JUNE 2017 

IN THIS ISSUE
 
Headwaters Tourism launches 2017 Real Headwaters campaign: 150 Realsons
  
On Thursday, May 18th Headwaters Tourism hosted a celebratory party at the Caledon Ski Club for friends, partners and businesses who make Headwaters Ontario's premier (and most award-winning) tourism destination.

The occasion: well, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday, and we decided a party was in order to launch our 2017 Real Headwaters campaign: 150 Realsons. Timed to coincide with the release of the 2017 edition of the multi-award winning Headwaters Four-Season Visitors' Guide in the Globe & Mail, the party provided a chance to tell guests about the dozens of people, places, experiences and treasures that make Headwaters where Ontario gets real!
 

Headwaters releases new regional road map
 
Headwaters Tourism is pleased to reintroduce a regional road map for use by visitors and residents to help navigate the roads throughout Headwaters. 

Thanks to the generous support of Grand Spirits Distillery, 20,000 copies of the map will be available at locations across the Headwaters region.

Tourism businesses who are interested in distributing copies of the map to visitors should contact Headwaters Tourism directly to obtain copies.    
 
 
Headwaters Tourism celebrates National Tourism Week
 
As part of National Tourism Week (May 28th to June 3rd), Headwaters Tourism raised the new Headwaters Tourism flag at the Town of Shelburne, Town of Caledon and Town of Mono.

Proclamations highlighting the importance of tourism in the Canadian and regional economy were adopted by Dufferin County, the Town of Caledon and the Town of Shelburne.

Each year over 875,000 visitors come to the Headwaters region, resulting in over $68 million of spending in our Headwaters communities.

Register now - 10th Annual Headwaters Stable Tour

Can you believe 2017 will be our 10th Headwaters Stable Tour?

Now is the time for equine industry businesses, stables, and event facilities to register for this year's 10th anniversary tour and take advantage of showcasing your business as part of the award-winning Headwaters region.

Deadline for registration: August 18th, 2017
 
Nominations open - Ontario Tourism Awards
 
The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence celebrate success by recognizing organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to Ontario's tourism industry. These awards acknowledge achievements in business growth and innovation, travel media and tourism marketing, culinary tourism and popular attractions.

Deadline for submissions:  June 30th, 2017

Nominations open - Canadian Tourism Awards

The Canadian Tourism Awards (CTA), presented by the Toronto Star, have become the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in the travel industry, showcasing the nation's best tourism products, services and experiences.

New Category: Canada 150 Diversity Award

Deadline for submissions:  June 30th, 2017 
 
 
Ontario providing extra $1M for Greenbelt's local food fund 

Kicking off Local Food Week Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the Government of Ontario is supporting agriculture with an additional $1 million in funding for the Local Food Investment Fund. The Local Food Investment Fund supports farmers, agri-food business and non-profits to get more local food on Ontario plates.

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Government of Canada launches superclusters initiative 

As part of the  Innovation and Skills plan - an agenda to spark growth and help Canada realize its potential as a global leader in innovation - the Government intends to accelerate business-led innovation superclusters to deliver real results for Canadians. On May 24, 2017, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced the Innovation Superclusters Initiative, a new funding initiative designed to support a small number of business-led innovation superclusters that have the greatest potential to accelerate economic growth.

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Minister Chagger announces steps to promote Canadian culinary tourism   

On June 2nd, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, announced that the Government of Canada has issued a request for proposals on making Canada a top destination for tourists seeking world-class culinary experiences.
 

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Bring home the world food consultations 

OMAFRA is seeking feedback on ways to bring more locally-grown and processed world foods to markets and grocery stores across the province. Participate in the consultation and share your views on what world foods means to you and how we can grow, process and sell more locally-grown world food products.  

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Ontario releases Changing Workplaces Review final report

Statement from Minister Flynn on the Release of the Changing Workplaces Review Final Report  (Ministry of Labour):  We have heard from many people that they are no longer able to count on full-time, secure work to provide for themselves and their families. Many people work multiple jobs, on contract or in unstable positions with unreliable hours or pay. What is clear...to our government...is that responsible change can ensure that every hard-working person in our province has the chance to reach their full potential. Fairness and decency must continue to be the defining values of our workplaces.  
 

