The new Grist Mill site operator, Chris Mathieson of Mathieson Heritage Services, was chosen through a request for proposal process.
Mathieson has an extensive and successful background as a 14-year veteran of the B.C. museum community. Most recently, he helped increase visits to the Vancouver Police Museum from 4,000 to 21,000 visits annually. Mathieson’s skills and experience will help to ensure the long-term success of the historic Grist Mill site.
The site operator term runs April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014, with an option to renew for an additional year. This term provides the Heritage Branch time to explore new business model options with the operator and to consider the recommendations of the conservation management plan.
Chris Mathieson spent a busy Easter holiday weekend moving his family to Keremeos and getting acquainted with the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens.
The excellent early season weather might also be a harbinger of better things to come for the historic property, which has struggled since the turn of this century as provincial budgets were cut and the tourist economy weakened.
Mathieson is making preparations to open the property - including the campground - on the May long weekend. He’s planning a work party for a weekend late in April or early May for interested residents. Participants will be awarded with a salmon barbeque following the clean up event.
Mathieson comes to the Grist Mill with ideas and enthusiasm, tempered by the understanding that the restoration and rebuilding effort is not going to be complete in one season.
He’s planning modestly for this year, hoping to get the mill operating again, and build up the visitor count. Mathieson sees the mill as a complementary enterprise to other Similkameen offierings such as wineries and the area’s agricultural enterprises, and he is emphasizing “local” in everything the mill will attempt to do.
“I want to get local food served in the restaurant, sell local products wherever possible, “ he said, “we’ll source everything we can locally.”
Mathieson will operate the tea room beyond mill operating hours and has plans to expand on its offerings. He also has a goal of doubling the site’s visitor count this year over last.
On this sunny, warm last day of the Easter long weekend, the possibility of positive change seems as bright as the sudden change in weather. With cautious optimism, Mathieson talks about the Grist Mill as having endless possibilities - noting that an improving economy wouldn’t hurt either.
“I’m looking forward to doing whatever we can do,” he concluded, “it’s a great site, located in a great place - it’s going to be great, regardless.”