Located in the heart of the Nicola Valley, Merritt is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts – or so I’m told. I’ve never actually been able to experience much of it beyond a few hiking trails because I don’t own much of my own equipment.
More than once during the winter I’ve thought it would be nice to strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis and go spend the afternoon exploring the Kane Valley, but when it’s more of a whim than a long term hobby, it’s not worth investing in the equipment.
For a town that is striving to attract tourists and get them to stay longer than one day, I think that equipment rentals is a service that is lacking.
The idea is up for grabs if anyone has a bit of extra cash and is looking to start a local business, but I think the better proposal would be for the City of Merritt’s Leisure Service Department to invest in the equipment and offer affordable rental rates to the public.
The University of Calgary’s Outdoor Centre provides an effective model for a gear rental shop that offers thousands of equipment items for rent to the public at affordable prices.
Their stock includes a variety of gear from backpacking equipment, to skis, snowshoes and even tents. Prices are very reasonable – a cross-country ski package can be rented at $17 a day – though the website clearly states that because equipment can be very valuable renters are liable and responsible for the gear in their possession.
The Leisure Services Department could start by purchasing some basic items and build up the stock over time. At the very least, I think an ice rink facility should offer skate rentals so that more people could make use of the public facility.
An equipment rental service would certainly benefit Merritt residents, but it would also be one more service to market to visitors who will need something else to do during their visit besides tour the Walk of Stars handprints.
Merritt is already a destination for seasoned lovers of the outdoors. Why not make it a gateway for people who’d like to try something new and become better acquainted with the Nicola Valley?
