The new government website has a page dedicated to the "B.C. Heartlands Economic Strategy". It warns that the full 4 MB report may be too much to download as one file so it is also available chapter by chapter. The four pages that cover tourism don't have a single word to say about Barkerville or the Cariboo but "2010" is mentioned 13 times. (The full 54 page document comes complete with beautiful graphics and political spin.)

On October 22nd, 2003, a delegation attended the legislature to lobby George Abbott, the Minister who is responsible for reducing government's involvement and financial commitment to Historic Barkerville. Backbench MLA John Wilson tossed a friendly question to Abbott when he said "A number of my constituents have traveled to the Legislature to voice their concerns over the proposed changes to the Barkerville historic site. My constituents feel the government's commitment to maintain the security of Barkerville's assets still requires a clearer explanation. For the benefit of the Cariboo residents and visitors to the site, can the minister reaffirm that the security of Barkerville's assets will be ensured?" Abbott acknowledged the importance of Barkerville when he said "Clearly, what we have in Barkerville is a vital heritage site, and we also have a great tourism generator for the Cariboo and northern British Columbia. The protection of assets there is obviously a key concern to the ministry."

There is reason to be concerned about the "assets". A presentation to the October 1, 2003, meeting of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services said that "By cutting all the Barkerville maintenance and security staff, the ministry has put the entire site at risk, including the large collection of artifacts that belong to all of British Columbia."

Documents on the BC Bid® website say that "Barkerville Historic Town is one of the premiere heritage attractions in British Columbia." They also provide historical statistics that make it clear that there isn't much money to be made by taking on one of the operations and there is considerable risk. Paid admissions to Bakerville have varied from 53,000 to 83,000 in recent years. Nevertheless, the province requires that potential operators accept the business risks, substantial insurance costs, submit detailed reports to government and "Proponents must propose a fee payable to the Province at no less than 10% of gross revenue for the services described in this RFP, although Proponents may offer a higher percentage." Government warns that its share of the gross take is "a contributing factor in the selection criteria." Its no wonder that some local reporters have observed that only the Campbell government could turn a historic ghost town into more of a ghost town.

The BC Bid® website lists key Bakerville assets whose operations are up for bid. The closing dates for the requests for proposals range from November 3rd for the Cariboo Sentinel Print Shop through December 3rd for the Kwong Sang Wing Chinese Gift Shop. The Ministry is also looking for proposals for Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon, Mrs. Neate's Sewing Room, Mason & Daly/Strouss & Co Stores, McMahon's Confectionery Store, Eldorado Goldpanning, Goldfield Bakery, House Hotel Coffee Saloon and the Lai Soy Lum Shop. Tens of thousands of British Columbians have memories and photos of their visits to those shops; they may soon be gone.

The market will soon determine what value the Campbell government's stewardship has imparted as the privilege for putting life into the historic town.