The B.C. Elks Association is seeking the city’s support to broaden its community offerings at Camp Elkcanoe.
At its last meeting, Salmon Arm council received a letter from BC Elks Recreation Camp Society director Ron Reddecliff. In it, Reddecliff asks that council consider expanding the lease with the Elks for the city-owned property at 4290 Canoe Beach Drive, the home of Camp Elkcanoe.
“They’re looking to expand what they do there,” said Mayor Nancy Cooper, explaining the Elks are looking to open the camp up to the public for such things as weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, etc.
The current lease requires the Elks to use the property solely as a children’s camp. But Reddecliff explains operating costs totalling more than $35,000 annually along with the camp currently not meeting expectations and objectives in terms of usage, has necessitated a push to help subsidize operational costs. In turn, he says, this would help the Elks continue to provide camping facilities for children.
“One of the primary objectives of our society is to ‘operate a non-profit organization for the purposes of providing recreational facilities for underprivileged persons, handicapped persons and youth groups…,” writes Reddecliff. “The emphasis… is and will continue to be in the future to provide camping facilities to such groups, particularly from our own community and from other areas of the province.”
Cooper says council is amenable to the request, noting the broadened use wouldn’t take away from any existing businesses in the area. She said the request will be coming back to the Aug. 10 council meeting for discussion and a decision.
