Editor:
In response to the news article, ‘Councillor questions rental agreement’ and editorial published in the Sept. 14 edition of the Lakes District News, I would like to clarify the position of the Lakes Artisan Cooperative.
The cooperative occupies the building that was constructed using federal government money, which was given specifically to build an interpretive centre.
However in the four plus years since being built, the Village of Burns Lake was not able to fulfill that commitment.
The Lakes Artisan Cooperative is using the building for exactly that purpose.
Yes, the village includes utilities in our rent, however this is not unusual in rental agreements.
When we submitted our proposal to rent the building, past village chief administrative officer Tim Palmer, checked the costs of maintaining the building and found those costs were far below what we are paying in annual rent.
Our rental of the building, changes it from being a substantial financial drain for Village of Burns Lake taxpayers, to a revenue source for the village.
At the Lakes District Artisan Centre we stock a rack of brochures with information on local and regional facilities and events for both residents and tourists.
Our group supports local service clubs and cultural and sports groups by donating gift baskets of our work or gift certificates to promote their various events.
The Burns Lake area is our home and we strive to enrich the lives of our fellow residents.
We encourage emerging and First Nation artists to exhibit their work in our centre so that their work may gain greater recognition in the community.
Unlike others, the Lakes District Artisan Centre exclusively features works by Burns Lake and area artists.
Many of our members work on their art work during open hours at the centre.
Demonstration of their process educates visitors about the creative skills involved in producing their work.
We see this as definitely fulfilling the mandate of an interpretive centre.
Seeing a venue featuring works by local artists and artisans also encourages emerging artists.
In a time of high unemployment, self employment helps to keep our local economy strong and diversified.
We are frequently told by local residents and tourists alike that the centre is a gem and that they are amazed by the diverse artistic talent of residents of the Burns Lake area.
Interestingly, the Lakes District News is owned by Black Press, and according to their editorial page, receives “the financial support of the government of Canada through the Canada Periodical fund…”
The Lakes Artisan Cooperative does not receive any government funding beyond an affordable rent from the Village of Burns Lake.
Finally, in answer to editor Rebecca Billard’s question, we believe the village and its citizens are getting very good value for the support they so generously give to the Lakes Artisan Cooperative.
Darlene Wainwright, Burns Lake