The 's recent expression of interest to operate the local Visitor Information Centre is being supported by the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake.

According to Sheryl Worthing, village chief administrative officer, the chamber's submission was chosen as the front runner by a review committee consisting of herself, Coun. Frank Varga and Mayor Luke Strimbold.

Two other offers to operate the tourism service by the (LEDA), who currently operate the service, and a private individual not associated with a group or organization were also reviewed in the process.

Councillor Frank Varga said, "We met with the three groups who had submitted an expression of interest for the Visitor Information Centre and based on what we heard from chamber representatives, the chamber was the one that met all the requirements."

As a result, Coun. Varga said that they are recommending that the (RDBN) should proceed with contract negotiations for the Visitor Information Centre with the chamber.

Councillor Susan Schienbein asked if councillors would have an opportunity to review the expression of interest before it is recommended to the RDBN.

Councillor Varga said, "The structure and layout of the document that they submitted along with the measurables, was a very detailed approach and I would be surprised if we, or the RDBN would want to pull anything out of it, or add anything in .... they have very detailed plans," Varga said.

The expression of interest required detailed projected costs as well as the proposed services and programs that would be offered, including how the proposal would benefit the Lakes District community

The expression of interest also required a description of the services and supplies that would be purchased locally.

Worthing said, "The village is making a recommendation to the RDBN as they are the organization that will award the contract. The funding comes from the RDBN's economic development function."

Councillor John Illes asked Worthing how a recent council in camera resolution will effect the chamber's proposed budget in their submission.

According to the in camera release, a letter is to be written to the chamber and LEDA indicating that the village will not be entering into a long term rental agreement for the Forestry Heritage Centre at this point in time.

Currently, both the chamber and LEDA operate out of the building.

The resolution also stated that the use of the building will be reserved for the operation of the Visitor Information Centre at a fair market monthly rental expense.

Worthing said to Coun. Illes that the village is currently looking into setting a rental rate. "Right now there is no rental fees charged," she said.

She further said to Lakes District 亚洲天堂, "There is currently no agreement for the lease of the building and currently no rental fees or utility charges are paid to the village. Council will be reviewing market rental rates to ensure fair competition. The village will not enter into a long term rental agreement for the Forestry Heritage Centre at this point in time, but will in the near future. The village would like to reserve the primary use of the building for operation of a Visitor Information Centre.鈥�

She said, 鈥淭he village is not requiring the groups currently located at the building to find another space to operate from.鈥�

Worthing said that it has not yet been determined who will continue to operate out of the Forestry Heritage Centre, but added. "The operator of the Visitor Information Centre may choose to enter into partnership agreements with other organizations. If they determine that there is space available, they may rent that space to other organizations."

A recommendation was made by council for staff to bring back information on rental rates and to also make the recommendation that the RDBN enter into contract negotiations with the 亚洲天堂 Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, for the operation of the Visitor Information Centre