Kelowna seeks to fix flawed heritage conservation model

KELOWNA – In a bid to coordinate its heritage conservation efforts, Kelowna is looking to Edmonton for direction.

The first phase of the heritiage review identified the governance model the city now uses, involving a loose collaboration of heritage groups, to be the source of overlapping mandates and confusion, according to a report from city planner Lauren Sanbrooks.

Sanbrooks says the loose collaboration has also led to a public credibility gap with cultural diversity given short shrift.

Under the so-called heritage council model, based on the existing Edmonton Heritage Council, independent heritage organizations in Kelowna would remain intact, but funding and strategic planning would come through the council, an arms-length non-profit society.

A Kelowna heritage council would work on a contract with the city, and develop programs and projects with its member organizations, plus the unified approach would support larger heritage initiatives the current players cannot undertake on their own, she says in the report.

Sanbrook says Phase Two of the heritage review would involve defining roles and responsibilities for the various organizations and building trust and a working relationship.

Phase Three would see the heritage council begin strategic and financial planning, likely in January, 2016 with an eye toward beginning regular functions in 2017.

Kelowna city council will consider the heritage review report at a public meeting beginning at 9 a.m., Monday, August 10 in Kelowna council chambers.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.