In a blog post written by Valere Tjolle titled - Cost Saving a Reality of Sustainability - Carbon Consultancy Chief Speaks Out, he writes about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its differences to that of sustainability and sustainable practices as a cost savings measure.

The article stresses the fact that CSR may simply be “writing a cheque” and donating it to your favourite charity. While the economy lags and is working on rebuilding, CSR donations are being cut from corporate budgets as a cost savings matter.

However, the argument arises, that with an increased focus on implementing sustainable practices, your business will be better off in the long term and as such, will be your cost savings practice. In simpler terms, if your water bill decreases, your bottom line increases and you are left with the flexibility of spending or saving that extra lint in your pocket to do good things – eg: donating to your favourite local charity.

Let us look into this a little further from an operational point of view and ask the question, as a tourism business-

What can we do to implement sustainable practices at no cost?

First, let us define ‘sustainable practices’ as, actions that provide long-term benefits and viability for the environment, people, culture and economy.

Second, let us define ‘no cost’ as free.

Below, we listed four easy to use and implement actions that any tourism business can do:

Check your waste at the door -Limiting your waste, limits the need for your garbage pick up. You may be able to cut costs by simply cutting a weekly pick up to a biweekly pick up. Remember the saying of reuse, reduce and recycle? Add into the mix “compost” and you’ll notice the difference and lack of smell (in the garbage) right away.

Support your community -There’s always a way to support your community. What you don’t want to do is gate them off. Welcome the community with open arms, some coffee and your set. Remember, you want to be inclusive and not exclusive and out of reach. Perhaps there is room enough to offer them a community meeting space? Support those that support you and build relationships with likeminded businesses and organizations.

Watch your water – Full loads of laundry and not selling plastic bottled water are two ways to increase your aqua karma. Check with your areas heath codes if you’re allowed to use cold water only cycles for your commercial washers and dishwashers.

Educate – Never lose a chance at educating others but remember, to educate through action. As you start implementing sustainable practices throughout your operation, invite this as an opportunity to educate your staff. A binder full of the information that’s easily accessible to your staff works fine. Your employees are the lifeblood of your business, what better way to educate guests, than to have educated staff that are well informed, knowledgeable and champions of change. Better yet, invite staff to implement their own practices.

Knowledge is power and knowledge is FREE!

For more information follow the links below:

Sustainable Business Practices

Green Your Business: Toolkit for Tourism Operators

To read the blog post in full by Valere Tjolle, you must sign up to:

VISION on Sustainable Tourism

Be Social

Do you agree with them?

Connect and let us know:

Spotlight Magazine 2010 is downloadable on the Prairiemango Resources page.

Thanks to WTM WRTD.

Enjoy!

There are some very direct relationships with the closure of the Mt.Agassiz Ski Area and the vitality of the surround region.  It seems as though history has taken grasps of the future and is holding it back from cocooning into something beautiful.

I’m a firm believer that if you don’t have the support of your community, you won’t get anywhere fast.  In the case of Mt.Agassiz, the community never left, never forgot and is ready and willing to be there once again.

What does community involvement mean for the region? 

It means employment in an economy searching for alternatives with a rate of unemployment constantly increasing.  It means that there is potential for year round employment, year round investment, increased regional awareness and a reason to stay.

It means that the regions communities take ownership of their future and with ownership, pride ensues and evokes identity.  Understanding our communities helps us to understand ourselves and where we belong and where we see ourselves going.

According to the Canadian Community Development Handbook:

Community development stems from the belief that the community itself has or is able to develop solutions to the issues and opportunities within the community.  Rather than waiting for someone else, community members believe in their own ability to take action.

In the aspects of tourism and community development - according to Responsibletourism.com, Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation.

Accommodation aside, where there seems to be a lack of development, is a strategy that is inclusive, dynamic and with a fresh outlook for the future of the community.  Tourism is inclusive and can be as dynamic as any industry with proper planning and implementation.

In a paper written by Harold Goodwin & Rosa Santilli Titled: Community-Based

Tourism: A Success? - Generally Community based tourism projects provide collective benefits, for example through contributions to community funds for the development of community assets such as schools, clinics…  

So, how do we come up with ideas and solutions that focus on the communities needs?

How about the needs of its youth?

Where does Manitoba rank?

