The Township of Centre Wellington is in the process of establishing a new Economic Development and Tourism Strategy, setting a 20-year vision for the community.
Those heading the project hope to see residents engage and offer feedback as to what they would like the future of their community to look like.
Terrilyn Kunopaski from tante consulting inc. and part of the project team, says a strategy allows the community to be proactive in defining what it looks like and the goals that it's working towards, rather than being reactive after growth and change has happened.
"At this time, doing this project really allows us to understand what the community wants to see for itself in the next five, 10 and 20 years to come," Kunopaski said.
"We can look at what steps need to be taken now in order to ensure that we're able to hold on to and maintain those things that make Centre Wellington great, while also leveraging the opportunities that come with growth."
The project seeks to define new directions, ideas and approaches to enhance economic growth, attract investment, develop Centre Wellington as a four-season visitor destination, and ensure that the opportunity continues to be a significant part of local quality of life.
"A strategy is always important. And I think now is a really opportune time as the township has chosen to pursue a 20 year strategy for economic development and tourism," says Catherine Oosterbaan from Oosterbaan Strategy who is also part of the strategy team.
"The goal of the strategy to define what that growth should look like. What do residents really want it to look like, what assets do we have in the community, and how can we maximize and prioritize those assets?"
After COVID-19, Oosterbaan says now is a good time to do a temperature check.
"We've just experienced a massive inflation and things are changing in the global economy. The political economy is changing. So, this is a great time to do a strategy and to reevaluate the direction that Centre Wellington is heading as they pursue growth," she said.
Tourism is a vital component of Centre Wellington's economy, and can support opportunities for entrepreneurship and community stewardship while helping to foster a vibrant community atmosphere.
Kunopaski says there are two lenses from which the strategy will be approached during the engagement process and report development.
"One is community based tourism that centres around the active involvement of local communities in developing and managing tourism activities to establish a symbiotic relationship between travellers and the communities that they visit, with both parties benefitting from tourism investments," Kunopaski said.
Economic development can support long-term prosperity and sustainability.
"The second framework, we will consider regenerative tourism which seeks travellers to be responsible stewards of the planet and the communities that they visit," Kunopaski said.
"This includes being conscientious of their actions while travelling and actively contributing to the positive improvement of the destinations that they explore."
According to the project team, tourism and economic development are interconnected.
A thriving tourism sector can act as a catalyst for broader economic growth by attracting investment, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating demand for local products and services, that can help make Centre Wellington an attractive destination for visitors.
"We have just kicked off the engagement process for the strategy. We should have more insight in a month or two," Kunopaski said.
"Our robust community engagement process is a step towards engaging the community and understanding what they want to see for themselves and for their neighbours."
The project team has already visited the Elora Farmers Market, Belwood Conservation Area and the Fergus Fall Fair.
"And we will be attending other community events and committee meetings over the next few weeks," Kunopaski said.
For more information and to fill out a survey, visit the Centre Wellington website, here.
On Oct. 22, at 6:00 p.m., residents are invited to join the project team at the Township's Key Township Open House where they can share their thoughts about the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. The event will take place at the CW Community Sportsplex.
"People can weigh in and share their vision for the community for the next 20 years. Where do they want to see tourism growth? What does that look like? and what is beneficial for the community as we go forward?" Oosterbaan said.
"We would love to get residents to engage in those ways and give us feedback as to what they want the future of the community to look like, what they think about their family growing up here, about their kids staying in the community, and how new residents can feel welcome in the community and grow."
