Present operator of the Keremeos Grist Mill can look forward to another year of operation following an announcement by Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson on Feb.16
Image Credit: Grist Mill photo
February 16, 2015 - 7:27 PM
PENTICTON - After a long wait, the present operator of the Keremeos Grist Mill Historic site can get on with the business of operating the property.
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced a lease offering to Mathieson Heritage Services for operation of the Keremeos Grist Mill on Feb.16.
Mathieson Heritage Services has had stewardship of the Grist Mill since 2013. The province presented a further one year temporary lease as well as providing an invitation to apply for a 10 year nominal rent tenure on the historic site. The lease would take effect April 1.
The province has owned the five acre Grist Mill property since 1979, and has invested $1.35 million on the property since 2002.
“It’s great news. The strong community support we have is what tipped the balance,” said relieved Grist Mill operator Chris Mathieson on Feb.16.
Mathieson has been awaiting a decision from the province since late September last year after it issued a Request For Proposals for operating the historic site.
“We were hurt by the delay, but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome, said Mathieson, who said he was happy with the new contract.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015