Ron Candy has a passion for collecting but that doesn’t extend to buckets of water.
Torrential rainfall outside resulted in a cascade of water inside the Greater Vernon Museum Thursday afternoon, with the area around the main doorway resembling a raging waterfall.
“This is the worst we’ve ever had,” said Candy, the longtime curator.
“In the past, leaks have been isolated to one location but this was several locations.”
Staff and volunteers immediately began moving artifacts to prevent water damage, but some of the larger items — specifically exhibit cases from the former Jacques Jewellers — couldn’t avoid the water.
“Fortunately no artifacts have been damaged,” said Candy.
“We were lucky this time but we’re dealing with a 45-year-old roof. Leaks could occur anywhere.”
Mops, buckets and wet vacs were utilized to try and bring the tide under control.
“This is disgusting,” said volunteer Joanne Georgeson.
“This should have never happened.”
Leaks around the loading doors are common.
“This has been ongoing for 20 years and I’ve continually asked to have it fixed,” said Candy.
Humidity and its negative impact on artifacts was an immediate concern, but some potential damage may not surface for awhile.
“Over the next few weeks and months, we will check the areas affected by the leaks to make sure we’re not getting mold,” said Candy.
The flooding escalated frustration museum staff and volunteers already have with the cramped, inadequate conditions of the building.
“If there was ever a cause for a new museum, this is it,” said Candy.
“This emphasizes the need for an artifact collection, which is the public trust, to be looked after so it’s not threatened.”
City of Vernon and Regional District of North Okanagan officials were on scene Thursday surveying the flooding.
“A report will go to council and the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and we will go from there,” said Coun. Bob Spiers on whether the leaks are maintenance-related or a sign of structural issues.
“As far as I am concerned, this doesn’t have anything to do with long-term plans for a new museum. We had about a month’s worth of rain in one day.”
But Coun. Juliette Cunningham suggests the flooding may force politicians to look at the future of the museum.
“The volunteers and staff there are stewards of our history and they need more support than they have been receiving,” she said.
