Durham Tourism
Industry
Report
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Connecting, engaging and informing Durham Tourism's valued stakeholders
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Lakeridge Ski Resort, Uxbridge
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Greetings from Durham Tourism
As we write this issue, it seems winter has come early to Durham Region. A blanket of crisp white snow covers the ground; bringing with it thoughts of…winter sports and year-end celebrations. You thought we were going to say sugarplums, didn’t you?! As the year begins to wind down, there is still lots of activity happening across the region. The
Sport Durham Convergence is coming up soon, there are more anniversaries to celebrate, and a “paramazing legacy” is rolling out. Enjoy this issue.
Did you know that you can also follow us on
Facebook,
Twitter and
Instagram? And, our monthly consumer-facing e-newsletter is full of great ideas and inspiration, if you’re looking for something to put in your calendar! You can
subscribe to that publication on durham.ca.
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Tourism Industry Highlights
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Sharing our great growing region and its amazing
agri-culinary experiences
Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the 2019 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair an amazing experience for Durham Region from
November 1 to 3, and again on the 10th through the Temperance and Temptation activation. Central Counties Tourism (CCT)provided a great spotlight on York Durham Headwaters during this year’s fair. The set design and booth location provided an excellent opportunity for engagement with visitors to the fair, and an opportunity for some amazing samples and engagement with our partners at the booth. The group at Theatre Orangeville designed a beautiful space for our activation. We certainly appreciate the hard work that went into its creation.
Thank you to Durham Farm Fresh, Coopers CSA Farm, Forsythe Family Farms, Discover Uxbridge, 3Beez.Buzz, Maple Bee Nectar, Clarington Tourism, Willowtree Farm, and the Durham College Centre for Food for participating alongside CCT and Durham Tourism for the Durham Farm Fresh days at the Fair. In addition, it was great to have The Second Wedge Brewing Co. and Banjo Cider featured as part of the Temperance and Temptation activation on the final day of the fair. By all accounts, it was a great opportunity to engage with visitors to the fair. Plus it gives us a chance to profile our growing region and the amazing agri-culinary experiences that we have to offer. Thank you to each organization for sending along engaging staff for each day of activation and for being such amazing ambassadors for Durham Region.
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Add your events (with images)!
Have you submitted your events for the remainder of 2019 and early 2020? It’s quick, easy and simple to do so. Simply head to the
events calendar on DurhamTourism.ca, select the Submit Event button, log in and post your event details. Remember to include an image!
We recommend using a high-quality image in JPG or PNG format, that has minimal text (see example pictured above). Not only could your event receive some prime real estate on our calendar, it could also be shared via social media and to our web page subscribers!
While you’re on the site, head on over to your tourism business directory listing–you can add a photo here as well! Don’t have a profile in our business directory? In just a few short steps you can add your business to the directory, which is searchable by residents and visitors, and is linked to on many of DurhamTourism.ca’s featured pages.
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Celebrating 25 years of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario
Lucy Maud Montgomery, well known to many Canadians as the author behind the iconic Anne of Green Gables series, has a deep connection to Durham Region. Shortly after Anne of Green Gables was published, Montgomery moved to the hamlet of Leaskdale, in the Township of Uxbridge, where she resided from 1911 to 1926.
That’s where today, one can visit the Leaskdale Manse Historic Site–now a museum, and the Historic Leaskdale Church, home to
The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario. The Society operates the manse and owns the historic church (where Montgomery’s husband was the minister from 1910 to 1926). The society showcases the life of Montgomery in Leaskdale, hosts several events throughout the year (including luncheon teas); and runs a gift shop within the church. This year the society is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The purpose of the society is to bring together people who share an interest in the heritage of Lucy Maud Montgomery, particularly as it relates to her life in Leaskdale.
We wish the society a happy silver anniversary. Thank you for celebrating Lucy Maud Montgomery, and providing a great heritage attraction for all in Durham (and beyond) to enjoy.
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We love sharing good news, and there has been lots of it lately!
This past September, local Tim Hortons franchises around the region participated in the Smile Cookie Campaign! Smile Cookies purchased at any Durham Region Tim Hortons helped to make a difference in the community, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Abilities Centre in Whitby. Through this tasty act of buying chocolate chunk cookies decorated with blue eyes and an iconic pink smile; guests, residents and visitors raised $194,512 for the Abilities Centre!
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In late October, the Province of Ontario announced changes to the Executive Council, which also included the following changes in Ministerial responsibilities to the Executive Council:
- Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries: Lisa MacLeod
- Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development: Monte McNaughton
- Minister of Colleges and Universities: Ross Romano
It was noted that these changes would enhance “the government’s focus on strengthening Ontario’s tourism, culture and sport sectors, and prepare Ontario’s workforce for the jobs of the future.”
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Interested in being part of the Arts & Artisan Trail?