You tell me: _______________

Nearing the end of October, Polar Bear season will be in full force. Churchill, Manitoba will welcome hundreds of visitors over the span of a few weeks to see one of the world’s largest carnivores that are also a species at risk (almost).

Top 10 things you should know before you go (on the train) to Churchill?

1. The train trip from Winnipeg to Churchill is really 40 hours long…maybe longer depending on the condition of the tracks.

2. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow for the ride.

3. If you are lucky enough to have both seats in your isle and the seats in front of you are free, turn those seats around. You now have a makeshift bed.

4. Do enjoy the meals on the train. They are quite tasty but, stay away from the microwave hamburger and ham sandwich. You’ll thank me later.

5. At each pick-up point, take time to stretch your legs and walk around.

6. When the train stops in Dauphin, there is a 7-11 and a grocery store 5 minutes away. Be quick to grab some provisions but remember the train waits for nobody!

7. On the way back from Churchill, there is a four (4) hour stopover in Thompson. Take some time to walk around and check out the Spirit Way.

8. Remember to bring a toothbrush, toothpaste and a small towel for the train.

9. Travelling is all about the people you meet along the way. Get to know some of your fellow train travellers because chances are, you will be running into them in A LOT in Churchill…at Gypsy’s…

10. There’s no WiFi signal on the train. If you bring your laptop, make sure to have a good selection of music. Better yet, bring a book and read or, if you’re more adventurous, write a book (See #1).

As you may have noticed, I only spoke about the train. This is because there is no information ANYWHERE about the train ride that's of much use.

If you would like information about your potential trip to Churchill Manitoba, check the links provided below:

• Everything Churchill
• Travel Manitoba
• Destination Churchill
• Tourism North
• Town of Churchill
• Via Rail
• Churchill Travel Guide (Polar Bear Alley)  

You can now download WTM World Responsible Tourism Day - Spotlight Magazine on Prairiemango.  Check the Resources page for more.

Thanks to WTM WRTD for allowing Prairiemango this honour.

June through August Churchill becomes the Beluga Whale Capital of the World.  The beluga whale being equally at home in the salt water as fresh, you can see them swimming in Hudson Bay, as well as in the Churchill River.  Located on the Churchill River is the Port of Churchill which also houses the northernmost grain elevator in North America.

Yes, the photos above are of beluga whales.  If you think that you can do better, by all means, head up to Churchill and try. 

Please leave you comments below, or >>here<<

1. The Welcome to Churchill sign details the seasons of the Town
2. Churchill is located on the coastline of Hudson Bay

A few more sights before the day is done, the train heads through Thompson and later Gillam. A short time away from Thompson, a brief stop in Pikwitonei is taken to drop off some passengers and supplies and we’re off again.

Passing over lakes and rivers, it’s hard to imagine the amount of work that went into building this rail line.

As the sun sets, the second night on the train is upon us. Next stop Churchill…

 

Connecting with our cultural roots can help us understand where we come from, where we may belong and where we may be heading. Living in the city, we often forget about the land that cultivates many lives. We often romanticize of the rural farming lifestyle of growing our own produce and crafting artisanal products for local consumption.

Connecting with our local farms and experiencing first hand the lifestyle will help us understand and relate to the struggles that they are facing this year. The weather has plagued many fields with an excess of moisture where crops will not grow and for some, where they have not been seeded. We have to be mindful that the livelihoods of our local farmers; is in jeopardy.

With Agri-tourism gaining momentum in the Manitoba, we have to be supportive and open to a future where tourism done right may be the new rural reality. Tourism focussed on sustainability is the goal whereby the local culture is strengthened, admired and respected. By visiting Farmers Markets all over Manitoba, we can support our local farmers by purchasing their products. Farmers Markets are a way to visit many farms without having to leave the comfort and convenience of one location.

This year, there are a couple of initiatives in the mix in Manitoba that are working towards connecting you with your local farmers:

1. At the Farm Gate – Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve
2. Open Farm Day – September 19, 2010 [Province wide]

Meet Your Farmer - Chase Farm from Pull-Start Pictures on Vimeo.

Have something to say?  Say it >>here<<

The Winnipeg to Churchill train doesn’t stay in Manitoba for the duration of the trip. It dips into Saskatchewan for a few kilometres. A short break in a town called Canora is a 15 minute stopover, where you can get a glimpse of a town that will make you want to revisit on your own time.

