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Paul Crysler Paul Crysler, Chair of the Lake Huron Shoreline
Tourism Partners, presented a deputation to Saugeen Shores Town Council
Monday night recapping 2008 and bringing forward the group's marketing
ideas for 2009.
The organization established in 1982, has been promoting the coastline
area as a key travel destination. The membership includes Saugeen Shores
Chamber of Commerce, Kincardine Tourism Infromation Office, Huron-Kinloss,
Bruce County Museum, Ontario Parks, Bruce Power, Bruce County Tourism
Office and local Economic Development Offices of Kincardine and Saugees
Shores.
Grant requests are submitted to the various municipalities for varying
dollar amounts based on population which are then matched in grant money
from Bruce County. According to Crysler, the group was successful in
2006 and 2007 in obtaining a Ministry of Tourism product development
grant of $20,000. "The grant is to fund 22 interpretative plaques that
will be located outside the area's various lighthouses, access points
along the Saugeen River and for upgrading the 'Sunsets' website." The
amounts vary from $200 to $6,000, with Kincardine and Saugeen Shores
being asked for the maximum each. (next column)
13/01/2009 04:08 PM
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Among the projects initiated in 2008, says Crysler, is a
cycling map designed in partnership with the North Peninsula tourism
group and Bruce County Tourism. "The map shows 14 cycling routes so
far," explained Crysler, "that run from Sauble Beach to Point Clarke
showing the 12 beaches available and access loops to reach them." The
group also supported the Bruce County Museum & Cultrual Centre in the
development of a mobile lighthouse display and developed a new
promotional post card for mass distribution.
Councilor Victoria Serda suggested that the group bring a budget forward
to show council to first see how any monies would be spent. She also
enquired whether 'eco-tourism' was being considered or whether the term
had been incorporated in promotional materials. Crysler explain that,
although the term itself had not been used, the concepts surrounding it
were being implemented.
"I would like to see local companies used," said Councilor Jane Barber.
"I don't know how we got involved with Corbin design (the U.S. company
engaged for the wayfinding signage project) and we have talent right
here that we should be using." Crysler confirmed that the group was
focusing on local businesses.
No decision to support the funding was made and the matter will be
brought back to Council.
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