The Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society celebrated 50 years of memories and fun this Saturday at their beloved centre on Hobson Road.
Cake was cut, stories swapped, art was displayed and history was relived through old photo albums during the party that drew people of all ages to celebrate the societyβs 50 years in the building theyβve called home since 1973.
Cake was cut and served in celebration of the Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society's 50th anniversary on Saturday, July 27, 2019. (Caitlin Clow - ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη)
But, underlying the buzz of the celebration, and music by the talented Ben Klick, was uncertainty, as the future of the Okanagan Mission Activity Centre remains unknown.
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The centre is a special place for more than 300 senior members said president Grace Egeland. But itβs possible the centre, otherwise known as Daweβs House, could be demolished to enlarge the park space at Sarsons Beach and increase the parking lot.
He added that βno firm decisionsβ have been made at this time regarding the future of the beloved activity centre.
Parks and building planning manager Robert Parlane, with the City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη, said the demolition slated for 2020 is not the activity centre, rather itβs another structure on the southern portion of the property. The city is, however, going to remove the hedging and fencing to expand the green space near Sarsons Beach, he said.
| ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr offered words of support to the members of Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society during its 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday. (Caitlin Clow - ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη) |
βFrom the second I walked in hereβ¦ I immediately saw and felt the value of this place,β ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr said to the more than 100 attendees at the anniversary party.
βThis space is amazing,β he said. βIt means a lot for the people here in the community and itβs definitely worth keeping.β
He said although the issue is not in the federal jurisdiction, he would do anything he can to use his influence to advocate for the space.
βThe City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη is really, really proud of the seniorsβ centre,β city councillor and deputy mayor Maxine DeHart said. βI donβt think there is a better location in the city to have a building like this.β
Parlane said the City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη purchased the former residence in 1973 and converted for community use.
βItβs really not well designed for community use,β he said.
But, it has great views and itβs very popular with the people who use it, he added.
βThe home was bought with the intention of creating beach access,β he said. βThere were no conditions upon purchase.β
Seniors Minister Filomena Tassi visited the centre alongside Fuhr during last monthβs visit to the ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη area and praised the centre and the society for all they do, Fuhr explained.
Egeland said instead of demolition, she would rather see fundraising and renovations to upgrade the waterfront space, which is owned by the City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη and available for .
βWe want our home,β she said.
Parlane said renovations could be an option.
βNo decisions have been made, so I canβt say yes or no,β he said. βIt has to be an option on the table until decisions are made.β
The cityβs capital plan has proposed the construction of a new activity centre at Mission Recreation Park and Parlane said the development of a new centre could render the Sarsons Beach house redundant.
Talk of designating a seniorsβ activity centre near the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre doesnβt leave a good taste in the presidentβs mouth. She said the cement building with small windows inside the centre wonβt ever have the same magic or homey vibe that the senior members love so much about their current location.
βIf the place came down,β she said. βI canβt see myself working hard for the society in a place thatβs not worthwhile.β
Parlane said community consultation would be undertaken if a new centre is to be constructed to create a βwelcoming centre.β
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Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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