Photo: Osoyoos Museum

Future home of Osoyoos Museum.

A new home for the Osoyoos Museum is now less than two years away, and for the museum board that means kicking fundraising into high gear. 

Osoyoos Council heard an update on the museum's plans at Monday morning's Committee of the Whole meeting, including they plans to open in 2020. 

"We take possession on the first of January," said president of the Osoyoos Museum board Mat Hassen. "Hopefully open in late spring, early summer with a fully accessible, operational main floor and archives in the basement."

However, Hassen said they have a ways to go before they have the full budget for the project in hand. As it stands, they have raised $685,000 of the $2.5 million total they will need.

"We need help to plan and promote and participate in fundraising events," Hassen said;. "Any opportunities that councillors have to champion the project, it would be very much appreciated."

Now that possession of the new building is under 24 months away, the museum is eligible to apply for federal grants, including the Cultural Spaces Canada grant which allots $5 million each year between projects in Alberta, B.C. and Yukon. Hassen said they will apply annually for the next three years for some of that money. 

He also asked council to consider contributing to accessibility in the building, including power doors, accessible washrooms and an elevator.

Museum director Kara Burton also spoke to council, encouraging the public to aide the museum's efforts by volunteering, saying she would find a job to suit anyone's strengths who wanted to help out.