Kelowna heritage buildings have an unknown fate
Okanagan Heritage Society thinks they might be able to help city save buildings and save money
Problems with half a dozen of Kelowna's city-owned heritage properties won't go away, and City Council wants a long-term solution to stop the cycle of disrepair.
That's where the Okanagan Heritage Society hopes to play a bigger role.
Society president Don Knox says his group, which operates several historic sites including the Benvoulin Heritage Park, could provide those buildings with the care they need.
Except, they need city funds to make their work sustainable on Cameron House, St. Aidan's Church, the Former Glenn Avenue School, Water Street Firehall and others.
"We have been actively involved in the past, but since then we've kind of taken a back seat," he told Radio West host Rebecca Zandbergen. "But with this new council, we've been meeting and greeting with individual members and we're hoping we can restart that whole process."
Knox said his group has expertise that could help the city evaluate which buildings are worth saving, how much money it would take and what purposes they could serve after being refurbished.
"Just to restore something to make it look pretty is a luxury that I don't think we can afford," he said.
At a council meeting on Monday night, councillors expressed reservation about throwing good money after bad on buildings that might not be worth saving.
For example, the shuttered Cameron House and St. Aidan's Church sparked plenty of debate.
"From an aesthetics standpoint, they're some of the most derelict-looking buildings that we have in our community, and it's somewhat embarrassing that they're city owned," said Councillor Brad Sieben.
$330,000 was previously approved to make Cameron House a neighbourhood hub, but the home has been off-limits for three years now.
Sieben suggested that private sector partners get involved with some projects like Cameron House to find a use for them.
Staff also advised council that federal grant money could be found for some restorations.
To hear the full story, click the audio labelled: What's to be done with Kelowna's 'derelict' heritage buildings?