www.merrittherald.com
THURSDAY, February 3, 2022 • 5
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Baillie House, City reach new one-year agreement year. Since 2008, the Merritt Visitor Information Center has been operated by the NVHS. The new extension ensures that the NVHS will continue to provide face-to-face visitor services “alongside
online interactions, advertising, video promotions and targeted tourist attraction campaigns.” The visitor centre is located at 2250 Voght Street in Merritt and is open 10am- 4pm Tuesday-Saturday.
A special
something for everyone on your list.
Roses, mixed bouquets, arrangements and Robert McAlaster CONTRIBUTOR
O
n Jan. 25th City Council voted unanimously to extend an agreement between the Nicola Valley Heritage Society (NVHS) and the Baillie House to provide visitor services. Planning and Development Manager Don McArthur addressed Council at the regular City Council meeting with the proposal. Under the new extension, the City of Merritt agreed to pay the NVHS $52,133.20 for its operating services. During the council meeting, McArthur explained that the funding amount requested is the same amount paid to the Nicola Valley Heritage Society in 2020 and 2021. “Staff have not included an inflationary increase, at all, being mindful of the city budget, especially post-flood,” McArthur told Council prior to the vote. “Of note,” McArthur continued, “the TE ay! INA tod M e NO eon m o s
dressed up plants and planters. city will receive $25,000 from Destination BC.” To qualify for this grant, McArthur explained further, the city would have to agree to provide “a minimum of 660 hours of in-person Visitor information services during the course of [2022],” demonstrating the need to partner with the NVHS to operate the Baillie house and fill this requirement. According to the records from the council meeting, city staff were to initially present the report for the proposal at the November council meeting. However, due to the floods and staffing shortages, “staff did not have the capacity to address this prior to the end of the year.” The previous agreement officially expired on Dec. 31st, 2021. The new agreement will run retroactively from Jan. 1st, 2022, to Dec. 31st, 2022 and will likely be required to secure a further extension prior to the end of the
Nicola Valley Women in Action
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Tuesday, March 8, 2022
March 8, 2022 marks the 18th celebration honouring women in the Nicola Valley. If you have any amazing women in your life that you would like to recognize, please let us know. Our celebration will look different this year to meet the COVID-19 restrictions, but we still believe that it is important to recognize those women in our community who are working diligently to create and support positive changes and a healthy community. Please nominate those women who have positively influenced your life, the lives around you, or the community. Nominations may be sent to: nvwomeninaction@gmail.com by noon on February 18, 2022. Please include the reason for your nomination, a headshot picture and contact information with your submission. Thank you!
❤
All for your sweetheart
❤
Book early so you are not disappointed.
250-378-5575
1974 Quilchena Avenue - Merritt, BC
Thank You!
On behalf of the Merritt Library, we would like to thank Megan Gregory for 5 dedicated years of service as Branch Head. We wish Megan a bright future as she continues her excellent work with the TNRL in Kamloops.
Welcome to the team! We would also like to welcome Claire Sabiston as the new Branch Head of the Merritt Library. Claire was born and raised in the Nicola Valley and recently returned to the area. Claire’s empathy, calm demeanour, and professionalism will serve her well in this busy community hub. Feel free to stop by the library and say hello.
Open Tuesday - Saturday 250-378-4737 1691 Garcia Street, Merritt Email: merlib@tnrd.ca www.tnrl.ca
