ABOUT “FRIENDS OF OMAC” …
“Friends of OMAC” is a community based initiative on behalf of the Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society (OMSCS) and the Okanagan Mission Residents Association (OMRA) committed to the preservation and enhancement of the Okanagan Mission Activity Centre (OMAC).
“Friends of OMAC” Mission Statement:
Preserve and enhance the Okanagan Mission Activity Centre (OMAC)
Promote the significance of the OMAC at its location on Okanagan Lake and its role in enhancing the character and well-being of Kelowna
Continue the existing and long standing relationship between the City of Kelowna and the Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society (OMSCS)
Provide a practical and functional space for year round use and enjoyment of residents of all ages in the City of Kelowna in accordance with the Official Community Plan (OCP)
ABOUT the HISTORY of OMAC and OMSCS …
In 1973, the City of Kelowna acquired the property at 4398 Hobson Road and entered into a Service Delivery Agreement with the Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society (OMSCS).
Since that time the location has been the home of the SOCIETY offering activities and programs, primarily on weekdays, for persons age 50 or better!
Over the years, the SOCIETY has contributed funds for renovations and improvements to the property.
The SOCIETY has also made charitable contributions to support specific organizations in the larger community.
In recent years, the City changed the facility name to the Okanagan Mission Activity Centre (OMAC) and began offering classes and activities, as well as rental options, for residents of all ages.
Through shared cooperation and commitment between the Society, the City and its residents for nearly 50 years, the location has become a valued asset, a precious lakefront property owned by the residents of the City of Kelowna.
ABOUT OMRA …
The Okanagan Mission Residents Association (OMRA) is a not for profit registered association comprised of volunteers, working on behalf of all persons residing within the Okanagan Mission boundaries. The organization’s objectives are to promote the interests of persons residing within the OMRA boundaries, to organize functions and events in our community and to facilitate interaction and dialogue between OMRA Members, the City of Kelowna and/or other governments.
OMRA is pleased to be partnered with the Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society (OMSCS) on the Friends of OMAC initiative. We feel this is a very valuable community asset that offers a unique and special environment for a host of a broad range of community activities. Nothing like this exists elsewhere in Kelowna. We feel strongly that this facility needs to be protected and then enhanced so it can continue to support the needs of the community for many years to come.
TODAY
The location is fantastic! It provides stimulation for body and mind, as well as tranquility for the spirit. It enhances the character and well being of Kelowna as a whole!
OMAC is used 12 months of the year by persons of all ages.
OMAC, the building, as well as the grounds and beach are now WHEEL CHAIR accessible.
Members of the SOCIETY alone exceed 7,000 usages annually for activities including exercise classes, card games, singing, arts and crafts, potluck dinners and more.
Attendance at classes and activities offered by the City of Kelowna continues to grow to an annual estimate of more than 6,000 useages.
OMAC is the ONLY publicly owned facility on the lakeshore available for rental by residents of the City of Kelowna.
The facility is booked YEAR ROUND for private and public functions, generating additional REVENUE for the City of Kelowna.
Rentals include weddings, family celebrations, and community and cultural events, including the annual show “Art by the Lake”, that has been attracting residents and tourists alike over the past 40 plus years!
From Supporters …
“OMAC is our little slice of heaven that we get to use year round!” – Grace Egeland, Past President, Okanagan Mission Senior Centre Society
“Demolishing OMAC would be an attack against the heritage of the people of Okanagan Mission and a blatant withdrawal of the spirit of the amalgamation agreement of 1972” – Ron Hallick, Past President, Okanagan Mission Residents Association (OMRA)
“Preserving old buildings steeped with stories and memories enriches our sense of place by creating a feeling of solidarity and permanence as a community evolves.” – Karen Close, Editor of the online journal “Sage-ing with Creative Spirit, Grace and Gratitude”
YOUR SUPPORT
Join the “Friends of OMAC” to preserve this unique and important community asset, to continue YEAR ROUND programs and activities for future generations of all ages!
