Camp OAC Updates

Ian Dixon gave us an update on Camp OAC, a children’s summer camp located on the west side of Okanagan Lake.  Most of the camp's buildings were destroyed in the 2023 McDougall Creek fire.  Since the fire, Ian and the Anglican Church team have been working through all the steps necessary to rebuild the camp. The burnt buildings have been removed.  The archeology permit was finally issued at the end of May this year. The next steps can now take place. They have two years to get the rebuild done or they must reapply for a new archeology permit.  The permit requires that any construction that disturbs the ground must be completed within the two year time frame.  Children’s over night camps are diminishing all over North America.  Ian is very motivated to get building in the very near future so they can provide this experience to children.  The “Covid Children” (those who were very young or born during Covid), in particular, need to have the opportunity to socialize more as they missed so much during Covid.  The next phase is to raise additional funds (over and above insurance proceeds that have been received) for the rebuild. The Anglican Church that owns the property has a two million dollar campaign set to go forward over the next few months.  There are lots of challenges determining how to rebuild the camp.  The five buildings that survived the fire have since been damaged, including graffiti tags that are quite artful.  The summer camp will be rebuilt using the modular construction system.  Water and infrastructure services will come first.  Then buildings can start.  They are still hopeful the camp may be able to open next summer, however there are a lot of factors that are at play.  They want the gazebo and dining hall built first.  The gazebo will have to be moved back further from the lake to comply with environmental requirements. They have about 2.5 million from insurance to get started.  The 2 million campaign will help to build the extra buildings that are desired. They hope to be able to open to about 60 children next year if they can reach their goals. It has been a long haul, but Ian is looking forward to what is next.