The Central Okanagan Heritage Society is a non-profit Society and a Registered Charity. The Society was incorporated in 1982 and operates with a volunteer Board of Directors and several part-time and seasonal staff. The Society operates within the geographic boundaries of the Central Okanagan Regional District.
The mission of the Society is “build awareness of the distinct heritage of the Central Okanagan through conservation, collaboration, advocacy and education for the benefit of current and future generations.”
For a relatively small not-for-profit organization, the COHS is involved with some major heritage landmarks within our geological region. Our current activities include:
- We own and operate Benvoulin Heritage Park, featuring the fully restored Benvoulin Church, an 1892 Gothic Revival style church. The site also holds the more recently rebuilt Reid Hall, a lovely English cottage-style garden and McIver House, an early 1890′s farmhouse, which serves as our on-site caretaker’s residence.
- For many years COHS maintained Guisachan Heritage Park under contract with the City of Kelowna. The park is now under the care of the city but COHS still owns and maintains McDougall House on the same grounds
- Since 2008, COHS has managed the City of Kelowna Heritage Grants Program, whereby owners of heritage registered properties can apply for assistance with the upkeep and maintenance of their buildings.
- COHS is an active participant in Heritage Week, celebrated during the 3rd week of February each year.
- Sponsors the Annual Heritage Awards which are presented each February during Heritage Week
- COHS is an active member of Heritage BC.
