News Release
The Village of Keremeos is committed to providing enhanced visitor information services at a prominent and accessible location. Keremeos staff, with support from the mayor and council, are collaborating with regional partners, including the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), to ensure the facility at 417 – 7th Avenue becomes a hub for tourism and business information and resources.
Background
Keremeos previously had a lease agreement with the Similkameen Country Development Association (SCDA) for use of the facility at 417 – 7th Avenue. The lease was for a three-year term and was due for renewal at the end of December 2024 for a possible additional three years.
Prior to renewing the lease, there were some issues identified, which Keremeos council wanted to address. An invitation was sent to SCDA to attend a closed meeting with Keremeos council on December 2, 2024. The meeting closed to the public due to the nature of the discussions (contracts or real estate).
Council was advised that the SCDA president and vice-president were unable to attend, however, two SCDA directors would attend in their place. Keremeos mayor Jason Wiebe addressed the SCDA representatives and advised them that Keremeos council was considering not renewing the lease with the SCDA until the issues of concern were addressed. Mayor Wiebe advised the representatives that if the SCDA Board wanted to discuss the issues and produce a suitable agreement, council would consider renewing the lease.
Council passed a resolution at the December 2 meeting that the lease would not be renewed. It was made clear to SCDA representatives, the renewal of the lease would be reconsidered upon an agreement being reached between Keremeos and SCDA on how to move forward. There was no written notice sent to SCDA at that time as council had hoped a resolution could be possible.
Mayor Wiebe then met with the vice-president of SCDA at which time the vice-president asked if Keremeos would consider a month-to-month lease while discussions took place between the parties. Before Mayor Wiebe could bring this suggestion to council to consider, SCDA began removing their items from the facility at 417 – 7th Avenue. This was taken as an indication that
SCDA did not wish to address the issues of concern with council. Formal notice to vacate the building was not given to SCDA at this time.
Following the actions of SCDA to remove their items from 417 – 7th Avenue, Keremeos council considered the lease renewal and resolved that a letter be sent to the SCDA to vacate the building. SCDA did not respond to the letter and council believed the group was not open to further discussions to resolve the outstanding issues.
The Village of Keremeos then began discussions with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) regarding a Fee for Service agreement for the Visitor Information Centre. A meeting was held to discuss the future of the Visitor Information Centre facility and service. Attendees included the Keremeos mayor, RDOS chair, Electoral Area “B” and “G” directors, and the Keremeos and RDOS chief administrative officers.
The meeting participants determined the Fee for Service Agreement would need to be amended as it specified the SCDA was to run the Visitor Information Centre. The agreement as written, would prevent a Request for Proposal (RFP) being issued to identity a potential operator for the Visitor Information Centre. The meeting participants agreed that a one-to-two-year agreement would be offered to SCDA and the RDOS would review the bylaw and agreement.
Keremeos council formally requested a Service Review of the Fee for Service Agreement for the Visitor Information Centre. The review will be conducted by the RDOS.
Next Steps
Keremeos council is committed to ensuring a Visitor Information Centre is operated in the community. Council would like to ensure the process includes an RFP to allow other groups or organizations to submit proposals.
Keremeos council and staff are concerned there is no Chamber of Commerce operating in the community. SCDA indicated they provide “Chamber-like” services but are not a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce. Keremeos council would like an RFP to include Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre services, preferably located at 417- 7th Avenue.
The process of selecting an operator in conjunction with the RDOS will take time to complete. In the meantime, Keremeos council and staff are exploring temporary options for use of 417 – 7th Avenue without duplicating the visitor information services currently being provided by SCDA.
For further information, please contact:
Village of Keremeos 250-499-2711 info@keremeos.ca
7°
