In a behind-the-scenes shift, operations of Keremeos' Grist Mill and Gardens are being taken over by a new non-profit society.
The changeover isn't going to have direct impacts for the day-to-day running of the Mill, such as the ongoing Summer Concert series, but will instead up opportunities such as for additional sources of funding.
"The creation of a non-profit society to operate the Grist Mill means improved stability and access to grant funding," said Chris Mathieson, the site's general manager and now the new society's executive director. "Plus, the voices and expertise of a strong roster of professionals and community leaders on the new board will be key to the future success of the facility."
The COVID-19 pandemic and multiple seasons of climate emergencies including wildfires and heat domes in the last five years have seen uncertainty reach the site. At the end of the 2023 season, Mathieson penned an open letter after a devastating year of natural disasters left the site in the financial lurch.
While recent events like the Summer Concert Series or their Sunday Dinner Series, which went from not filling 40 seats every two weeks in 2024 to 70 regularly sold-out seats in 2025, have shown promise, it's clear the possibility of another bad year of natural disasters has had an impact on planning for the Grist Mill's future.
The new Grist Mill Operations Society (GMOS) will be headed by chairman Mel Kotyk and includes Glen O'Neil, George Elliott, Angie Cavanaugh, JoAnn Turner, Rick Ashton, and Meaghan Cursons as Directors. Each board member brings a particular set of skills to the table, which will support the facility's future.
The society replaces Mathieson Heritage Services, which had been in place for the past dozen years and helped transform the site into a pillar of the community and major tourist attraction.
"Chris has poured his heart and soul into transforming the Grist Mill into the success it is today," said Kotyk. "However, one person can only do so much, and by bringing a team of highly-skilled professionals on board to apply their skills to specific areas of the operation of the facility, the Grist Mill will gain an even wider audience regionally, provincially, and beyond."
The society's goals will be to ensure the stability of the Grist Mill's operations and its continued growth while supporting the local economy including through greater employment opportunities for local youth.
According to their press release, the society is currently finishing up the necessary steps to become fully recognized by the BC Societies branch, at which point regular meetings and membership details will be announced
"This is the next phase in the growth of the Grist Mill," said Kotyk.
