The Baillie House may be small, but it has proved mighty since taking over as Merritt’s official visitor centre.
After the BC Visitor Centre at exit 286 closed in January of 2017, the team behind the Baillie House stepped up for what would be their busiest year yet.
A record 28,801 guests stopped by the Baillie House 2018, a 21 per cent increase from the year prior, according to a report prepared for the City of Merritt.
The summer months were particularly lively, as an average of 168 guests visited each day in July and August.
There were no days with less than 100 visitors in July and August, the report reads, and they were the first months in the Baillie House’s history that saw 5,000 visits per month.
To support increased operations, additional staffing and wage increases, the Baillie House manager asked the city for an initial 25 per cent funding increase this year (from $40,928 to $51,111), followed by incremental two per cent increases in both 2020 and 2021.
The proposal was brought to council at committee of the whole meeting on April 8.
While councillors voiced support for the funding increase, there were some differing opinions on how long the contract should be.
The Baillie House’s manager requested a three-year contract, which Coun. Adam Etchart was in favour of.
“The longer term seems appropriate simply because we already know the facts. There are increased wages, higher flow of people, higher cost of toiletries and supplies,” Etchart said. “We’re going to come to the same conclusion next year, why not just go with the three years now,” said Etchart.
However, Coun. Tony Luck pushed for a one-year term to start because the new council has not yet undergone long term, strategic planning.
“I am concerned about the city tying themselves into any long-term agreements at this point,” said Luck.
Council ultimately agreed upon a 2-year compromise, proposed by Coun. Mike Bhangu.
