Vernon’s Okanagan Science Centre is getting taxpayers’ funding, but not as much as desired.
City council decided to provide the centre with $7,500 for renovation materials and interpretive signs although $30,000 had been requested.
“We only have so much money in our grants account,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy of the decision.
Coun. Patrick Nicol points out there are significant financial pressures on the city from many groups.
“This is a significant amount of money and we’d have liked to have given more,” he said.
The science centre originally applied for the funds in December but the city sent the request to the Regional District of North Okanagan because the centre provides services to residents of the region.
RDNO denied the request because it does not have the ability to provide grants to community groups.
Gilroy is convinced the entire region, and not just Vernon taxpayers, should be supporting the centre.
“It’s too bad the regional district doesn’t have a grant function,” he said, adding that there are options for the centre to come up with the remainder of the funds.
“They can still individually approach Enderby, Armstrong and the other jurisdictions.”
Okanagan Science Centre officials believe the signage and renovations are important for the long-term.
“The staff, volunteers and directors have worked hard to create exciting and dynamic programs and events for our community,” said Sandi Dixon, executive director, in a letter to the city.
“We feel that the centre is a valuable resource, providing innovative approaches in science that feature hands-on, experience-based learning in a safe, fun, non-institutional environment for all ages.”
