Elks Hall sold?
At a special meeting last Wednesday evening, the Osoyoos Elks 436 voted in favour of a tentative partnership agreement on the sale of the Osoyoos Elks property on Highway 97.
Exalted Ruler Leroy Olson said last week that the Elks decided over a year ago the hall was costing too much to maintain.
Although we did receive a lot of money from the [Elks] con-ference last year, that money will run out, and it has just been getting too costly for us to upkeep, explained Olson.
He indicated the Elks have been negotiating with an interested buyer for some time, and that possibly the building would be torn down.
We have had four offers, formed a committee to decide on one, and we're working on it. As a committee, we went back to the buyer with some of our wants, but then we had to take it to all the members for approval.rnOlson explained that the costs to maintain the building (light, heat, air conditioning, taxes, etc.) were too high.
He added the rental of the hall for meetings, wedding receptions, dances and other special events are not enough to cover the maintenance. Improvements to the furnace, roof, insulation and other things are needed, but he didn't know the exact amount needed to keep the facility operating as is.
We've survived this far by letting things run down, but there are always new capital costs, and we just don't earn that amount of money to put it back into the building.rnOlson said core funding from the Town of Osoyoos could be an option to consider, but he said he's aware the town has a budget to be concerned with.
The main floor of the Elks Hall was built in 1972, with the second floor completed around 1983. The adobe style facade was put on about 10 years ago.
When asked where people will go to book their various functions, Olson said the Osoyoos Indian Band has a facility near their campground, and added the Sonora Community Centre could service some functions.
Olson said the Elks have been trying to increase their membership and to bring in younger members. The membership numbers about 60, and Olson said many of those members are in their 70s or older.
If the sale of the building goes ahead, Olson said the facility would still be available to the Elks and Royal Purple for their meetings and socials.
In a press release issued last Thursday, Olson promised the lodge will remain an active part of this community and will continue to support its many projects.
We look forward to continuing our work in this community as we move forward under the principles of the Elks Lodge, Olson stated.
So far this year, the Osoyoos Elks have given back over $40,000 to the community through charitable donations and bursaries.
Further details on this exciting partnership will be available after March 21.
