Morning gStar
The
Friday, March 18, 2016
P R O U D L Y
S E R V I N G
O U R
N O R T H
w w w. v e r n o n m o r n i n g s t a r. c o m
O K A N A G A N
C O M M U N I T I E S
F O R
2 7
CHEROKEE
0
Vernon
250-545-2261
2016 JEEP
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Y E A R S
% FINANCING 84 MONTHS
DLR #5204
END OF ERA | Closure of last local video store proving to be an emotional journey [A20]
4607 27 STREET, VERNON • VERNONDODGE.COM
Future of historic building in question RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
The future of a landmark Vernon building is uncertain. The 102-year-old Brigadier Murphy Armoury at the Vernon Army Camp is the focus of a review by the Department of National Defence. “The Department of National Defence is currently examining the Canadian Armed Forces’ future requirements for the Murphy Armoury,” said Evan Koronewski, a senior communications advisor with the department. “The department does not have any plans to demolish this building at this time, and will be able to confirm next steps for this property once these operational requirements are identified.” Koronewski says there isn’t an established timeline for the process to take place. “The department is still in a fact-finding stage. It will look at what the costs are to keep it maintained.” The Sept. 25, 1913 Vernon News hails the opening of the armoury on four acres donated by the city at a cost of $18,000. “The visitor’s first impression on entering the structure is one of airiness, light and space,” states the article. “There is no ceiling over the huge drill hall but the high roof
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
The 102-year-old Brigadier Murphy Armoury at the Vernon Army Camp is the focus of a review by the Department of National Defence. rests on massive steel trusses. The roof itself is of galvanized iron, and the flooring throughout is coast fir, with the exception of the men’s, sergeant’s and officer’s quarters which are floored with maple. The walls of the building are of locally manufactured brick.” The armoury is listed in the Vernon heritage registry adopted by city council in 2000. “The property is not designat-
ed by bylaw as a municipal heritage site as per provincial legislation and therefore, the property is not a protected heritage site under that same legislation,” said Dale Rintoul, the city’s current planning manager. “There’s no legal authority for the city to withhold or deny approving and issuing a demolition permit to demolish the armoury building.”
The armoury is a recognized federal heritage building, according to the Canadian Register of Historic Places. “Built as part of a reform and expansion program by the Department of Militia and Defence, the Brigadier Murphy Armoury is associated with establishing a community-based training centre in Vernon. It also has a long association with its regiment,
the British Columbia Dragoons,” states the CRHP website. “The Brigadier Murphy Armoury is a good example of an armoury building built from one of five standard drill hall plans produced under the direction of Sir Sam Hughes, minister of militia and defence. The design of these drill halls concentrated on the functional and structural aspects of the building.”
Lumby waits for next steps in Hockeyville race Morning Star Staff
There’s a mix of enthusiasm and anxiety among Lumby residents. All eyes will be fixed on Saturday’s Vancouver Canucks game on Hockey Night in Canada to find out if Lumby is named one of two finalists for the Kraft Hockeyville title. “We are inviting the public to watch the Kraft Hockeyville announcement live in Pat Duke Memorial Arena,” said Angie Clowry, one of the local campaign organizers. “There is a coed adult hockey tournament going on, and as they want to watch they have invited us along. While the Canucks
IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
“Windows are painted, signs are up and there is a banner hanging in town.” — Angie Clowry
game gets underway at 7 p.m., we are inviting the community to show up at 6:30 p.m. and watch some fun hockey.” Both communities named as finalists will
BRAND NEW! 2015 CORVETTE 2LT Auto, Carbon Fibre Roof, Nav, Competition Sport Seats Stk# 15-954
$
86 ,420
earn $100,000 for arena upgrades, and voting will begin Sunday at 6 a.m. to determine who is named Hockeyville and who gets an NHL pre-season game. “This goes much farther than hockey.
2015 CORVETTE Z06 COUPE 650 HP, 650 Torque!!! 7400 kms, Manual Transmision
$
Stk# P16-250
108 ,000
Our community spirit has ignited and engaged people and businesses right across Canada,” said Clowry. “Mayor Kevin Acton is receiving calls, e-mails and texts from right across Canada, saying how excited people are as Lumby is in the media spotlight.” A plan is coming together for Sunday if residents must begin voting. “We will create a new headquarters for Hockeyville and we will be inviting the public down in shifts to vote,” said Clowry. “If you drive into Lumby, windows are painted, signs are up and there is a banner hanging in town.”
BANNISTER “A Family Business, with Family Values”
4703 27 St, Vernon BC bannisters.com • 250-545-0606 * Plus $499 doc fee & taxes.
DL#9133