"IF YOU BUILD A PLACE PEOPLE WANT TO VISIT, YOU BUILD A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE" —Maura Gast
Almost all small towns are hoping to attract industry. And pretty much all of them are failing. Primarily they struggle due to lack of skilled labour, inadequate infrastructure, and limited amenities. Subsequently, they lose out to better prepared urban areas both in
Canada and internationally. Amherstburg’s luck has been no different, and the recent decision by Diageo proves that even existing industry is vulnerable.
Because of that, a fiscally healthy Amherstburg absolutely needs tourism. It’s vital for economic growth, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Thankfully, the town has a beautiful river setting, heritage buildings, and a growing arts’ scene. But to be competitive, tourists need to know about the town and what interesting things are going on each weekend to help them decide whether they should visit. Amherstburg’s Tourism department has created some award-winning events like Open Air weekends, the Uncommon Festival, and River Lights, just to name a few, that really resonate with visitors AND residents.
However, Tourism’s budget for events and advertising is small, which makes it very difficult to get the town’s message out through all the advertising clutter. On top of that, their marketing budget has been essentially the same for the past three years. Inflation during that time period has been around 10%, so real tourism spending has actually declined. Recognizing the link between Tourism and Economic Development, the two departments were recently combined. But if the combined department doesn’t receive more funds to promote tourism, it’s a very hollow move.
Amherstburg is beautifully positioned to be a leading tourism town, but it needs to invest for success. Open Air is an award-winning Ontario best practice, but due to lack of funds it has too many quiet weekends. This causes some to challenge its importance, often using phoney “research” that is only anecdotal and biased. So before you go to vote on October 26th, ask the candidates, Where do you stand on investing in tourism?
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT
We are a big believer in public spaces and public gatherings, so we are delighted that Amherstburg’s Open Air is starting up again this Friday. It activates our downtown every weekend until September 6th. Visit the town's website here for up-to-date details of all the exciting things going on. See you there!
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT WMAG...
"OYE … OYE!" Next week, meet Town Crier Norm and the Docents.
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 19TH SILENT BOOK CLUB
River Bookshop's next Silent Book Club meetup is Friday, June 19th, starting at 6PM.
6:00-6:30pm - Arrive, shop, share what you're reading
6:30-7:30pm - Quiet reading hour
7:30-8:00pm - Optional socializing, or just keep reading
Join us to read silently and connect with other readers in the area. We'll have refreshments and a book fair table with discounts for Silent Book Club participants. Hope to see you there!
Click here to reserve your spot!
3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF! SPACE-THEMED STORY TIME
Our River Bookshop Sunday Story Time is sure to be "Out of this World," as we share a few stories about Space and the Planets.
This week's guest reader is Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb! Join Chris Sunday at 11 AM for the Story Time fun!
KICKING OFF OPEN AIR WEEKENDS: EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH
- Night Market: 5-9pm (Vendors can be found here)
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Live Music:
5-7pm: Silver Ambassadors
7pm: Bagpipes in the ‘Burg
7:15-9:15pm: Compass Rose
SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH
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Activities:
8am: Acai Yoga/Pilates
2pm: Historical Tour
SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH
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Activities:
10am: Yoga in the Park
2pm: Historical Tour
3pm: Coffee and Culture -
Live Music:
4-6pm: Haruya Calla
It was all spring garden vibes last Sunday at Story Time. Thanks to Amherstburg Horticultural Society for joining us as our guest readers. Our ST families are ready for planting their garden.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team