Photo: Google Street View

Vernon's Elks Lodge is making an urgent plea to the city for support.

The local service club was turned down in January by Heritage Canada for Legacy Fund grant money.

Heritage Canada deemed the level of support provided by the city "insufficient" to meet funding criteria.

"Applications submitted by non-profit organizations must demonstrate tangible and meaningful support from the municipality," the rejection letter stated.

However, the Elks were given "one more opportunity to appeal to City of Vernon representatives and request any size in-kind donation and/or a financial contribution toward the centennial renovation-retrofit project."

The lodge aims to expand its space is to preserve club heritage "by showcasing memorabilia, and noting milestones throughout the 100-year history of the non- profit organization."

The project would also create a space accessible to the community, the club says.

A city contribution would open the door for Heritage Canada to reconsider its decision.

The city had previously been in a conflict of interest situation related to the sale of property surrounding the lodge to RDNO for the new downtown Vernon cultural centre.

The project would update the lodge's upper room for the history and community meeting space.

It would also replace two 30-year-old furnaces, create accessible washrooms, install a lift, paint and flooring.

Council will consider the request on Monday.