ST. ANDREW’S – Cultural manager’s statement on City’s takeover
(Image: Mel Rothenburger)
The following statement was issued today, Oct. 8, 2019 by Barb Berger, the Recreation, Social Development and Cultural Manager for the City of Kamloops. Heritage Society board chair Peggy Broad disputes Berger’s statement in the second paragraph that the society asked the City five years ago to develop a plan for the City to take over maintenance and operations “at the end of five years.” Broad says what the society asked for was that the City keep up its end of responsibilities for maintenance but the society board made no suggestion that the City should take over operation from the society.
A Statement from the City of Kamloops regarding St. Andrew’s on the Square
St. Andrew’s on the Square is one of Kamloops’ most treasured heritage resources, and the City of Kamloops has been working closely with the Kamloops Heritage Society for many years to ensure St. Andrew’s Church and Gaglardi Square are beautifully maintained for our citizens and visitors.
Five years ago, the Kamloops Heritage Society’s board of directors asked the City to develop a succession plan for the property that would see the City taking over maintenance and operations at the end of five years. The board recognized at that time that its operational model was not sustainable and that the financial burden of operating, maintaining, and repairing this heritage property would be too great for the society.
The City recognizes the significant investment made by the Kamloops Heritage Society since the church’s restoration in 1996 and acknowledges the excellent service the society has provided for the community. The City’s primary objective in taking over the management of St. Andrew’s on the Square is to protect a valuable heritage asset. Under the City’s operation, the facility will receive any required repairs and remain available for bookings by the public in the same way as the Old Courthouse, which is another heritage property that the City maintains and operates.
The City is dedicated to maintaining and celebrating Kamloops’ heritage and is committed to ensuring that St. Andrew’s on the Square remains an architectural feature of Kamloops’ vibrant downtown.
Barbara Berger
Recreation, Social Development, and Cultural Manager
City of Kamloops
250-828-3663
bberger@kamloops.ca
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Frankly Mel, I am a little suspicious that this is a case of empire creep. It is something that every elected official should be watchful of. Where did the initiative for this move come from? Administration or the elected officials?
LikeLike
Injuries and now insults? How did we get here…again? Them mostly volunteer groups are truly the heart of the city…they make community happen. It is disheartening these sort of events take place.
LikeLike