What I love in all small towns is that there is almost always at least one Chinese restaurant. If there isn’t, chances are there used to be.

1 – Canora, Saskatchewan not to be confused with Kenora, Ontario

2 – No, I’m not representing Coke but, Wong’s Café, as it is one of two Chinese restaurants found in Canora.

3 – The Via Rail map shows that the Hudson Bay Line travels into Saskatchewan before darting back into Manitoba and Northeast to Thompson and then Churchill, Manitoba.

For those who have not heard, the train trip to Churchill takes approximately 48 hours. It is often said that, “Travelling is about the journey and not the destination.” With 48 hours to spend thinking about your life, you will soon start to think of the destination.

1 + 2 + 3 = 48 hours

4 – seen below: We’re almost there…

Have something to say?  Say it >>here<<

From my seat on the train, you can see the devastation on farmer’s fields that the wet weather has played throughout southern Manitoba this year. What should be fields full of wheat, flax and canola are now fields of ponds and lakes. This year, the yellow canola flower is a rarity.

1 – Canola field
2 – Countless numbers of fields have been devastated by this year’s weather

Have something to add?  Contact me >>here<<

We have to start somewhere and it might as well be Winnipeg. If you’re taking the train (Via Rail) to and from Churchill, your journey will start and end in Winnipeg.

1. Union Station Winnipeg – Look up once you enter through the front doors and gaze upon the dome above.

2. While waiting to board, there are numerous photos detailing the history of Union Station.

3. The trip by train to Churchill takes close to 48 hours. Get comfortable, this is your main vantage point for the entire trip.

4. Union Station is located at The Forks. On its way out of the city, the trains passes beside the markets.

Stay tuned for The Churchill Archives: Volume #2 

Have something to add?  Contact me >>here<<

A few weeks back, Manitoba held its first Ecotourism Conference. What was quite evident from the beginning, was that there were people there wanting (scratch that), needing advice on what to do, how to do it and what outcomes may come of it.

For many tourism definitions - please read:

• Defining an Industry

From my observations, the majority of the people were looking for tangible ideas and advice as to how best to operate an ecotourism business. They were searching for answers and realistic real world examples.

What was asked near the end of the conference was to showcase best practices from the many regions that make up the Manitoba tourism industry. What I am proposing on this latest BLOG post, is an example from Costa Rica.

You may ask yourself, “How is this going to be relevant to Manitoba?”

Read what is written and assess what is and is not relevant to your situation. If anything, this will open your eyes to the possibility of tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development.

-----

Proyecto Campanario 

Location:

Office – San Jose, Costa Rica

Biological Reserve - Peninsula de Osa, Costa Ri

View Proyecto Campanario in a larger map

The Campanario Biological Station lies in the Pacific lowland tropical rain forest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica and stretches nearly 150 acres inland from the sea.

Mission:

Proyecto Campanario, a multifaceted conservation effort of its founders and supporters, is dedicated to preserving tropical eco-systems, both terrestrial and marine, through protecting a tract of tropical lowland rain forest and its coastal zones in Costa Rica, offering environmental education programs for national andinternational students of all ages, promoting tropical research and studies, and working with the local communities.

Programs:

Since Proyecto Campanario's creation in 1990, with the Campanario Biological Station as the central focus, different programs and activities have emerged to put the mission into action. 

Proyecto Campanario is engaged in 10 different programs:

1. Protection of a tract of tropical lowland rain forest and its coastal zones in Costa Rica, maintaining the eco-systems with a minimum of human impact. 

2. International tropical ecology courses and camps offered to university and secondary school student groups as the "intense field trip" to give first-hand experience in field studies in tropical eco-systems and in living off-the-grid. 

3. National environmental education programs for Costa Rican students to study their tropical forests through in-country exchange programs and sponsorship by local companies. 

4. Eco-tourism adventures for visitors looking for a vacation with an educational focus. 

5. Volunteer and internship programs exchanging part of room and board for work in the Station and/or in the San Jose office.

6. Research and species inventories in terrestrial and marine eco-systems carried out by national and international investigators and Campanario volunteers.

7. Local community involvement and service projects to support nearby schools, to offer short courses to the local community, to promote sustainable tourism, and to work with park officials.

8. Regional involvement in development associations and other conservation NGOs to continue conservation efforts of the Osa Peninsula. 

