Naramata Centre shrinking as plans announced to sell a portion the property

PENTICTON – Naramata Centre’s board of directors have decided to relinquish some of the its property in Naramata.

Board chair Doug Woollard says in a media release the board reached a decision earlier this spring to sell a portion of the Naramata Centre’s 23 acres located in the heart of Naramata.

“We believe by creating a smaller footprint we can operate in a way that fits the demand in today’s world," Woollard says in the release. "Having fewer acres will require less maintenance and will better fit our registration requirements as the Centre no longer hosts large conferences."

The focal points to be retained include the beach, the Chapel, the labyrinth and the Sacred Garden.

The centre opened in 1948 to serve as a United Church education and retreat centre.

The retreat was shut down following a nine month strike by unionized staff in January, 2015, reopening last year with reduced services and a staff made up largely of volunteers.

Next year the Centre will celebrate its 70th year in the community.

A full schedule of programs is being offered at the Centre this year, in arts, music, singing, health and wellness and spiritual nurture.

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