On January 1, Nelson’s city-owned parkade at 420 Vernon St. will transfer operations from the current contracted parkade operator, Jim Reimer, to the staff of the Nelson and District Youth Centre.
The city owns the youth centre building and runs its operation.
The decision to move to an internal operator coincided with Reimer’s contract ending in December, and with the overall capacity available at the youth centre to take on this new enterprise.
The youth centre currently manages the city campground, providing youth employment.
Colin McClure, the city’s chief financial officer, said this social-enterprise employment model has been very successful and will be applied to the operation of the parkade, as well.
The youth centre will employ local youth at the parkade and provide the same level of service that currently exists.
“The city has been incredibly pleased with how the parkade has been operated over the past 22 years,” said McClure. “Jim has been integral in the successful operation of the parkade, including increasing patron use. The city thanks him for his commitment to this facility over the years.”
“I want to thank the community for their ongoing support over the years,” Reimer said. “We have made many friends during our tenure, which we will always cherish. It really has been a pleasure to serve the community, and I wish continued success to Jordan Martin and her team as they take on the management of this great community resource.”
