A receent letter sent by Member of Parliament Alex Atamanenko to B.C. Premier Christy Clark outlined his concerns with the recent Request For Proposals for the Grist Mill, issued by the province.
Atamanenko cited concerns over such things as protection of First Nations heritage sites at the Grist Mill, 1.2 million in deferred maintenance obligations by the province, and providing adequate attention to the heritage aspects of the site should the province relinquish control of the property to a private party.
Atamanenko wrote the letter after receiving a note of concern for the situation sent by Area “G” Director Angelique Wood, in whose electoral area the mill is located.
“As Member of Parliament for this constituency I can attest to the truth of the economic situation in Keremeos that she (Wood) describes...
“Two years ago the Grist Mill operator, Chris Mathieson, set a course of revitalization that has resulted in significantly increased attendance, venue rentals and cultural events,” said Atamamenko in his letter.
He concluded by asking the premier to reconsider “the Forest, Lands and Development Ministry’s decision to devolve respons ibility of the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens,” and “consider evaluating this Heritage site against other cultural centres rather than against Forestry and Mining operations.”