It may be the start of a new year, but it’s also the start of a whole new era for Destination Osoyoos (DO).
“I’d have to say that it looks very good,” said Derek Noske, chair of DO’s board of directors, about the contract that is in the works to determine the future of the organization. “We’re very close to wrapping it up.”
The contract that is being finalized will redefine the responsibilities of Destination Osoyoos.
As of Dec. 31, the previous contract between the Town of Osoyoos and DO expired.
Under that five-year contract, DO received $226,000 per year from the Town and carried out economic development and tourism and marketing services for the community.
In September, a press release was sent out explaining the Town will now award a three-year contract to DO for the provision of tourism marketing and visitor services.
Under the new contract, DO will receive $120,000 per year from the Town – and there will be a shift in responsibilities.
DO will no longer carry out economic development services for Osoyoos, which will instead by carried out by the Town.
Noske said the new contract should be finalized and signed within the next two weeks and a press release will be sent out to explain the details.
But some of the changes have already been explained.
“The Town is going to take over (a) portion of economic development,” Noske said, adding that while tourism and marketing is certainly still considered economic development, it’s the more clear-cut economic development tasks that will be transferred.
For example, DO will no longer be involved with the marketing of the airport industrial property— the seven lots that are ready for sale on the newly-developed site on Hwy. 3.
Instead, DO will focus on the tourism and marketing angle along with the administration of the two per-cent resort municipality monies collected at local hotels.
As of the end of October, Glen Mandziuk was no longer filling the role of DO’s chief executive officer (CEO), though he still worked in a consulting capacity with the organization, Noske said.
The new CEO appointment hasn’t been announced yet, but Noske said there are a few prospects at this time and the choice will likely be announced along with the contract details.
And while the Osoyoos Times is under the understanding the Town is in the process of hiring an economic development officer and has set aside office space, the Town’s chief administrative officer, Barry Romanko, wouldn’t comment, instead stating there will be a press release coming in the near future.
[email protected]