9. National level involvement through the Costa Rican Network of Private Nature Reserves which supports and defends private conservation in Costa Rica and throughout the Central American Isthmus.

10. Expansion of the Campanario Biological Station through acquiring nearby tracts of land under pressures of "development".

------

What sticks out in my mind about Proyecto Campanario is the focus on improving the local community and the education that underlies their conservation efforts. The work that is carried out at the Field Station, directly affects the well being of the surrounding communities.

Take for instance the economics of it all, money that is brought in pays for:

• Staff both in the office and out in the field (Guides, Biologists, Field workers)

• Boat drivers to transport everyone to the field station from the access point at Sierpe

• Supplies bought in town (food and water)

• Supplies for the local school (pencils, paper, books)

• Land acquisition to increase the area of conservation

• Etc, Etc…

Compare this list to the programs being offered and initiatives that have been undertaken and you’ll start to see and realize that tourism done right, can mean so much more for the well-being of the community, environment and local economy.

So, what’s stopping us from doing something similar here in Manitoba?

Don’t believe me?

Try it out for yourself.

Want to learn more?

All you have to do is ask >>here<<

I took the opportunity this past weekend to take a couple of friends up to the East Side of Riding Mountain National Park.  It was the first time for either of them to venture to this area of the world.

For each, a once in a lifetime experience awaited them that could not even be imagined.  What is taken for granted by us, was absolutely appreciated by my friends.  I should mention at this point, that both are international travellers from Paris, France and Newcastle, Australia that have been living and working in Winnipeg for a couple of months.

Manitoba for most travellers is only Winnipeg.  I didn’t want my friends to leave Manitoba with only a view of the city and nothing else to tell for it.  They have both been told of places like Grand Beach, Whiteshell and Churchill.  What I offered them for this weekend was an area of the Province that is known however, has disappeared of the radar maps of most.

For those of you who have visited Prairiemango before (hopefully on numerous occasions), it is of no secret that I write of this area a lot…no really, just read my past blog posts:

Ø      Overlooking the Past Atop the Mountain

Ø      A Mountain of Opportunity

Ø      Flatlanders Get Their Vertical

Ø      Community Involvement

The East Side of Riding Mountain National Park is somewhat like the little brother of the main entrance going through Onanole, Manitoba.  The area is very humble and non-assuming yet, there are hidden gems around every corner.  All you have to do is get off the #5 and drive towards the dense forest ahead.

For a couple of newcomers to the area, we planned an outing to the Mt.Agassiz Ski Hill.  The Mt.Agassiz Ski Hill played host for two days of epic vistas, slushy snowshoeing and fresh tracks.

Walking from the park gate and up the snow laden road, only a very few visitors have been this way for the past 6 months.  As our approach to the open field gets closer, we can already see snowmobile tracks crisscrossing the hill.  Although off-road vehicles are not allowed in National Parks, these pirates left their mark on this hidden treasure. 

Hiking up the chair side of the hill, the white ocean of the valley floor below reminds us of how vast and endless this landscape is.  For my two friends, the expressions on their faces said it all – Smiles for miles!

I can sit here and write all that is wrong with the Mt.Agassiz Ski Hill not being open.  I can sit here and write on how important this is for the surrounding communities.

But, I won’t…

On our first night, we were treated to the most impressive sight.  The skies were clear and the stars were out.  The Northern Lights spent some time dancing in the skies above our southern location.  As we were revelling upon the sights above, a shooting star took our attention away but, only for a moment.  The howling of coyotes in the distance capped this night.  We all fell asleep anxiously waiting for the morning light.

The two days spent out in the East Side of Riding Mountain was all about enjoying our space, our time and the adventures we had. 

Should you have any hidden treasure stories, leave your mark >>here<<<

Please follow the link provided to listen to the interview.  It will open up your eyes to the potential of the area, as well as the day-to-day struggles felt by all involved.

Link - Agassiz Mountain Development Group [scroll half way down the page] 

For more information on what you have heard:

CJOB 68 – Richard Cloutier

Prairiemango – A Mountain of Opportunity

Prairiemango – Overlooking the past…

Your average tourist searching for tourism information these days is bombarded with numerous taglines, keywords and lingoes. 

What does it all mean???

