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 societyās 50 years in the building theyāve 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 - Ā鶹¾«Ń”)
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 itās possible the centre, otherwise known as Daweās House, could be demolished to enlarge the park space at Sarsons Beach and increase the parking lot.
He added that āno firm decisionsā 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 Ā鶹¾«Ń”, said the demolition slated for 2020 is not the activity centre, rather itās 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.
| Ā鶹¾«Ń”-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 - Ā鶹¾«Ń”) |
āFrom the second I walked in hereā¦ I immediately saw and felt the value of this place,ā Ā鶹¾«Ń”-Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr said to the more than 100 attendees at the anniversary party.
āThis space is amazing,ā he said. āIt means a lot for the people here in the community and itās definitely worth keeping.ā
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.
āThe City of Ā鶹¾«Ń” is really, really proud of the seniorsā centre,ā city councillor and deputy mayor Maxine DeHart said. āI donāt think there is a better location in the city to have a building like this.ā
Parlane said the City of Ā鶹¾«Ń” purchased the former residence in 1973 and converted for community use.
āItās really not well designed for community use,ā he said.
But, it has great views and itās very popular with the people who use it, he added.
āThe home was bought with the intention of creating beach access,ā he said. āThere were no conditions upon purchase.ā
Seniors Minister Filomena Tassi visited the centre alongside Fuhr during last monthās visit to the Ā鶹¾«Ń” 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 Ā鶹¾«Ń” and available for rentals.
āWe want our home,ā she said.
Parlane said renovations could be an option.
āNo decisions have been made, so I canāt say yes or no,ā he said. āIt has to be an option on the table until decisions are made.ā
The cityās 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 seniorsā activity centre near the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre doesnāt leave a good taste in the presidentās mouth. She said the cement building with small windows inside the centre wonāt ever have the same magic or homey vibe that the senior members love so much about their current location.
āIf the place came down,ā she said. āI canāt see myself working hard for the society in a place thatās not worthwhile.ā
Parlane said community consultation would be undertaken if a new centre is to be constructed to create a āwelcoming centre.ā
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Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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