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: _______________

 

A few weeks back, the Agassiz Mountain Development Group played host to CJOB’s Richard Cloutier for his - Richard Cloutier Reports segment. 

 

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:

 

Agassiz Mountain Development Group

 

Eastside Aboriginal Sustainable Tourism Inc.

 

The Icarus Foundation

 

 

International Centre for Responsible Tourism – Canada

 

 

Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism

 

Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Project

 

Agassiz Park Lodge

 

 

Where will 2010 bring us?  Stay tuned for more…

 

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

 

Prairiemango

Follow the link provided to listen to an audio file from Richard Cloutier at CJOB

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

For more information, follow the links provided below:

Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Project

Eastside Aboriginal Sustainable Tourism Inc.

Responsible Tourism Defintion

 

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  

 

For information and captions on the photographs, click here

 

To make a comment, click 'no comments' below

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