Service agreements with multiple groups in the District of Invermere (DOI) were continued for another year at the regular meeting of the DOI council on January 12.

The service agreement will provide accountability for the funds provided by the District to ensure a minimum standard of service provision from each of the groups.

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce in Invermere will receive $30,000 for the upcoming year.

The Chamber requested a three year renewal for their agreement with increases in 2011 to $35,000 and 2012 to $40,000 per annum. However, staff recommended that due to uncertainty regarding the economic recovery and to co-ordinate all Fee for Service Agreements that this agreement be for one year and reviewed in conjunction with all other proposals as part of the 2011 budget process.

The agreement requires the Chamber to provide visitor information services for not less than eight hours per day, seven days a week (including statutory holidays) from July 1 through Labour Day. It also states that for not less than seven hours per day, 5 days per week (except statutory holidays) during the months of January to June, and to December.

The Chamber has to also agree to develop a visitor information kiosk that may be placed within the downtown core at a mutually agreeable location. The kiosk has to be staffed and provide visitor information services to the downtown.

The Toby Creek Nordic Club received $5,000 which is provided to the club for grooming and maintenance services for the Lake Windermere Whiteway to improve trails for its Jackrabbit program and for community use.

The Windermere and District Historical Society has $7,000 which will be used to extend museum hours to seven days a week throughout the summer tourist season while offering additional displays and programs.