2023 11 21 | Jim Kanester | Science Centre

Today we had the opportunity to meet at the Okanagan Science Centre in Vernon, one of only 5 such science centers in BC. We were educated as to the Centre's progress and strategic direction by Executive Director, Dione Chambers, and then had the opportunity to tour the facility.

Dione and the entire Board and staff of only 4 have done an amazing job continuing to refresh the centre to keep it interesting and relevant to visitors. Over 35,000 visitors from throughout Canada and the world visit the centre each year, including over 6,000 kids during field trips, and the staff conduct in-classroom programs for students throughout the Okanagan.

As a registered charity and not-for-profit society, members of the society have the advantage of free entry to a network of roughly 300 science centers around the world, including the 28 throughout Canada, and 4 others in BC in Kamloops, Prince George, and two (2) in Vancouver.

The Centre hosts private events including birthday parties for all ages, and continues to grow and is busting at the seams as it looks to add to its curriculum and support even more visitors and programs. A true testament to its value to our community, the continued growth and demand shows just how important it is to us.