The perception of Erin’s connection to specific tourism areas continues to dog councillors here.
Even though they have made it clear the town is part of one tourism designation, not everyone seems to get it.
On Oct. 4, the matter came up at council again, this time through July 12 minutes from Erin’s BIA. To begin, councillor Deb Callaghan had concerns with the minutes regarding Buskers Day.
While minutes recommended more coordination with the organizer and the BIA, they later noted “Paul Morin thought it was a great event and could end up being a regular event during the summer. In Toronto, buskers have to pay for licences for a particular area to play.”
The minutes added Morin suggested once the event is established, the BIA would be able to make money through licencing space on the street.”
Councillor Josie Wintersinger expressed concern with that concept and with the minutes in general. She said she had asked the BIA for a five-year plan (rather than three years) because it would give a better idea from an economic point of view.
Councillor John Brennan referred to the BIA report about an article in the Wellington Advertiser regarding the differences between tourism zones that stated Erin’s commitment to the Hills of the Headwaters ends at the end of this year.
But the BIA belief is that it does not make sense for Erin to be removed from the Hills of the Headwaters tourism area and council should redo the boundaries.
Wintersinger had concerns with that part of the report and said it came out of a discussion regarding the various designated tourism zones. She said the idea came from BIA chairman Shelley Foord.
“I did not say I would look at redoing the boundaries. What I said was that we were going to be talking to the people and that I would report back,” Wintersinger said.
Brennan said, “People need to know clearly that it is not our choice to redo the boundaries. We do not have the power to do that.” Wintersinger agreed.
Part of the original discussion at the BIA came from a letter sent to the Hills of the Headwaters, “and somehow this is what got construed.”
Wintersinger added she was not at the August meeting.
Brennan said it appears the Hills of the Headwaters is pushing the idea “that it is our choice … but they need to be pushing the province – not us. It is not our choice.”
Wintersinger said, “What they are trying to push is that [council] would agree to it.” She said her response was she would talk to council.
Mayor Lou Maieron said from a county perspective, there was a roundtable discussion on tourism. “My understanding is that we are in RT04,” which includes all of Wellington County.
“Is there any latitude that we can participate in RT06 [Hills of the Headwaters tourism area]? I suspect the answer is ‘yes’ … if you want to pay the additional fees.”
The town is still contracted to take part in the Hills group until the end of the year.
Council is still awaiting a presentation from either tourism board to directly attend a meeting to explain the matter.
Wintersinger said, “We are in RT04 and that’s the end of it. RT06 is Hills of the Headwaters and it just happens that it has been a good fit for [Erin] for quite some time.”
At the end of this year, that contract expires, but “They are looking for a renewal.”
Wintersinger pointed out that group has changed the mandate of how it operates. She said a presentation is needed to look at “What do they have to offer us?”
Town manager Lisa Hass said in conversation with tourism representative Paul Sampson the plan is for him to come to council along with the RT04 chairman.
But the thrust of the conversation is that Erin is part of the group with Wellington County, but there is no reason the town cannot participate in Hills of the Headwaters, which is also a destination marketing organization.
If the town wanted to switch designations, it would need to convince the Ministry of Tourism to make that decision.
“That’s it in a nutshell,” Wintersinger said.
Part of this, said councillor Barb Tocher, is helping the Erin BIA understand what is happening.
Maieron said he understands the longstanding geographic relationship with Hills of the Headwaters.
However, he said plans are underway for an economic development committee at the county – and part of that includes tourism.
