The Barkerville Heritage Trust has announced the appointment of Carrie Chard as the new general manager of Barkerville Historic Town and Park, including Cottonwood House Historic Site.
This change follows the departure of Kate Cox, who is leaving her role as CEO to accept a new position with the archaeology branch in the BC Ministry of Forests.
“Carrie’s promotion to general manager is a positive step for the trust,” said Al Richmond, chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. “Her leadership will ensure that Barkerville continues to thrive as we evaluate our management structure for the future.”
Chard, who has served as Barkerville’s manager of operations and protection services since 2019, has played a vital role in the site's upkeep and safety, the announcement states.
Her responsibilities have included overseeing the maintenance of the historic buildings and complex infrastructure, including essential water treatment and sewage systems. She also successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing necessary measures to safeguard both staff and visitors.
In 2024, Chard faced additional challenges when the Antler Creek Wildfire led to a five-day evacuation and a 12-day closure during Barkerville's peak tourist season. In response, she, along with Cox, spearheaded fire suppression upgrades, including the installation of a rooftop sprinkler system across the site. This proactive measure proved crucial in protecting Barkerville's more than 140 wooden heritage structures from potential damage during the wildfire.
Barkerville has been a significant part of my life since my parents began our annual visits during my childhood," said Chard. "I am excited and honoured to lead Barkerville through these critical next steps, especially as we focus on site management and risk reduction to protect against future threats. The wildfires this summer underscored the importance of preserving this magical place.”
For more about Barkerville Historic Town & Park, visit barkerville.ca.
