04/13/2026
Hello! Iām Jess, the new General Manager.
To say Iām passionate about the Grist Mill would be a pretty big understatement.
One of the first things I did when we moved to Keremeos 5 years ago (in the midst of renovations, establishing Riverbank Acres and settling our family into a new home and town) was ask to volunteer with the Summer Kitchen ladies here at the Grist Mill. They welcomed me warmly and Iāve remained actively involved at the site ever since.
For as long as Iāve lived in the Similkameen Valley, this place has provided a peaceful respite from the busyness of modern day lifeā¦ a space where I could disconnect from the outside worldās troubles and connect with the past instead.
As the new steward of the site, my goal is to ensure this remains a place where people can come to learn about and experience a simpler way of life, for generations to come.
I have much more to say about plans for the future but that can wait for another day.
As my journey begins at the helm of our beloved historic site, I am feeling deep gratitude for who and what came before me.
Thank you Chris for the years of work, fun and enthusiasm you gave to this site. You helped shape its modern story. The lessons and teachings from your time at the Grist Mill have reached far and wide. When you are off on your next grand adventure, many of us will think of you and remember we are kinder, a little more curious and a lot better for having come to know you.
Thank you to the Grist Mill Operations Society for taking a chance on me. Your work behind the scenes to establish firm foundations and secure provincial funding will enable our Mill and historic site to continue to operate, grow and flourish. Thank you for staying the course through this transition.
Thank you to the volunteers and the Grist Mill Foundation for showing up and doing the dirty work. Since February, you have put in more than 700 volunteer hours cleaning, hauling, decorating and organizing to create a peaceful, clean, beautiful tea room ready to welcome our visitors, both old and new. I couldnāt be more grateful for your friendship, efforts, baking, laughter and gumption. What a group of women!
Thank you to the 2025 staff and team: Dani, Tyne, Lorna, Celia, Colin, Zanny, the summer students and Cuylerā¦ your work, ideas, passion and presence made the site come alive! You are much appreciated by so many, including myself.
And last but not least, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to say congratulations, send a kind text, or or simply shown up to help out on site as I set out in this new role. Your support and enthusiasm mean more than you can know.
Stay tuned to find out more about whatās going on behind the doors as we prepare to open in May!