Central Counties Tourism is seeking your assistance and feedback as they develop a new 2020 tourism experience for Durham, York, and Headwaters. This new tourism experience is centred around our Arts & Culture community, with the aim of increasing visitation and spend in the region through the creation of a new Arts & Artisan Trail. The first step in this process is to identify possible art and artisan partners with a short, five-minute questionnaire and gauge the interest in participating in this new tourism experience.
The deadline for completion is
December 1.
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Durham’s Accessibility champions
Durham Region recognizes the importance of an accessible community and in creating a caring and fully inclusive environment. Each year, the Region honours individuals, services and/or businesses that have improved accessibility in their community, at the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) Forum. In addition to presenting the Accessibility Awards, the forum is an opportunity to hear from community members who are working towards making Durham accessible for everyone. This year included a presentation from Tracy Roulston and David Billham from the
Durham Region Challenger Baseball League on the
Challenger Baseball Diamond Project.
The Accessibility Awards allow us to demonstrate the importance of accessibility and to honour leadership in breaking down barriers. Congratulations to the following Durham businesses who were honoured this year:
- Jolie Café (Ajax)
- Durham Region Police Services 2nd Annual Polar Plunge in support of The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (Pickering)
- The Beaverton Town Hall Players (Brock Township)
- Brianna’s Sweet Treats (Clarington)
- The LivingRoom Community Art Studio (Oshawa)
- Durham Escape Room (Whitby)
Durham Region is fortunate to have so many accessibility champions immersed in our communities who “get it.”
It, is about inclusion for
All.
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12welve Bistro & Tapwerks
Charred Shishito Peppers. Shucked Oysters. Duck Fat Fries, and Ontario Lamb Dip. These are just a few of the mouth-watering items on the menu at 12welve Bistro & Tapwerks. Bonus: the bistro shares space with the home of the
Brock Street Brewing Company. Order a pint to go along with your meal, or stop by the tasting room, conveniently located next door.
In addition to the Bistro
–which offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, and a half-pint menu for kids, 12welve’s 3,800-square-foot banquet facility, is a great wedding or event space and it overlooks the brewery and heart of downtown Whitby. Chef Shriny Raj leverages local and sustainable ingredients, international influences and flawless technique, providing guests with a culinary experience like no other.
Check out the Bistro’s event calendar for live music and entertainment offerings, or make a reservation and experience the historic character and charm that makes the venue a sought-after spot in Whitby’s Four Corners. 12welve Bistro & Tapwerks is located at 244 Brock Street South.
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November and December 2019
Keep these upcoming sport events on your radar!
Take advantage of Sport Durham's monthly sport events radar to ensure that your business is prepared to welcome incoming athletes and visitors to Durham Region during key sport events.
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Iroquois Park Sports Centre and McKinney Centre, Whitby; and Luther Vipond Memorial Arena, Brooklin. Approximately 120 teams participating.
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2019 Sport Durham Convergence
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The 2019 Sport Durham Convergence is taking place on Tuesday,
December 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the
Durham College Esports Gaming Arena. This day is a great opportunity to share, learn, grow partnerships and collaborate to advance sport tourism and grow sport culture in Durham Region.
We have an exciting roster of topics lined up, including Ontario Parasport Games Legacy initiatives, emerging sport event opportunities, Esports and sports tourism, hosting sustainable events, and more! Visit our
events calendar to learn more.
General Admission is $20, and Durham College Sport Management Student Admission is $10. Space is limited, so register before the
December 4 deadline.
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The Audley Community Hall, located at the
Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax, is a new state-of-the-art event space that accommodates up to 500 people!
Features and amenities include:
- Dedicated entrance
- Fully accessible
- Integrated audio visual system
- Retractable stage
- Outside courtyard
- Skylights
- Hardwood floors
- Tables and chairs
- Warming kitchen and bar area
For more information and to learn more about renting the Community Hall, contact
facilitybookings@ajax.ca or 905-619-2529, ext. 2700.
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Continuing a "paramazing" legacy
Earlier this year, Durham Region played host to the 2019 Ontario Parasport Games. Since the games have ended, we’ve still been working hard to create a great legacy in Durham Region.
One of the many great things that came out of hosting the games is the creation of the Durham Adaptive Sport Collective (DASC). The purpose of the DASC is to grow opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the benefits of participation in sport. The group held its first meeting in October and two subcommittees were established to begin working on a Parasport Festival and Online Catalogue. Residents and organizations interested in volunteering with the collective are encouraged to contact Lori Talling, the Region’s Sport Tourism Co-ordinator at
lori.talling@durham.ca or 905-668-4113 ext. 2608, for more information.
Parasport® Ontario has created a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to get involved and help deliver equipment to Para Athletes. ParaSport® Ontario, Rotary Clubs of Durham, Durham Medical and Sunrise Medical Canada have teamed up and are providing matching funds for the provision of up to $25,000 in specialized equipment to local parasport programs and individuals.
All donations are matched, so $500 becomes $1,000; $1,250 becomes $2,500; etc. Contact Joe Millage at 905-922-4676 or
emtjoe@rogers.com if you would like more information on the program.
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Connect and engage with Durham Tourism and Sport Durham on our social media pages:
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