The historic O'Keefe Ranch could soon be no more, after Vernon council denied funding them an additional $85,000. 

In the Monday, Sept. 25 council meeting, councillors unanimously rejected the funding request for the $85,000 (which was needed to keep the Ranch running until November), along with accepting the honoured terms of the lease going forward into 2025. 

Nearly all councillors spoke on the issue, and although they expressed their sadness for not being able to fund the ranch, the message was clear. 

"I have been a huge supporter of the Ranch, but the stark reality begs the questions, do we have this in our financial resources?," said Coun. Kari Gares. "We have big financial commitments coming up, and I don't think this (O'Keefe Rnach) will be a good allocation of funds."

Council previously deferred the O'Keefe Ranch motion from Sept. 9 to Sept. 23, to give more time in going over the financials.

"It is a sad day for the ranch," said Coun. Brian Quiring. "It has become obvious that the buildings are old, deteriorating and need a lot of money. It is not something I think that the city of Vernon can fund." 

Quiring also mentioned the "hope" that other forms of government would get involved, but "we can't do it and we are just in a tough financial spot this year."

"We need more resources for police and fire services," Coun. Akbal Mund added. "Thinking of these and how they impact the community, I am denying the request for the extra $85,000 and honouring the lease as it still stands. 

Mayor Victor Cumming added that the costs of upkeep on buildings "100 years od" will continue to rise. 

"Museums in general require substantial financial asks yearly," he said. "The rising costs are tough to digest."

The 30-year-lease that the Ranch signed with the city will expire on April 1, 2027.