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TWG gets reprieve

Clearwater council agreed that the deadline for TWG to provide the deliverables needed to receive the funding be extended to June 30

Tourism Wells Gray has got a reprieve – but with conditions.

A few months ago the local tourist industry promotion agency received approval from District of Clearwater and Wells Gray Country (Area A) for bridging funding to carry it over until a locally collected hotel tax began providing funds.

The hotel tax was to have started last spring but was delayed until fall. Because most Clearwater and area tourism businesses get the majority of their clientele during the summer, TWG directors do not expect to start receiving significant funds from the tax before the middle of this year.

The two local governments, which had earlier provided startup funding to get TWG going, then stepped forward with bridging funding to fill the gap. Part of that funding would be contingent on TWG providing certain deliverables.

However, the tourism group also underwent a management change, with the departure of tourism and marketing manager Heather Steere last fall and the hiring of her replacement, Adrian (Brad) Bradley early this year.

During last Tuesday’s District of Clearwater meeting, town council agreed to a recommendation from the joint services advisory committee that the deadline for TWG to provide the deliverables needed to receive the bridging funding be extended from Mar. 31 to June 30.

As part of the deal, TWG would be paid the funding in a stepwise fashion.

 

For example, 10 per cent of the $32,000 remaining would be paid on the establishment and implementation of a communications plan. Another 35 per cent would be paid upon receipt of an updated Tourism Wells Gray business plan.