Glamping may soon be available at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
Image Credit: City of Vernon
April 24, 2021 - 4:55 PM
Historic O'Keefe Ranch may soon see glamping options available for campers if the Township of Spallumcheen gives the proposal a green light.
The O'Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society has applied for a rezoning application from the township to allow for two glamping sites in 2021 and over the next three years bring that number to 10 sites.
The glamping sites would bring "an attraction that is dynamic and desirable" as well as aligns with the heritage society's mandate to "advance the knowledge and appreciation of, and stimulate interest in, the historical and cultural background of Western Canada and in particular, the way of life in the North Okanagan area," according to the heritage society in Vernon city council documents.
READ MORE: Historic North Okanagan ranch looks at microbrewery and 'glamping' to create revenue
The society said the glamping park will draw out-of-country tourists to the Vernon area as the ranch has become a popular draw for European and Asian tourists who wish to experience "roughing it in the wild west," according to council documents.
The glamping tents will have no water, sewer or electricity hookups but bottled water will be located in each tent, along with solar chargers for phones and 120 volt devices, cowboy and solar showers, and compostable toilets.
A shower and toilet area in the northeast corner of the glamping area would allow guests to access these amenities. The plan is to rent a portable washroom such as those used in remote camps.
Glamping will also bring to the ranch a revenue stream that will help it become more financially viable and put less strain on local governments' budgets, according to the society.
If approved, the units would be located across from the riding facility at the northwest side of the property where the current race track is located.
The proposed glamping site at the Historic O’Keefe Ranch.
Image Credit: City of Vernon
Vernon staff recommends that the city council supports the bylaw rezoning application to the Township of Spallumcheen as well as authorizes the chief administrative officer to sign the application on behalf of the City of Vernon.
Vernon council will decide during its next regular council meeting, April 26.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2021