Photo Credit: Barkerville Heritage Trust

By Sam Bennison

Parks and Recreation

Barkerville CEO steps down

Sep 12, 2024 | 5:00 AM

CARIBOO— The Barkerville Heritage Trust has announced that the CEO of Barkerville Historic Town and Park Kate Cox will be stepping away.

Beginning in 2020 Cox had to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic where she developed a new plan for financial sustainability. the goal of the financial stability was to be achieved while ensuring physical stewardship and ensuring visitor get the chance to meaningfully engage with Barkerville’s story.

“We recognize that Kate carried the burden of being a change agent for the good of Barkerville, and we thank her for establishing important operational benchmarks and her tireless commitment to best business and governance practices,” says Chair of Barkerville Al Richmond.

Cox has successfully managed Barkerville through major turmoil including spring flooding, wildfires, excessive heat, and poor air quality. One wildfire of note is the Antler Creek Wildfire which was close to devastating the park. The Trust says all of these events have to now be factored into the business decision making process and the “100 days of Barkerville” framework allowed them to be forward-thinking with the planning.

In addition, Cox and her management team consulted with local Dakelh and Secwepemc leaders to ensure that exhibits, living interpretation programming and general engagements demonstrate an Indigenous presence in Barkerville during the gold rush. They always worked to address the colonial impacts on Indigenous Peoples. Through these consultations further collaboration was strengthened within Barkerville allowing for Indigenous and other cultural reconciliations, such as with Chinese Canadians.

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Cox will be joining the Province of B.C. and the Archeology Branch in the Ministry of Forests. The Barkerville Heritage Trust will begin their search for the next CEO with an anticipated date of hire for late spring of 2025.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com