Sustainability is a big topic for the brain trust behind promoting and enhancing local tourism.
The Ottawa Valley Tourism Association held its annual general meeting inside Renfrew’s myFM Centre on Tuesday, preparing their focus and direction for the next year.
Stefi Van Wijk, part of the OVTA Board, says that the Ottawa Valley’s tourism scene relies heavily on natural resources and is vulnerable to climate volatility.
The day saw a number of speakers engage the members of the OVTA on topics ranging from maximizing community partnerships for tourism, succession planning for businesses, and the concept of travel trade between communities.
Perhaps the most important point was made early in the day by Christine Luckasavitch of Waaseyaa Cultural Tours and Wasseyaa Consultants, who hammered home the point that, no matter where you travel in the area, you’re on Indigenous land.
Luckasavitch says that a deeper look at what the relationships between tourist destinations and local Indigenous voices could be, and probably should have been from the beginning, is needed.
Another important point made at the meeting was how creating a variety of interesting local experiences is crucial for people who have already made the valley their home.
County of Renfrew Warden Peter Emon, who addressed the crowd as a representative for upper-level municipal government at the meeting, explains that tourism in the Valley is more than just attracting visitors for the day.
The OVTA also handed out their Tourism Awards for 2024, highlighting the best of the best in local tourism. They’ve shared a few notes on each of the winners:
Tourism Champion Award: Ron Moss, co-chair and active volunteer with the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance, who devoted hundreds of hours each year organizing group rides, cycling events as well as the Cashing in on Cycle Tourism Conference.
Business / Organization of the Year Award: Somewhere Inn Calabogie, is a redesigned roadside motel, led by a team who is passionate about community, nature, inclusivity and creating a memorable experience for their guests.
Event of the Year Award: Pembroke Silver Stick Tournament, brings together over 130 minor hockey teams from across Ontario to Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley to experience Hockey Town Canada.
Sustainability Champion Award: Anupaya Cabin Co. in Deep River integrates sustainability into every facet of its operations, from the renovation and construction of cabins using locally-sourced, eco-friendly materials to the implementation of renewable energy sources.
New Tourism Product Award: Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork in Douglas. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a repurposed hay loft within a meticulously restored 1860 heritage barn, Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork’s event hall has become a beacon for local wanderers in search of a distinctive evening experience.
Tourism Marketing Award: Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization for the production of their greatly successful “Locally Inspired” video series and marketing campaign featuring cycle tourism in the Ottawa Valley.
(written by Kasey Egan)
