The Eagles are leaving the nest, opening it up for council to explore other tenants.
On March 6, the Sicamous Eagles gave notice that they wouldn’t be renewing the lease for the modular accommodations known as the Eagles Nest, which was first implemented ahead of the 2020-2021 season, amid COVID restrictions.
At the March 27 Committee of the Whole meeting, operations manager Darrell Symbaluk explained that he’s looking for direction going forward, and has been approached by a group wanting to rent the facility.
“The party’s that’s contacted me was suggesting that they would manage it and have it for housing for construction workers that are working locally,” he said, adding that they “wanted a fairly significant amount of time, a longer term.”
Council members were very receptive to the idea of renting it out, as the lease with the Eagles brought in $6,700 a month in revenue.
“I’d be supportive of that, we paid off the mortgage this year… but we should be trying to maximize the revenue on that to have that all come back to the district so that at the end of the day, that didn’t cost taxpayers any money,” Coun. Ian Baillie agreed. “I think that was the goal in the first place, and it sounds like you have some pretty good interest.”
Mayor Colleen Anderson liked the idea but suggested putting out a Request for Proposals as opposed to awarding it to the first group to express interest. Deputy corporate officer Sarah Kyllo confirmed that is required under the Community Charter, as is a public hearing.
Coun. Ian Baillie added that could also get them more bang for their buck.
“Whatever we can do to maximize the income stream from it is kind of what I’m personally thinking,” he said. “I like the idea of doing an RFP and seeing what we get.”
Symbaluk and staff will take council’s feedback and explore options to proceed with leasing the building.
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