Local Community Advertising
The Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country will no longer be admitting people by donation and will begin charging an admission fee.
Beginning immediately, the farm will have a five dollar admission fee per person five years of age and older. A family of five will be charged $20 for entrance. A donation box will still be up at the farm if anyone would like to make an additional donation while visiting.
The Kangaroo Creek Farm is a busy tourist destination in Lake Country (Photo Credit: Kangaroo Creek Farm)
The Kangaroo Creek Farm took to Facebook to make the announcement, pointing the finger at an angry visitor who had a problem with the donation.
“The straw that broke the farm's back was a woman who visited today that didn't like the fact that we had someone on the gate ‘helping’ people with their donations. Apparently my employee failed to use the word 'donation' and called it a ‘fee,’” said the farm in its post.
The farm owners went on to say that the woman said the farm should not be charging a fee because they owe her something because they are a burden to the community.
Photo Credit: Kangaroo Creek Farm
“She does not like the fact that our visitors are parking on Main Street or getting in her way when she's trying to shop in Coopers. Which is strange because I've never been unable to find a parking spot there,” the statement goes on to say. “Obviously we have no control over what happens on Main Street. But all those people are spending their money in Lake Country. If local people are offended that tourists are using ‘their’ Main Street for free then perhaps they should suggest to the Municipality that they make it pay parking.”
The issue of parking has come up several times as the farm is a very busy and popular tourist attraction. The Kangaroo Creek Farm is currently working with the municipality to have their own parking lot, but the process will take some time to be approved.
The farm will work to ensure that everyone can still attend the farm no matter their financial situation. In the online statement, the farm says they will work with local groups to ensure those in need can visit without facing a financial burden.
Photo Credit: Kangaroo Creek Farm
“We will be continuing with our community services in that Lake Country schools, daycares, retirement homes, institutions and various clubs are welcome to attend for free. In addition, we will be printing up ‘admit one family’ coupons to be distributed at the local Food Bank's discretion to their registered clients. We will do the same for the Kelowna Women's Shelter. Other organizations that cater primarily to the disadvantaged can apply to come in for free by email and will be considered on an individual basis.”
The decision has been well received online as nearly 200 people have commented on the Facebook post. Many call the fee reasonable and like the idea of the farm taking control over who will be able to enter the premises for free.
Local Community Advertising