ago,” Anderson said.

Anderson noted it could be too late now for the group to get the federal funding.

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

Apr 02, 2026

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

Apr 02, 2026

Displaced For A Week

Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire

Apr 01, 2026

A long standing city policy has dictated that Vernon not provide funding to any item that would prolong the life of the building, as the city would like to purchase the property to add to the Vernon block, on which the proposed Greater Vernon Cultural Centre would be constructed.

If the funding is granted, the lodge would replace two 30 year old furnaces, flooring, handicapped accessible washrooms, an elevator and an historical display.