The Osoyoos Museum Society and RDOS signed a lease allowing the museum to operate at a Main Street property. Left to right: Kara Burton (Osoyoos Museum Society), Linda Larson (Boundary-Similkameen MLA), Mark Pendergraft (RDOS Area A director), Mat Hanson (Osoyoos Museum Society), Karla Kozakevich (RDOS chair), Sue McKortoff (Town of Osoyoos mayor), Jim King (Town of Osoyoos councillor). (Contributed photo)
The Osoyoos and District Museum and Archives is one step closer to its move to Main Street next year.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) board of directors has endorsed a 20-year lease agreement with the Osoyoos Museum Society. The board endorsement covers the operation of the Osoyoos Museum at an RDOS-owned building at 8702 Main St., the former location of the Osoyoos H0me Building Centre.
The RDOS, on behalf of Electoral Area A and in partnership with the Osoyoos Museum Society and Town of Osoyoos, worked on the agreement to permit the operation of a museum at the new site.
• Read more: Home Building Centre sets opening date for new store
The existing lease with current tenant Home Hardware Stores Ltd., expires December 31 and the Osoyoos Museum Society lease takes effect January 1, 2020.
The Osoyoos Museum Society will begin upgrades and renovations in January 2020, to accommodate the museum. The new facility is projected to open in the summer of 2020.
The museum lease was formalized and signed November 9 by RDOS chair Karla Kozakevich, Area A director Mark Pendergraft, Town of Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff and along with representatives from the Osoyoos Museum Society. Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson was also in attendance.
“The new museum location will provide Osoyoos with an important historical and cultural amenity that will help educate residents and visitors about the South Okanagan’s heritage,” the RDOS stated in a news release.
