$750 000 in subsidies plus estimated earned revenue. Barkerville is unde- The logic of the provincial government has failed to niably tied to the com- impress local residents. “All of the people with a connec- munity of Wells. “If it tion to Barkerville care so much that they can’t fathom wasn’t for Barkerville, we wouldn’t be here,” said Carrie Johnston, a mother of four children all raised in Wells. “We didn’t come _ for Barkerville, but that’s why we stayed. It is such a huge thing. The people who work in Barkerville are like an extended family to me. ‘If it wasn't for Barkerville, we wouldn't be here. We didn’t come for Barkerville, but that’s why we stayed. It is such a huge thing. The people who work in Barkerville are like an extended family to me. They have watched my family grow up.” that the provincial government doesn’t have a plan...or if they do have a plan, they aren't telling or involving all They have watched my those who care so much about the site,” said Wells resi- family grow up.” With dent and Barkerville Visitor Reception Centre cashier the uncertainty of Carrie Johnston. “The people making the decisions Barkerville, “We can believe that Barkerville is a tourist attraction, but in reali- only make guesses ty it is a historic site. The integrity of that site needs to be about what is going to maintained.” happen,” says Barkerville business owner Rob Rummel is just as angry Johnston. with the funding cuts. “Basically [the government] does- - Wells depends on the n’t want to commit. Subsidy is just another word for [the flow of tourists to government] not wanting to commit.....The government Barkerville. Without doesn’t care. They wouldn't care is Barkerville closed the pull of a well- tomorrow. Basically, the don’t give a shit.” known attraction, it is Just how long will Barkerville Historic Town be forced difficult to say how to operate under a reduced budget? “Perhaps forever,” many people will con- said Abbott. However, he stressed that the quality of the tinue to make the jour- site will not be compromised and that, “Everyone who ney up Highway enters into the contract must honour stewardship values.” 26.The atmosphere in Wells is “very depressed,” says The economic impact of Barkerville is substantial. A Rummel. “This could very well be the end of Wells... 1994 study found that Barkerville’s economic impact in Barkerville is worth more to the community than just the region is $5.4 million annually. Including government money, it is the jobs. The uncertainty is killing us.” spending, the study found that Barkerville generates Unfortunately, Premier Campbell was unavailable to approximately $7.3 million annually for the entire speak with Queen Victoria. However, approximately fifty Dave Jorgenson, President of the Wells and District Chamber of Commerce, sheltered from the weather by the Queen's Footinan (Michaei Booth Paimer of Eureka Theatre Company) addresses the Queen's loyal subjects on the steps of the Provincial Cariboo region. It will take some time before Barkerville business own- ers will know just how funding cuts may affect their busi- nesses. In addition, contracts between the pyovgnee and business owners have expired. The combination has cre- ated an “unsure business climate,” explained Rob Rummel. “No one will make a squawk because contracts are out. [The government] could kick us out with no just cause.” Over the past year, another issue has become evident. “One of the problems we're having to deal with is the incorrect perception that Barkerville is closed, or will be closed next year,” explained Sundance Topham, Marketing Coordinator for the District of Wells. “Because of poorly released information by the provincial govern- ment, a lot of people think that Barkerville is shutting down, and that is definitely not the case. The government is cutting back in the park, but Barkerville will be open.” A decrease in visitors could have a negative impact on When | first began working in Barkerville, | knew | was Chinese and | knew | was a British Columbian. After 1 finished my research and had begun performing my show, | realised that the two didn’t neces- sarily have to be separated, because being British Columbian means being part Chinese, part Native, part Indian, part English, and every other nationality and culture that we encounter and cele- brate here,” Barkerville businesses. “[N]ext year we might be in for a tough year, as many visitors seem to think Barkerville is closed!” exclaimed Schoen. Rob Rummel agreed: “There will be less people because of all the negative advertis- ing.” [Prove them wrong and visit Barkerville next summer, conveniently located 8 km past Wells at the end of Hwy. 26! While you’re there, be sure to ask the interpreters just where the hangin’ tree is - they love that!] people surrounded the steps of the Legislature to listen to the Queen, fellow Barkerville interpreters, and residents Basically [the goyernment] doesn’t want to commit. Subsidy is just another word for [the government] not wanting to com- mit.... The government doesn’t care. They wouldn't care is Barkerville closed tomor- row. Basically, the don’t give a shit. of Wells speak. “I am here to support Barkerville. It is a remarkable site owned by the people of the colony and it should remain that way,” Her Majesty explained. Later, she stepped out of her role and expressed, “I am con- cerned about Barkerville because it is a world-class her- itage site with over one hundred and twenty heritage buildings.” The only legislative representative in attendance was New Democrat MLA Jenny Kwan. “I think the Liberals should invest in preserving this treasure,” said Kwan. “I was there two summers ago during a hunger strike put on to preserve the Wells school. I met with kids in Wells and it was amazing to see how much Barkerville is a vital part of the community. The Liberals need to start supporting what is vital for the Heartland and for economic develop- ment.” Barkerville is not just another tourist attraction. It is a heritage site. Barkerville represents the collective history of the province of British Columbia. “When I first began working in Barkerville, I knew I was Chinese and I knew I was a British Columbian. After I finished my research and had begun performing my show, I realised that the two didn’t necessarily have to be separated, because being British Columbian means being part Chinese, part Native, part Indian, part English, and every other nation- ality and culture that we encounter and celebrate here,” said Barkerville (Chinatown) interpreter Nick Ko. Barkerville is our history. If we destroy that, what will we “have left? [Tell the provincial government what you think! Cut out the form letter and mail it to Premier Campbell, or write to your MLA.] Legisiature. Acknowledgments Thank you to the follow- ing people for their contri- butions to this feature: - Patrick White, News Editor at The Martlet (University of Victoria), for his report on the October 22 Barkerville rally in Victoria. - Studio Grandell for the use of their photo. Check out the Barkerville CD at for more of their work. - Carrie Johnston, Thomas Schoen, and Richard Wright for offer- ing so much background information. - The Barkerville Coalition () for background informa- tion. - Friends of Barkerville () for information on the his- tory of Barkerville. - Steph W.