Tour operator (X) says that they offer Ecotourism experiences while Tour operator (Y) promotes their sustainable tourism practices.  Is one better than the other?  Below, we have listed your heavy hitters in the industry in the hopes that this brings greater understanding on how we can be better hosts and visitors.

If you like what you have read and the information provided, please allow some time to follow the links provided for an in-depth look.

There are no doubt, similar definitions than what is provided below.  To add yours, please use the comment section provided or contact me directly.

You can also visit the Prairiemango Education portion of the site >>here<<  for more background readings.

Sustainable Tourism (development) -

Sustainable tourism in its purest sense, is an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible tourism that is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.

Thus, Sustainable tourism activities have minimal impact on the environment and culture of the host community.

According to the World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.

Definition courtesy of: The Sustainable Tourism Gateway

Ecotourism –

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

Principles of Ecotourism:

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
• Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

Definition courtesy of: The International Ecotourism Society

Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is about making travel better.  Plain and simple.
    
It's about creating more meaningful experiences for travellers by connecting them to the local culture and the natural beauty of host communities around the world

It is also about ensuring the communities hosting travellers benefits from tourism – through building skills, creating jobs and opportunities – all while protecting local natural and cultural integrity.

Definition courtesy of: The International Responsible Tourism Centre – Canada

Geotourism –

tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Geotourism incorporates the concept of sustainable tourism—that destinations should remain unspoiled for future generations—while allowing for ways to protect a place's character. Geotourism also takes a principle from its ecotourism cousin,—that tourism revenue should promote conservation—and extends it to culture and history as well, that is, all distinctive assets of a place.

Definition courtesy of: National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations

Please leave your comments >>here<<

Almost 2 years from first glimmers, Prairiemango is doing its first, ‘Year in Review’.  From first glance, and hopefully seconds, it’s been a productive and eye opening year.  The Prairiemango website, which you’re currently on, finally went live at the end of September 2009.  After months and months…and even more months of planning, sculpting and hair pulling, the site went live thanks to the work of Bio Design Works here in Winnipeg.

July 2009 brought with it the first trips as Prairiemango to the world…well Manitoba…the East side of Riding Mountain National Park to be exact.  The Village of McCreary and the Agassiz Mountain Development Group opened up their doors and allowed me to step in with a fresh perspective.  Traveling to the area reminded me just how much I love rural settings, culture and the pace of life. 

Photographs of those travels found >> here << Clicky Clicky

In November 2009, The Icarus Foundation posted a blog entry on Prairiemango.

Read the entry posted on the ‘Up in the Air’ Blog by The Icarus Foundation linked

>> here <<

Prairiemango would like to thank all those people and organizations that allowed us(me) some face time, advice, support and inspiration. 

In no particular order:

International Centre for Responsible Tourism – Canada

Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism

Where will 2010 bring us?  Stay tuned for more…

Better yet, where should 2010 lead us?  Let me know >>here <<

Prairiemango

Richard Cloutier reports on the Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Project (listen)

For more information, follow the links provided below:

Eastside Aboriginal Sustainable Tourism Inc.

Definition:

A “Biosphere Reserve” is a designation of recognition from UNESCO for an area which demonstrates a “balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.” Through collaborative efforts among people in the biosphere reserve, the sustainability of local economies and communities are promoted, as well as the conservation of the ecosystems they are in. Biosphere Reserves are intended as special areas where people demonstrate better approaches to conservation and sustainable resource use (RMBR, 2009).

Want to learn more?  Follow the link for the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve Backgrounder:

http://www.rmbr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/rmbr_backgrounder.pdf

Location: 

The core protected area, Riding Mountain National Park, covers some 3,000 square km’s of mixed wood forest, eastern deciduous forest, and rough fescue prairie. RMBR also includes a Zone of Cooperation which consists of the 15 municipalities that surround the Park, comprising an additional 12,000 square km’s (RMBR, 2009).

Follow the link provided for a map of Canada’s Biosphere Reserves:

http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/europe-n/Canadamap.htm

Follow the link provided for a world map of Biosphere Reserves:

http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/bios1-2.htm

History and establishment

In the 1970s, the Man and the Biosphere Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) introduced the biosphere reserve concept: areas proposed by local communities and/or stakeholders and designated by UNESCO to integrate biodiversity conservation (for example, a nature reserve) and economic development (UNESCO, 2005).

Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve (RMBR), one of 15 Biosphere Reserves in Canada, was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1986. It is a special area within which people are encouraged to demonstrate better approaches to conservation and sustainable resource use (RMBR, 2009).

For more information, follow the links provided

Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve: http://www.rmbr.ca/

UNESCO: www.unesco.org

UNESCO: Biosphere Reserves | Benefits and Opportunities - http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001424/142453e.pdf

Or Prairiemango Education Redirect

Having not been to Mt. Agassiz before this past July, it’s hard to believe that something so amazing is not being utilized.  For an outsider looking in, you hear of the who, what, when, where and why’s of the past, with ideas and vision for the future.  The reopening Mt. Agassiz seems to get the nod from all the folks around town as a need for the region. 

To build upon a past blog post called ‘A Mountain of Opportunity,’ I asked the question, ‘what type of investment needs to happen?’

This is my answer…

Apart from the obvious monetary investments, there needs to be an investment in time, strategic planning and community/regional involvement.  These investments may be considered building blocks for a sustainable future for the region.  Future planning should be based around the communities so, in the event of a primary source of employment or an economic driver not producing, these communities are able to support themselves.  As we all know, employment is part of the answer in retaining residents and attracting new attention.

‘Two major employment challenges for communities in rural Canada are labour shedding by primary industries and the exodus of youth in search of work. Given the concentration of the Canadian population in urban regions, a potential rich, alternative source of rural employment lies in attracting this population to rural regions to enjoy tourism activities. Thus, tourism would appear to provide an alternative source of rural employment (Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin, 2005).’

Mt. Agassiz has the potential of providing employment opportunities to a region in search of alternatives.  With an increase of visitation to the region, most other tourism businesses in the region, especially accommodation providers will need extra or seasonal staff during peak months.  The trickle down effect from primary tourism businesses, to secondary tourism businesses and into the community is great, with an inclusion of an all season beacon such as Mt. Agassiz.

As the population of the region keeps aging, something must be done to retain and attract youth into visiting, working and living in the region.  By breaking down those barriers and increasing the awareness of the region to a younger generation, attracting a new identity may be in the grasp for a sustainable plan. 

An investment in training of all sectors related to a development such as that of Mt.Agassiz will more than pay off for the future of the region.  As spontaneous and substantial that a services industry can be, it promotes understanding through interaction with people of differing backgrounds and cultures. 

Employing locals will increase the chances of retaining residents year round as well as having positive economic benefits for the surrounding communities where those people live and play.      

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Roadmap for Recovery - 2009,

‘Tourism is an economic activity that provides jobs for millions in the sector and in many interlocking industries. Well-trained staff has the skills to move across the workforce. Globally, Tourism grows faster than GDP, doubling the jobs created every 10 to 15 years. During the recession it is important for governments and industry to undertake actions to retain the core workforce and maintain training standards. Relevant strategies should recognize the special needs of SME´s, particularly in less developed countries.’

So, I ask again – “What type of investment needs to happen?”

Let me know by clicking the ‘no comments’ at the bottom of the blog to leave your comment.

 For more information follow the links below:

United Nations World Tourism Organization – UNWTO 

Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin 2005 – Prairiemango Education redirect

Agassiz Mountain Development Group - Ski Agassiz 

Blog photogallery here: Prairiemango Photos

Manitoba, best known for its abundance of lakes, forests and farmland has a lesser known environment to gush over…mountains!

A mountain bike ‘gathering’ organized by the Agassiz Mountain Development Group ran for the first time on the East Escarpment trails in Riding Mountain National Park at the end of August. The objective was to familiarize Manitoban’s to the vast opportunities for unique recreational and nature experiences.

A contingent of experienced mountain bike enthusiasts put two wheels to the ground on the Bald Hill and J.E.T. trails which are multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback enthusiasts.  Underlying this gathering was the promotion of the area’s unique terrain, especially on the east side of Riding Mountain National Park which does not receive near as much tourism exposure as the main gate entrance and Clear Lake area following the #10.

“Hold on tight and let ‘em fly! This is a thrill difficult to find elsewhere on the prairies...and yet it’s here for the taking, in our own backyard,” says Kelly Rose, from the Agassiz Mountain Development Group.

