Visioning for the Future

Tourist InformationPort Elgin Pumpkinfest

Bruce County Festival and Events Resource CentreSaugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce

MTO

Prepared by The Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, 2006

ProposalWith the growth of Tourism in Saugeen Shores and future

growth predicted, The Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce wants to take a proactive approach in providing first class informational services to visitors and residents.

In the next five years we see a need for a central

“Welcome Centre” within Saugeen Shores as we are outgrowing our present locations.

Current Office Locations• Heating and air conditioning inadequate – quotes for replacement

$15,000 (both locations)• Limited Parking and visibility• No public washrooms in the Port Elgin location• Limited storage for Resource Centre• Limited storage for Information Centre• No Handicap Accessibility – hindered by doorways and size• Not enough display area for existing brochures and/or souvenirs • Staffing concerns with 2 substandard locations

The Vision• New main Saugeen Shores “Welcome” Centre centrally

located between our 2 downtown cores easily accessible to visitors and residents with adequate signage throughout Saugeen Shores.

• Seasonally staffed satellite information kiosks in both downtown cores and unmanned kiosks in harbour/beach areas.

• Work with Pumpkinfest and Community Services for future green space and recreational facilities in the same central location.

Why?

• We need to expand to compliment the Official Plan and to meet future needs and develop our tourism industry in a planned, positive process.

• Moving would further promote the joining of our communities.

• Change and growth is inevitable.

Growth and Community Expansion

Saugeen Shores Expansion• There is a continued rate of high development• Planned development is at an all time high

Location 2006 2005 2004 2003

Saugeen Shores

260 Lots + townhouses -52 units

362 Lots 110 Lots 91 Lots

Number of Residential Lots Developed Per Year

2005 Port Elgin Planned ExpansionLEGEND

1. Trillium Ct. (12 Lots)

2. Mill Ridge Ct (15 Lots)

3. Highland St. (22 Lots)

4. Oakwood Dr. (27 Lots)

5. Sandy Acres Rd (21 Lots)

6. Briarwood (37 Lots)

7. Buckby Lane (57 Lots)

8. Brentwood/ Woodland (46 Lots)

9. Parkwood Dr. (29 Lots)

10. Stickel St/Ray St. (88 Lots)

1

2

3

4

5

7

6 89

10

2005 Southampton Planned Expansion LEGEND

1. Sandpiper (8 Lots)

2. Peel St. (12 Lots)

3. Emerald Drive (20 Lots)

4. Beacon Lane (9 Lots)

5. Emerald Drive (34 Lots)

6. Summerhill (44 Lots)

7. Painted Post (9 Lots)

8. Meadow Lane (35 Lots)

9. Beausoleil Rd & Eastgate (32 Lots)

10. Creekwood Dr (56 Lots)

11. Stonecreek Development (18 units) townhouses

1

2

3

4

5

6 7

8

11

Why? Local Industry Growth and Population Turnover

Bruce Power Employment Projections

•From 2006-2010 a peak of over 400 non trade contractors will be employed

•From 2006-2010 a peak of over 1200 trades contractors will be employed

•All of the contract work equals a large amount of new people continually coming into the area

Bruce Power Permanent Employment Changes

•Between 2006 and 2010 a projected 1070 workers currently employed at the Bruce are slated for retirement. A lot of the retirees will stay in the area.

•During the same time period an estimated 1140 new employees are projected to be hired. Not all from this area this could create a major population boom.

• The largest employment sector in our municipality is the service industry, which stresses the importance of seasonal tourism to the local economy.

• We would like to further promote the area to garner our share of direct tourism revenues

Why? Protect our Growing Tourism Industry

Tourism Draws from All OverBruce/Grey

5%

Coll/Barrie4%

Golden HS9%

KW16%

London/Windsor11%GTA

26%

Other ON18%

Canada6%

USA5%

2005 Highlights of Saugeen Shores Tourist Origins

Tourism In Saugeen Shores• Saugeen Shores is a major tourist draw

with Historic, Natural, and Recreational Tourism Attractions.

• Currently within each faucet of local tourism there is growth

Historical Attraction Growth: Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

• The museum has changed greatly since its opening in 1955.• There was a major expansion in 1979 and another major expansion

completed in September 2005• The expansion fully restored the 1878 school house and added

25,000 square feet for exhibitions and storage. An additional 8,000 square feet was slated for interactive exhibits

• When open the museum saw 18,000-35,000 visitors annually and is currently on track to draw in a projected more then 50,000 visitors per year with the expansion

Recreation Attraction Growth: CAW

• Purchased by the UAW in 1957 and once called Goble Home Lodge the area had one lodge and family cabins

• When UAW and CAW split the new facility was built in 1988• Used for educational purposes, family get-a-ways for union

members, banquets, and Big Band• 10,000 people come from coast to coast to the centre annually

*85% are CAW members, 10% other union members, and 5% other

• The CAW continues to expand with growth projects “There is a high visitor return rate after people experience the area.” Dean Fowler, Manager

Natural Growth: MacGregor Point Provincial Park & Inverhuron Provincial Park

• After being regulated in 1975 MacGregor has been open to campers since 1976 and happily celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2006

• In 2004 approximately 168,000 people visited MacGregor for camping and day use, in 2005 there were approximately 165,400 visitors, and this summers numbers look to continue this trend.

