City of Chilliwack to begin managing Heritage Park next year

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Since the current management and operations agreement is set to expire on December 31, 2026, the municipality recently completed a comprehensive review of Heritage Park as a municipal asset, and explored efficiencies related to city management and operations, as part of its ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

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City of Chilliwack to begin managing Heritage Park next year

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Following the review, both parties agreed that it would be beneficial for the city to take over the management and operations of Heritage Park. The city says both entities will collaborate on a transition plan, with a goal to retain as many existing employees from Heritage Park as possible.

“Heritage Park is a valued community asset and strong economic driver in our community, and we thank Tourism Chilliwack for the incredible work they have done managing its operations and marketing the big red barn as prime event location,” said Chilliwack Mayor Popove. “We look forward to working closely with Tourism Chilliwack to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated transition. Operating Heritage Park directly will allow us to align day-to-day operations, from booking processes and maintenance standards to customer service and event delivery, while Tourism Chilliwack continues to support our community facilities through their destination marketing channels. We believe this transition will support coordinated scheduling and community access to help serve Chilliwack today, while giving us more ability to plan and deliver long-term strategic investments in this facility in the future.”

Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove. (Image Credit: City of Chilliwack.)

Brian Minter, chair of Tourism Chilliwack, said the tourism agency has watched the venue grow into a sought-after destination dating back to the early 2010s.

“Over the past 15 years, we have had the privilege of watching Chilliwack Heritage Park grow into an important economic driver for our community and a gathering place for agriculture, sport, events and celebrations of every kind,” said Brian Minter, Chair of Tourism Chilliwack. “Tourism Chilliwack is incredibly proud of what has been accomplished at Heritage Park and deeply grateful to our staff, partners, event organizers and the City for the role they have played in that success. It has been an honour to serve as the facility operator, and as we prepare for this next chapter, we are committed to working closely with the City to support a smooth and successful transition.”

“Heritage Park will always be an important part of Tourism Chilliwack’s story,” said Allison Colthorp, Executive Director of Tourism Chilliwack. “Our team has poured a tremendous amount of energy, care and entrepreneurial thinking into the facility over the past 15 years, helping grow its events, visitation and economic impact. While our role as operator is changing, our commitment to Chilliwack and to the success of Heritage Park is not. We will work collaboratively with the City through the transition, and we’re excited about the opportunity ahead to focus even more of Tourism Chilliwack’s efforts on destination development, event attraction and creating new opportunities that strengthen Chilliwack’s visitor economy.”