O’Keefe Ranch
Vernon council unanimously approved a $30,000 grant for O’Keefe Ranch, which is funded from the leftover COVID-19 safe restart grant.
The decision comes after a presentation at the previous council meeting (Feb. 26) where representatives of the ranch asked for an additional $30,000 to go along with their annual operating grant of $50,000, which is included in the 2024 budget.
The monies are a repayment of a Canadian Emergency Business Account loan, which had put the ranch into a funding deficit.
The COVID-19 safe restart grant now has a balance of approximately $120,000.
Climate Action Plan
Council approved $309,000 to be spent on the provincial government climate action plan for the following initiatives, with amendments:
- Greenhouse gas calculator for municipal projects- $7,000
- Parks, green space, and wetland inventory for the OCP update- $120,000
- GoByBike Week- $50,000
- Electric Mobility Accelerator Program- $10,000
- Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) Youth Symposium and Expo- $20,000
- UBC Sustainability Scholars research projects- $22,000
- Model greenhouse gas reduction feasibility study for energy retrofits to city owned buildings- $40,000
The province’s Climate Action Plan will see Vernon receive $205,000 in 2022, 2023 and 2024, where each year’s funds must be spent within three years.
Coun. Brian Guy made a request to amend the motion to add additional amendments.
“And further that the support for GoByBike week to be provided from transportation budgets and further to support the CARE program be provided to School District 22. And further that council direct administration to prepare a climate action plan community engagement plan by May 13, 2024.”
Coun. Kari Gares stated her apprehension with the amendment to the CARE program.
“I’m almost wondering if it makes sense that the CARE program, without having some clarity on that, that we keep it where it is requested to go, as the school district didn’t make the request, the non-profit did.”
Council unanimously carried the amended motion.
Comic Con Flag
The comic con flag will be flown on the community flag pole from April 4 to May 6 after council approved the request, which was made by the Vernon Comic Con Convention. The convention will be held on Saturday, May 4 at the Vernon Rec Centre.
READ MORE: UPDATE: Vernon arena closure continues
READ MORE: Vernon spring chipping program returns with changes