Vernon's Okanagan Science Centre actively looking for different space to call home

Photo: File photo

The Okanagan Science Centre is looking for a new home.

Executive director Dione Chambers says the centre isn't leaving Vernon, but there is an effort to find a different location for the centre, which was founded by Bill Sim in 1990.

The centre is currently located in a heritage school building at Polson Park. And while the old building adds to its charm, it is also a detriment.

“We have challenges with the older building,” Chambers said. “We're in charge of the operations here, so that means a lot of our budget goes to maintaining the building.”

Another reason officials with the centre are looking at a move is capacity restrictions.

“Our programming space is at capacity and it's been at capacity for quite some time,” Chambers said. “Plus we bring in travelling exhibits and there are accessibility challenges for bringing some of those exhibits in, plus we have a second floor without accessibility and we really want to have science available for everybody.”

Chambers says the centre will “100 per cent” stay in Vernon.

The OSC is also rebounding after two challenging years with COVID restrictions hampering operations.

“We rely solely on people coming through the doors, so it's been a little challenging, but we've made it through,” she said, adding there has been strong support from the community.

“Membership is bouncing back. One of the really cool things with out membership is you can travel to other science centres and use it to get in. Now that travel is back on, we are definitely seeing an influx of memberships.

“Membership is absolutely critical. It's how we keep our lights on. It is our main source of revenue.”

For more information on the science centre, click here.