Vernon's O'Keefe Ranch could receive $50,000 for badly needed repairs, but it will need help from the public.

The Ranch has been selected as one of 12 finalists for the 2025 Next Great Save competition, which empowers communities to protect, adapt, renew and improve historic places.

Each finalist will compete for public votes and the chance to win $50,000 (first place), $10,000 (second) or $5,000 (third).

"By bringing the mansion up to a reasonable state of repair, we can add to the already rich experience of visitors to the ranch," said the O'Keefe Ranch Society. "Safety and accessibility are important goals for the society, and by making the mansion more functional, we can host additional educational and cultural programs for the community." 

The mansion has been a landmark in the community since 1866 but is in need of repairs and upgrades to keep the site a safe place for visitors. 

Once a top tourism destination, renovations will allow the ranch to work towards gaining that status again while continuing to share the history and culture of the region with generations of Canadians to come.

The public can vote once a day at . Voting will close on Thursday, April 17, and the winners and runners-up will be announced the same day. 

On Saturday, April 12, local photographer Eric Draht will be capturing a life-size community team photo at the mansion. The public is encouraged to come out to the free event at 11 a.m., with the photo to be taken at noon.