Nicola Valley Museum receives three year lease at $1

The Nicola Valley Museum and Archives was opened in 1983.

The facility brought in 378 visitors this year after being limited by COVID-19 restrictions over the past 18 months.

“The facility is owned by the City of Merritt and operated by the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives Association. No signed agreement has been in effect since the agreement expired in 2016; operations have continued on a month-to-month basis. The proposed agreement is for a 3-year term, with a 3-year renewal option,” said Linda Brick, Deputy Corporate Officer.

The City of Merritt is required to make public the lease agreement because it is for just $1 per year.

“The estimated value of the lease on the open market, at a commercial rate, is approximately $28,800 per annum; the proposed lease rate would be at a nominal rate of $1 per annum for occupancy of the facility,” added Brick.

Council voted 7-0 to support the new lease agreement.