The historical East Gate entrance welcomed a gang of thrill seekers in search of some Manitoba gnar.  As with most trails in Manitoba, there’s a lot of pedalling but, unlike those trails, the downhill sections on these gets your adrenaline levels up and heart pounding.

The trail system on the East Escarpment, are old service roads, double track laden goodness, with shrub on either side, as you fly by regenerated forests and birds chirping from a distance. 

These trails are fun, the mud’s sticky and the vistas are epic. 

Make no mistake about it, these trails are NOT BEGINNER trails.  With signage that is lacking and Lookout Points that can easily be missed, riding these trails for the first time is confusing.  It would be best to go slow and easy or with someone who has been down these trails before.  Give yourselves at least an hour and a half to do J.E.T. and an hour and a quarter for Bald Hill.  Both trails end at the bottom of the park boundary.  Either, gear up for another hour pedalling uphill back into the park or organize a pick up at the bottom.  There’s parking at the top and bottom of the trailhead.

Drive up the #5 and turn left on the #19.   A few kilometres down, you’ll see the East Gate entrance and head up the winding mountain–type road towards the ‘North Escarpment’ Trails (watch on right for “Parking Lot” sign).

Soothe the muscles after the exhilarating experience by treating yourself and your new found friends to a stop in Kelwood at the Harvest Sun Café (seasonal) and in nearby McCreary at Agassiz Park Lodge for some après’ cycling coffee chat and good eats.

Another Mountain Biking familization gathering is happening Oct. 10 – 11, ’09. Oil up your chain and head on “up”...all are welcome.

For more information:

See skiagassiz.com (Mountain Bike Adventures page) for info.

Kelwood's Harvest Sun Cafe

McCreary's Agassiz Park Lodge  

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Heading up the #5 on my way towards McCreary, I’ve come to this area for dose of rural life and to get the lowdown on Mt. Agassiz.  This region is rich with diverse environments not commonly seen or associated with Manitoba.

In the distance overlooking McCreary, you have Riding Mountain National Park and neighboured with the East Escarpment, you have Mt. Agassiz Ski Area.  For those who don’t know, Mt Agassiz was the host for the 1979 Canada Winter Games.  Everyone I’ve met in the area boasts that this is the best terrain between here and the Rockies to the West and Lakehead to the east in Thunder Bay.

For a region in search of sustainability whether it’s in agriculture or tourism, losing one affects the livelihoods for all.  Agriculture is the backbone of Manitoba.  Fields full of wheat and canola patch the landscape like a chess board.  With the environment acting like it is, it is hard to say how well each years crop will be from now on.

For the region East of Riding Mountain, tourism may be the industry that keeps this region from disappearing off the map.  Since its closure in 2000, there has been interest in reopening Mt. Agassiz.  The Agassiz Mountain Development Group has been working on this initiative since 2007.  But, for those of you who think that this is just about a place to ski and snowboard are missing the point.  

For a region in need of sustainability and an identity, this is it.  For the communities in this region to diversify their economy and build an industry that is sustainable and year round is dependant on many factors.  With so many stakeholders, a collective or inclusive strategy on use, accountability and vision needs to be determined.

When Mt. Agassiz was operational, it was the winter season which attracted the crowds.  Now, the summer months attract some revellers but, with no real push.  Getting our heads around this not being a one season opportunity but, an all season opportunity will start turning everyone around.  Focussing our efforts on the communities needs should have already been purpose enough.

It seems as though this area has been forgotten and erased from memory with no recollection of even being there.  While talking to locals about their town, you hear great stories of when ‘this bar’ was hopping or, ‘the movie theatre was where all the country kids got to mingle with city folk’.  The interaction with our rural neighbours helps us ‘city folk’ understand ourselves and where we live.

What needs to be done? What will attract the youth back to this area?  What type of investment needs to happen?  That my friendlies, are the questions that need to be answered.

This is Manitoba and we all have a say on how best to go about building a better province.  It’s time to stop competing and time to start helping each other out for sustainable future lead by all of our efforts.

Trying to describe these gems in words and photographs, pales in comparison to seeing and experiencing it for yourself.

All you have to do is go…
Who you should know: Mt. Agassiz Development Group - http://www.skiagassiz.com

Facebook Group: Friends of Mt. Agassiz

Parks Canada - http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/mb/riding/index.aspx

Village of McCreary - http://www.geocities.com/villageofmccreary