Feature Article September 4, 2002
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Economic development in the Frontenacscommentary by David Brison Brian Ritchie, the economic development officer hired this year by the Frontenac Management Board, has, after several months consultation with local residents, chaired a committee which presented a proposal to stimulate economic development in North and Central Frontenac. The group proposes a four-season, high-end resort called the Frontenac Centre, which will showcase the natural environment, culture and heritage of the region.
At the same time, the Addington Highlands Economic Committee has announced that they have, with the backing of their council, applied for a grant to determine if an up-scale hotel/resort would be feasible for their area. Bill Brown, the chairman of the committee says that the County of Lennox & Addington and the Addington Highlands council are both in favour of the project and are supporting it financially.
The idea that a high-end (meaning deluxe and costly), four-season resort will stimulate economic development is not a new one in fact Dick Harwood has advocating such a resort on behalf of the Land OLakes Tourist Association for a number of years.
The argument for high-end resort development goes something like this at present we have a short tourist season, limited to about ten weeks in the summer. The reason it isnt extended is that people wont come to a colder climate unless they have luxurious indoor facilities to complement the frigid outdoor beauty of the region.
I am somewhat dubious about the chances of a deluxe resort drawing people in what is termed our shoulder seasons (late fall, winter, and early spring). My impression is that the winter vacationer wants to either go south and sit on a beach, or go to a downhill ski resort.
The proposal hinges on being able to attract private investment. That, and not my views of whether people will come if we build it, will ultimately determine whether it goes ahead.
There is no doubt that economic development strategies are needed. We lost working aged members of our communities in the 70s and they have not returned. Our young people have to leave to get jobs. There is a high rate of rural poverty.
However, even if high-end resort development does fly, I think it might be the wrong place to start and I certainly would not want to see us put all our eggs in that basket.
A different strategy for economic development seems to me to be more fruitful both in the short term and in the long run. This strategy rests on the demonstrated fact that our relatively pristine natural environment appeals to retirees. They are moving out here in large numbers. As we reported this winter, there was an unprecedented growth in real estate sales in January and February and it hasnt let up. Those who have cottaged during the summers are converting their homes to year-round residences and retiring there. Retirees spend money here and most of them dont leave in the winter (making them year-round residents). In an informal poll we took this winter, we found that retail business was up and everyone in the construction trades was working to capacity and beyond.
One economic development strategy would be to develop services that are, or will be, needed by the increased number of seniors in our area. Many retirees need help to stay in their own homes. Transportation becomes more difficult. Many seniors are looking for apartments in town. Further, how can we make retirement in the area even more attractive than it is now?
Are there jobs for our youth in all of this? I think so, but what is needed is a little entrepreneurial drive and spirit.
Another economic development strand could be efforts to recruit small businesses that can operate electronically out of their homes. This seems to be on the increase and has definite economic advantages for those in our region.
One of the keys to making this area attractive to newcomers is to ensure that we dont pollute our environment. There are already many people living on our lakes year-round and, as Gray Merriam has pointed out in these pages, our lakes, resting as they do on the granite shield, are extremely fragile. Can large-scale resorts be accommodated without damaging the environment our most precious resource?
I think that a broader discussion of the kinds of development we need and want ought to precede the presentation of proposals based on luxury year-round resorts. Hopefully, this statement might stimulate debate on the topic.
