HISTORIC OFFICE REOPENS FOR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

VICTORIA – The historic government agent’s office in Barkerville has reopened as part of the 150^th anniversary of B.C. government agents, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Olga Ilich and Minister of State for Mining Kevin Krueger announced today.

“Government agents have provided provincial services to British Columbians since 1858, when the rush for gold inspired new communities and helped forge a new province,” said Ilich. “The reopening of the Barkerville office is a wonderful glimpse into the past, and a reminder of the excellent frontline services that British Columbians continue to receive from government agents and Service BC staff today.”

Visitors to Barkerville can tour the government agent’s office every day until Sept. 9, 2008. Displays from Service BC and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources will tell the story of government agents and the early days of mining in British Columbia. Service BC staff from across the province, wearing period costumes, will greet visitors and answer questions.

The building was last used by the public in 1954. It was built in 1865 as the office of the gold commissioner, the first government agency. The commissioner’s job included diverse responsibilities, including governor, judge, justice of the peace, guardian of government interests, custodian of government property, magistrate and other administrative and judicial duties. The commissioner earned $3,400 a year plus court charges.

“In 1863, the commissioner once settled a claim dispute between two miners with a foot race,” said Krueger. “The first miner to reach the site got the claim. Today, people can stake a claim through our Mineral Titles Online anytime from anywhere in the world. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come in 150 years of mining in British Columbia.”

Recent renovations to the Barkerville office include work on the foundation, electrical upgrades, new lighting, and improvements to the legacy space in preparation for this summer’s visitors. After the summer, the site will be managed by the Barkerville Heritage Trust. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources’ Journey Map, which celebrates 150 years of energy and mining in B.C., will be featured as a permanent display at the Barkerville Visitors Centre.

June 19, 2008 has been proclaimed Government Agents’ Day in British Columbia by Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point. BC150 Years is a celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community is invited to participate in this year-long celebration of B.C.’s cultural diversity, community strength and achievement. For more information, please visit www.bc150.ca.

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For a photo of the Barkerville government agent's office, please visit www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca/DisplayEventDetails.aspx?eventId=414

Contact:

Alex Dabrowski

Communications Manager

Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services

250 387-0172

Jake Jacobs

Public Affairs Officer

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

250 952-0628

250 213-6934 (cell)




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