City Decides Against Renewing Lease for Historic Site

The City of Vernon will end its long-standing operational arrangement with the Historic O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society when the ranch’s current lease expires on March 31, 2027. In an Oct. 1 letter sent by chief administrative officer Carey Herd, the municipality stated that the current operating model for the city-owned land is financially unsustainable. The city noted it will not extend the agreement and is reviewing alternative options that aim to secure a sustainable path while honoring the site’s local significance.

Society and Supporters Raise Concerns Over Future

Over the past three decades, the city provided $4.12 million in funding to the site. However, municipal priorities are shifting toward other cultural projects, such as supporting the transition of the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives into the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre. Society president Douglas MacGregor cautioned that if the organization is forced to dissolve due to the decision, assets and attractions owned by the society would need to be sold. He emphasized that the ranch serves as an essential gathering space, tourism driver, and historical resource for the North Okanagan, highlighting the thousands of volunteer hours spent keeping it operational.

Community Response and Petition Gain Momentum

The announcement has sparked pushback within the region. MP Scott Anderson publicly criticized the city’s move as “shameful” and called on the community to support an online petition at change.org aimed at preserving the historic landmark. As of Monday, Oct. 5, the petition had gathered more than 2,600 signatures. Meanwhile, city officials expressed gratitude in their letter for the contributions made by the society’s volunteers and supporters over nearly 50 years, even as they move forward with exploring new directions for the property.

New Contender in Kamloops-North Thompson

Voters in Kamloops-North Thompson will see a seasoned campaigner on the ballot as John Kidder seeks to represent the BC Green Party in the upcoming provincial election. The party recently circulated Kidder’s nomination form to members via email to collect the required signatures for Elections BC confirmation.

Kidder, who resides in Ashcroft, brings a long history of political involvement to the race. Though he has never held public office, he has previously campaigned in several provincial and federal elections under the Green banner, and also ran as a federal Liberal candidate in 2011. He is married to Elizabeth May, the leader of the federal Green Party.

The Provincial Race Takes Shape

Once his candidacy is formally confirmed by election authorities, Kidder will enter a competitive field. He is set to challenge BC Conservative incumbent Ward Stamer in the riding.

The ballot will also feature Kory Clark, a 24-year-old health-care worker running for the BC NDP, according to reports.

Interim Leader Proposes Cooperation Amid Overlapping Candidates

OneBC interim leader Dallas Brodie has expressed readiness to negotiate an election arrangement with the B.C. Conservatives, despite her former party putting forward a rival candidate in her Vancouver-Quilchena riding. Former Canadian Taxpayers Federation provincial director Carson Binda was announced on Sept. 29 as the Conservative candidate facing Brodie, who currently serves as the riding’s incumbent legislator.

Brodie questioned the Conservatives’ decision to compete against her, noting that OneBC had previously signaled goodwill by deciding not to field candidates in select ridings containing “true” Conservatives. Although earlier discussions occurred with B.C. Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson, OneBC has since revealed plans for candidates in two of those contested districts. Among them is Kelowna-Centre, a seat won by NDP margin of just 40 votes last election by Kristina Loewen. Brodie argued that her party represents the authentic conservative choice there and suggested Conservatives risk losing the seat to the NDP.

Tensions and History Between Conservative Factions

Offering to pull OneBC’s unannounced Kelowna-Centre candidate if the Conservatives enter discussions, Brodie criticized the opposing party’s reluctance to negotiate. She stated that her party has taken concrete steps toward making deals while accused the Conservatives of ignoring her party. Brodie remarked that the Conservatives “created me” in many ways, referencing her expulsion from the party caucus last year by then-leader John Rustad after she mocked residential school survivor testimony.

Addressing the prospect of electoral collaboration, Doerkson acknowledged that dialogue had occurred between the parties, though no formal agreement was reached. He affirmed that the party intends to bring conservative values to British Columbians following the election. OneBC originally formed as a breakaway Conservative faction in 2025, though it lacked official recognized party status in the legislature when the election campaign commenced.