The Nakusp & District Chamber of Commerce (CoC) is facing down some tough financial problems that forced the visitor centre to close down for the winter this past year, and they don’t have any firm solutions yet.
Kim Reich, president of the CoC, told the Arrow Lakes News they have been getting hit from all angles this year, and especially from the Ministry of Tourism.
“They have increased the hours of operation of the Visitor Centre but have not increased their fee for service,” Reich said. “We are currently negotiating with the village to assist with the shortfall. Unfortunately, last year the village had to decrease our fee for service due to budget constraints.”
Not only that, but the CoC is looking to get funding from the regional district and grant opportunities through various outlets, such as Columbia Basin Trust.
Reich believes now is the time to expand services rather than limiting them.
“Tourism is developing throughout Nakusp and the region,” she said. “We want to effectively meet the growing demands of both the tourist and business operators. We receive requests for information regarding accommodations, restaurants, recreation daily, as well as relocation information.”
She said a full-time visitor centre is crucial to expanding tourism in the area, and having shut down this winter has already shown problems.
“It is imperative to our local businesses and communities that we keep moving forward in building a premiere all-season tourist destination,” she said.
Reich said the date the visitor centre will be re-opened depends on what kind of news they get from the village.
“Our hope if of course much sooner than the May long weekened,” Reich said.
And when asked what if none of their solutions come through, Reich listed the CoC board members, then said this.
“Each of us have invested in this area,” she said. “We are committed to building a strong prosperous region. We will find a solution.”