The Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society (CAMAL) will take over the management of Fort Steele Heritage Town.
Keith Powell, CAMAL Chair, says the Society plans to keep long-standing events with some updated programs to keep the Heritage Town fresh.
“One of our key goals is to maintain many of the beloved community traditions while bringing a renewed and refreshed vibrancy to Fort Steel,” said Powell.
“This will include bringing innovative programming, events and enhancing the visitor experience.”
Powell says the Society plans to build on the site’s legacy and focus on preservation, protection and enhancement.
“It is a true treasure for our region and for the province. It’s an integral part of the local and regional tourism economy and CAMAL is dedicated to making sure it’s managed properly,” said Powell.
By signing a six-year management agreement with the B.C. government, CAMAL is taking over operations from the Friends of Fort Steele Society.
“We believe our organization is uniquely positioned to trade synergies with the Cranbrook History Centre and Fort Steele Heritage Town,” said Powell.
“There are so many shared values and resources that we can tap into that will strengthen the visitor experience both at the History Centre and at Fort Steele.”
CAMAL will work with Indigenous nations for input on the site’s operations.
“Our work is located on the traditional and unseeded territory of the Ktunaxa and Shuswap First Nations and CAMAL is committed to engaging the communities throughout this process,” said Powell.
“There will be specific commitments such as integrating diverse voices into our decision-making process, we’ll seek opportunities to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the interpretation of Fort Steele including exhibits and programming, and we’ll look to advance the work of repatriation as well.”
The B.C. government has provided $500,000 to repair the iconic steam engine and the Visitor Centre, both of which should be in operation for the 2025 season.
Fort Steele also receives $900,000 in operational funding from the B.C. government.
CAMAL is expected to take over operations on April 1, 2025.
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