An Okanagan camp that has welcomed thousands of kids over the past 74 years and was destroyed by a wildfire last year will not be reopening for the 2024 season.
The Okanagan Anglican Camp (OAC), located north of Kelowna on Okanagan Lake, was destroyed by the McDougall Creek wildfire last year.
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In an update on May 22, camp organizers say they have been “forced” to defer reopening until 2025.
According to the news release, camp director Ian Dixon, Archbishop Lynne McNaughton, and a dedicated team of volunteers have overseen the work of securing necessary permits, overseeing remediation of the site, and replacing key infrastructure.
Two cabin buildings have already been ordered and will be delivered to the site later this summer, the release says.
“Okanagan Anglican Camp offers such an unforgettable experience for so many young people, and I’m incredibly disappointed that a variety of circumstances beyond our control have forced us into this decision,” said archbishop Lynne McNaughton.
“And yet, as a diocesan ministry, Camp OAC is, above all, committed to the safety of young people. When campers return, we want to guarantee that everything is back, and to the highest standard.”
McNaughton said she has the “utmost confidence” that they will be able to reopen by next summer.
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