March 24, 2005

(Letter sent to the Victoria Times-Colonist)

Dear Editor:

I would like to put things in context regarding the March 21st letter from Ross Douglas, "Canada Post Keep Barkerville's postal outlet."

We operate facilities in thousands of small municipalities across the country, however many rural offices do not generate sufficient traffic or revenue to be self-sustaining. The overall net effect on Canada Post is a shortfall of about $100 million annually. For this reason, when the Barkerville Postmaster retired this year, it was no longer economically feasible to staff the post office, given that its operating expenses were significantly higher than the revenues generated. Postal service has therefore been amalgamated with that provided by the retail outlet in the Wells General Store, a short distance away.

We appreciate that the Barkerville Post Office has historical significance and intend to leave the Post Office premises intact in order that they can continue to be enjoyed by tourists as the 1800's view of a Post Office.

The Eldorado Gold Planning and Souvenir Store in the Park has been set up as a Stamp Shop. A notice will be placed in the "museum display post office" advising tourists where they can purchase stamps. A street letterbox will be placed outside the park, adjacent to the residents' group mailboxes, so customers can deposit their postcards.

Recognizing that the Barkerville cancellation is important to tourists and philatelists, mail that is picked up from the Heritage Park mailbox, will be hand cancelled by our post office staff in Quesnel, using the Barkerville cancellation impression.

Sincerely,

John Caines
Manager, National Media Relations
Ottawa, Canada (613) 734-7675