The B.C. government is seeking Expressions of Interest from agencies, societies and businesses for the future use of the Cottonwood Lands, located 30 kilometres east of Quesnel on the Barkerville Highway. 

Expressions of interest with a strong preliminary business case having a focus toward financial independence from government will be invited to make a full proposal. Proposals will be evaluated against financial and social benefit criteria. Successful candidates will be invited to make a formal application for tenure.

The 14.35-hectare site includes:

• Two surfaced parking areas.
• 10 rustic rental cabins and wash house.
• Campsites for tenting and RVs.
• Woodland, river frontage and fields.
• An extensive trail network.
• A caretaker’s house.
• A workshop.

The site also includes a gold rush-era log roadhouse, log barns and farm buildings that currently house displays, a café and other retail and service functions.

The property is provincially designated as a heritage site and requires an alteration permit from the Province for physical changes.  

Copies of the Request for Expressions of Interest package is available by clicking on the following BC Bid webpage: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/welcome
Select document number HER14-01. Expressions of Interest must be received before Oct. 17, 2014, at 2 p.m. (Pacific time).

Cottonwood has a history as a commercial hub in the Cariboo region and historically served as roadhouse providing accommodation to travellers as well as a ranch, farm, telegraph station and post office. Cottonwood is one of 23 heritage sites owned by the Province.

Learn More:

Cottonwood: http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=15813&pid=0

Media Contacts:

Greig Bethel
Media relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261