Forests
Mathieson Heritage Services has been offered a lease for Grist Mill at Keremeos, effective April 1, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced today.
Mathieson Heritage Services has had stewardship of Grist Mill since 2013 and has been offered a further one-year temporary lease and invited to apply for a 10-year nominal rent tenure. The long-term arrangement will allow Mathieson Heritage Services to grow the visitor and community services at the historic mill and gardens.
Keremeos Grist Mill was purchased by the Province as a heritage property in 1979. The five-hectare property includes a visitor centre, gardens and a camping and RV site. Since 2002, the Province has invested $1.35 million in the property.
Quotes:
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson −
“Our goal is to have the provincial heritage properties become financially self-sufficient over time. The agreement we were able to negotiate with Mathieson Heritage Services achieves that direction, and keeps a valued local tourism destination and community facility open to the public.”
MLA for Boundary Similkameen Linda Larson −
“Grist Mill is an important part of the community and I am pleased that Mathieson Heritage Services will have the opportunity to continue to strengthen the community through their enterprising plans for the property.”
Chris Mathieson, principal of Mathieson Heritage Services −
“We are delighted to have been entrusted with this gem of the Similkameen Valley, and look forward to continuing to make the Grist Mill and Gardens the destination for tourism and community building.”
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Canadian Register of Historic Places:http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=1674&pid=0
Heritage Branch: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=D6F6003B73D14A26BB68E3C824FDDB83
Keremeos Grist Mill: http://www.oldgristmill.ca/
Media Contacts:
Grieg Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and
Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