• MacGregor has expanded over the years and now offers a visitor centre, trails for all season, winter camping with Yurts, and many different programs, events and lectures throughout the year.

• With MacGregor’s continued success nearby Inverhuron Provincial Park was re-opened July 2005 and continues to succeed.

Event Attraction Growth: Pumpkinfest

The growth of Port Elgin Pumpkinfest has been consistent throughout the years of the festival and can be seen in the chart below.

0

20000

40000

60000

1986 1991 1996 1998 2001 2003 2004 2005

Visitors

Pumpkinfest draws from all over!

Event Attraction Growth: Pumpkinfest

Visitor Range

44%

39%

9%

4%

3%

1%

Local

Southwestern

GTA

Niagara Area

Central

Other

Event Attraction Growth: Pumpkinfest

•As Pumpkinfest has grown in size it has also grown in the amount it gives back to the community•In 2004 Pumpkinfest had an economic impact with an influx of between 2.6 and 3.2 million tourist dollars rising to 4.1 million dollars in 2005

Pumpkinfest Site Problems•Currently Pumpkinfest is outgrowing its site and a “fair grounds” style space would benefit other events in the municipality

•There are issues with increasing numbers and attractions, there are deficiencies in the site that mean not fulfilling future growth needs - such as electrical, parking & fencing

•The current set up creates traffic flow challenges as there is no room on site for public parking, and the car show closes the downtown core. Visitors are bused in, but the overflow creates a major inconvenience for locals and emergency services

How? The process so far….• Strategic Plan

– (Phase 1 - initiated in 2004 – ongoing)

• SWOT Analysis – (completed in 2005)

• Assess space requirements – (completed)

• Investigate possible partnerships– Small Business Enterprise Centre; awaiting Town needs/suggestions

• Research funding & location options– Rural Communities Funds (FCC AgriSpirit Fund)– Chamber Capital Reserve

• Approach Council

SWOT AnalysisStrengths Weaknesses

Active and involved Board of Directors Excellent Team of Staff MTO revenues Pumpkinfest- economic impact- fiscally

responsible Strong community profile Good relationship with Municipality Partnering with Town on the website

www.saugenshores.ca Partnering with other tourism groups-

LHSTP, BGFN Natural assets to market Saugeen Shores to

Tourists

Lack of space in facilities for future growth No public washrooms in Port Elgin location Limited parking at both locations Signage Volunteerism Community is not a regional centre Lacking evening entertainment/diversions Lack of finances to incorporate change Two locations make it difficult to train staff Pumpkinfest outgrowing its present site

SWOT AnalysisOpportunities Threats

Joining the 2 Chambers has broadened views and activities

Expand the Resource Centre and Pumpkinfest Welcome Centre not only for visitors, but for new

residents- relocation packages and information Seasonal Info kiosks at various locations (manned

and/or self service) Possible assistance/partnering for a regional

welcome centre Economic Development, partner with others such

as the Business Enterprise Centre and Town for office and storage space, speaking engagements, and seminars

We’re growing too quickly without a clear plan Loose strength and focus Sars, Mad Cow or similar pandemic Too many activities, too few volunteers Danger of becoming reactive instead of proactive Financial limitations for expansion and growth of

all aspects- Pumpkinfest, Resource Centre, Tourist Information, and MTO

Space Requirements

MTO currently 25 x 15 = 375, too small, increase to 600 sq ft.Manager office 10 x 15 = 150 sq ft.Tourism Office currently 40 x 15 = 600, estimated requirement three times for seating and souvenir display = 1800 sq ft.Office Washroom & Kitchenette 20 x 20 = 400 sq ft.Public Washrooms = approx. 500 sq ft.Storage Room = approx. 700 sq ft.Meeting Room = approx 15 x 32 = 500 sq ft.Long term growth add additional office space 1200 sq ft.Resource Centre current storage in Town Buildings,

office 150 info storage 350 = 500 sq ft.Pumpkinfest Office incl. Storage/display products 450 sq ft.

TOTAL 6800 sq ft.Additional ConsiderationsBusiness Enterprise Center – two offices and library estimated 700 sq ft.Parking Requirements – allow for motor homes/boat trailersSignageMoving CostsFurniture – Filing/Display Cabinets/Desks/Computers Costs

Approach Council

Currently we are approaching council asking for funding, partnerships, and direction.

In Conclusion

Our Vision:

•A Welcome Centre housing all visitor and resident needs.

•Active involvement and consideration in Town visioning and future planning.

For more information on anything in this presentation please contact:

Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce

559 Goderich St.

Port Elgin, ON

N0H 2C4

Phone: 519-832-2332/ 1-800-387-3456

Fax: 519-389-3725

E-mail: portelgininfo@saugeenshores.ca