MP Alex Atamanenko (Photo supplied)
MP Alex Atamanenko has added his voice to those expressing concern about the provincial government’s plans to divest itself from the Grist Mill heritage site in Keremeos.
Atamanenko wrote to Premier Christy Clark last week asking the provincial government to reconsider its decision to devolve responsibility for the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens.
The provincial government recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking an operator to run the site in a way that generates revenue and reduces the need for provincial funding. The deadline for the RFP was Sept. 26.
“I don’t like to interfere in provincial matters unless I’ve done some homework,” Atamanenko said in an interview last week.
The federal NDP MP said he was bothered to learn the province was devolving the site and putting it out to tender so he talked to MLA Linda Larson, Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer and Angelique Wood, the Area G director with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS).
Atamanenko’s letter expresses support for an earlier letter to the premier written by Wood, whose area includes the Grist Mill.
Among the concerns raised by Wood are that First Nations sites at the mill must be protected.
She also points out that the province has deferred $1.2 million in needed maintenance that no society or private operator would be likely to take on.
Wood is particularly concerned that the province wants local taxpayers to assume the operating costs of the mill.
The provincial Heritage Branch has met with the RDOS board a number of times “holding a ball which is the Grist Mill and they have been trying to throw it out to us expecting us to catch it,” Wood said.
“The area that I represent is filled with a lot of trees and mountains and not many people. The ones that are here in Olala and Hedley are quite poor so the notion of another increase in the tax bill is really hard for them to swallow.”
Atamanenko told the premier he shares Wood’s view of the local economic situation. A historic site in Vancouver, for example, could be spread over a larger local tax base, but it’s harder to fund in this area.
“The Grist Mill contributes to the economy of the region in the form of increased revenue for businesses from its many visitors,” Atamanenko wrote. “Add to that the significant historical and cultural value to the community that cannot be measured in dollars.”
The MP noted that Chris Mathieson, the current operator, set a course of revitalization two years ago that has resulted in significantly increased attendance, venue rentals and cultural events.
Wood agreed that Mathieson has “turned around” the site.
Dave Cursons, chair of the Grist Mill Foundation, said his board wants to continue with Mathieson as the operator and believes the provincial government’s RFP may adversely affect the values developed at the site.
Mathieson said he wants to continue operating the Grist Mill and last week was submitting a proposal himself.
“In the last two years we’ve seen attendance grow six-fold,” said Mathieson. “Our fall fair a couple days ago was probably the busiest day this site has seen in a decade – almost 700 visitors. We have an amazing community of support.”
Mathieson said he believes the provincial government goal of reducing its funding for the mill can be reconciled with the need to preserve it as a heritage site.
“I’ve submitted a number of bids over the last two years and all of them see a rapidly declining operating subsidy,” he said. “That shouldn’t be an issue. It’s just a matter of what the curve looks like I guess.”
Both Cursons and Mathieson say it’s difficult to develop a long-term strategy when he is only given short-term contracts.
“It’s difficult to commit yourself and your own capital without a long-term arrangement,” said Mathieson. “I think that’s why the province is looking for a long-term solution and that’s why they’re looking for somebody to take on the site for the long term. I’d like to be that guy.”
Asked what he would like to do with it, Mathieson said he would mostly expand on things he’s already started.
This includes re-entering the wedding market, and doing more active farming on the site both for educational purposes and to support the restaurant.
The restaurant, he said, now has “an amazing executive chef” Natasha Schooten, formerly of Hester Creek Estate Winery. The Grist Mill has also had successful concerts throughout the summer, he said.
“We’re hitting all the right notes,” said Mathieson.” It’s just a matter now of allowing time for the seeds to germinate.”
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
The Similkameen BBQ King competition is just one of many events drawing people to the Keremeos Grist Mill. Adair Scott of Watermark Beach Resort is shown competing in this file photo (Richard McGuire file photo)
