Tourism Chilliwack takeover of Heritage Park gives site a new lease on life

Saturday December 3, 2011

City Hall News

Riding A White Elephant

Released by Starlee Renton, City of Chwk

he City of Chilliwack and Tourism Chilliwack are pleased to announce a five year Management Agreement for the operation of Heritage Park.

"Chilliwack Heritage Park is a valuable asset that benefits local local business and provides recreational opportunities for residents," said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. "As they have a very successful record in marketing Chilliwack, we believe this experience will be an asset in marketing Heritage Park. The City looks forward to working with Tourism Chilliwack to maximize the economic impact of this facility on our community."

Tourism Chilliwack is committed to a prudent and accountable approach to fiscal management. All opportunities to increase revenue will be explored and considered, with the objective of reinvesting it into facility improvements, marketing, and related operating expenses. Tourism Chilliwack will develop a multiyear investment plan for Heritage Park. This will include land and buildings, with the objective of making changes and improvements that attract new users, offer new or improved services and amenities and generate additional revenue.

"Tourism Chilliwack values our many different industry and community partnerships," said Executive Director, Brian Coombes. "We look forward to working with our current and future partners to ensure Heritage Park continues to benefit Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley."

Chilliwack Heritage Park opened in 2001. It is a sixty five acre park that boasts a 150,000 square foot multi-purpose facility that can accommodate a wide range of events. These include trade shows, conventions, concerts, dog shows, horse shows, and sporting activities such as arena cross and BMX bike races. Its seven acre field can be used for outdoor concerts and festivals, with a rodeo arena and two outdoor sand arenas for equestrian and agricultural events.