[REVISION HISTORY]

O'Keefe Ranch lease non-renewal in Vernon

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-05 19:51 UTC → 2026-10-05 21:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The City of Vernon has announced it will not renew the lease for the historic O’Keefe Ranch, which is currently managed by the Historic O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society. The existing lease is set to expire on March 31, 2027. City officials indicated that the current operating model is not financially sustainable, noting that the city has invested $4.12 million into the property over the last 30 years. ~~The~~ Chief Administrative Officer Carey Herd stated that the municipality is evaluating future options to ensure a ~~sustainable~~ financially viable path for the site while maintaining its community importance. Douglas MacGregor, president of the heritage society, expressed concern that the decision would force the dissolution of the society. He warned that the ranch serves as a major tourism and educational resource for the North Okanagan, and that if the society dissolves, many of its attractions—including livestock, farm equipment, and antique items like stagecoaches—would likely need to be sold. MacGregor also emphasized a perceived lack of transparency in the city’s decision-making process. The closure would also impact various community partners, including local school district programs and the North Okanagan Model Railway exhibit.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.