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.

RCMP Seek Witnesses Following Fatal Kootenay National Park Incident

Police are asking for assistance from the public as they investigate a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred in Kootenay National Park. The incident took place on Highway 93, slightly north of the Floe Lake trailhead, around 11:10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.

First responders called to the scene discovered a black Nissan Maxima resting on its side after it departed the roadway and went down an embankment. A 23-year-old male passenger from Invermere was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver did not sustain serious injuries, according to authorities.

Investigators Reconstructing Timeline Before Crash

B.C. Highway Patrol has not ruled out any factors that might have led to the wreck. Investigators are specifically interested in gathering details about events occurring along the highway between 9:30 p.m. and midnight on Oct. 2.

In addition, police are attempting to trace the movements of the vehicle’s occupants earlier that evening. Officers are seeking information regarding the two individuals at Banff-area restaurants or bars around dinnertime on the same date.

Sgt. Brett Reiben of the B.C. Highway Patrol in Cranbrook noted that individuals may have stopped at the scene or observed the vehicle prior to the crash without having spoken to officers yet.

Anyone who observed the driving behaviour of the Nissan, possesses dash-cam footage, or has information concerning the driver’s actions in the hours leading up to the crash is requested to contact B.C. Highway Patrol in Cranbrook at 250-420-4244, citing file (2100) 2026-2873.

Border Agents Intercept Luggage Bound for London

An Ontario resident has received a one-year prison sentence following an investigation into illegal cannabis exportation at Vancouver International Airport. Canada Border Services Agency officers intercepted 56-year-old Alaaddin Koc on Oct. 28, 2024, when they discovered approximately 31 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside his suitcase prior to a flight bound for London’s Heathrow Airport.

Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance

Following the initial seizure at the airport, members of the RCMP’s Federal Policing Pacific Region border integrity team arrested Koc, releasing him while investigations continued. After charges were formally approved under the Cannabis Act, Koc failed to appear in court, prompting authorities to issue a Canada-wide arrest warrant. Officers eventually located and apprehended the Windsor, Ont., resident in his home province.

Guilty Plea and Final Sentencing

Koc pleaded guilty on July 27 to charges of possessing cannabis for the purpose of exportation. On Sept. 1, he was handed a 12-month prison sentence alongside a lifetime ban on possessing firearms.

Police noted that despite the legal status of recreational cannabis in Canada, illegal export markets remain an ongoing concern for law enforcement. “The outbound flow of illicit drugs is a continued focus of multiple international partners and is a priority for the FPPR Border Integrity Program,” stated RCMP Staff Sgt. Rhonda Hislop, acting officer in charge of the program for air and marine operations.