The Grenfell Tourist Information booth will not operate this summer season with a paid staff, and will instead depend on individual volunteers and community organizations.
Volunteers will be required for July and August from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days per week.
The Town took over control of the tourist booth after the previous operating body, the Chamber of Commerce, dismantled in the mid-2000s.
While the Tourist Info. was manned with paid staff last year, the booth was previously operated by volunteers. Town Administrator Suzanne Hawkshaw said the decision to revert to the traditional way of volunteer operation was a cost saving decision, and one that gives residents and organizations opportunity.
“It was always run by volunteers so we just want to go back to the way it was,” she said adding the booth cost the Town of Grenfell nearly $5,500 last year, less $27 per month for electricity.
“It’s a great opportunity for the volunteers too,” Hawkshaw said. “They’re welcome to sell any of their arts, crafts or that sort of thing.”
While a tourist log book is available at the booth for signage, record of how many people stop at the Tourist Information centre is difficult to measure; although being on the Trans-Canada Highway and located next to the Esso, the booth does see notable traffic through the summer months.
“The (benefit) is pretty obvious,” Karlunchuck said of the tourist booth. “It just gives people information about our community and surrounding area.”
If no interest is expressed by volunteers, the booth will not open this summer and tourist materials and will be made available at the Esso.
Anyone wishing to volunteer is encouraged to contact Town Office.
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