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Destination Canada releases 2016 annual report

Destination Canada's 2016 Annual Report, Welcoming the World highlights the importance of tourism to Canada's economy, and the results of Destination Canada's integrated international marketing campaigns.  
 

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Updated Growth Plan and Greenbelt Plans released
 
Following two years of extensive consultation, including recommendations from an Advisory Panel, four updated land use plans have been released that will help residents in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and the Niagara Escarpment area live, work and play in communities that are healthy, prosperous and sustainable:
  • The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2017)
  • The Greenbelt Plan (2017)
  • The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2017)
  • The Niagara Escarpment Plan (2017)
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Culture Days registration & participation guide    
 
Registration is now open for the 8th annual Culture Days taking place on September 29, 30 and October 1, 2017!  Register during the Spring Registration Promotion for a chance to be one of five activity organizers from across the country chosen to shine in the Culture Days spotlight this summer. The Spring promotion includes:
  • A Culture 365 feature blog profile all about you and your activity
  • A feature in this newsletter
  • A roll out of your feature blog profile across all Culture Days social media channels
Register now-->>

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Federal Minister Chagger unveils Canada's New Tourism Vision 

The New Tourism Vision commits to taking action on 20 priority issues. Specifically, the plan will invest in stronger and more sustained marketing, address issues related to travelling to and within the country, and support Canadian tourism businesses and operators as they work to upgrade their offerings with new, innovative products and services. 
 
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Amping up support for Ontario music 
 
Ontario is investing in the music industry with 190 new grants that help local companies and artists across the province innovate, increase music production and attract new audiences.

 
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Ontario Tourism Cycling Plan 
 
Cycling tourism in Ontario is experiencing rapid growth and the government of Ontario has recently  introduced the province's first plan for cycling tourism, Tour by Bike: Ontario's Cycling Tourism Plan.

Full details-->>  


Adamo Estate Winery scoops 5 prizes at 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards

 
The Decanter World Wine Awards, a competition that has sought to shine a light on the wine world's hidden gems since its inception in 2004 released its winners for 2017 which saw record entries of more than 17,200 wines coming in from Chile to China.

Adamo Estate Winery winners include:
2016 Adamo Estate Riesling -- Platinum, Best in Show
2014 Lowrey Vineyard Pinot Noir - Silver
2014 Barrel Select Gamay Artist Series - Bronze
2015 Wismer Foxcroft Wild Ferment Chardonnay - Bronze
2014 Willms Vineyard Chardonnay - Commended

Read the full story-->>
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Heatherlea Farm Shoppe receives Feast On designation

Heatherlea Farm Shoppe's cafĂ© joins over 122 other Ontario establishments committed to local food through their newly acquired Feast ON certification.  This designation enables diners to identify restaurants that use local foods, thus supporting the local economy and Ontario agriculture.  With Heatherlea's home-raised meats, Ontario provisions, and passion for promoting local food, the program was a perfect match for them.
 
 
 
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Headwaters Tourism participates in Tourism Day at Queen's Park
  
On Monday, April 24 TIAO members stormed the legislature to meet with MPPs and Cabinet Ministers to talk tourism, and deliver policy recommendations on behalf of the tourism industry. Headwaters Tourism was represented by Board Chair, Stacey Coupland and Executive Director, Michele Harris.

TIAO Members representing 32 organizations had 17 formal meetings with MPPs, including three Ministers. Following the day's appointments, TIAO hosted the Taste of Ontario Reception featuring local vendors from around the province. Attending members networked with more than 200 politicians, political staff and 12 Cabinet Members.
 
 
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Fromage receives 2017 Barrier-Free Community Award
 
Fromage of 23 Mill Street is the 2017 recipient of the Town's "Barrier-Free Community Award". "Fromage is a good example of businesses that put forth that extra effort to make access a priority," said Orangeville Councillor Gail Campbell. "That effort and commitment makes our community more accepting and inclusive." 
 
 
 

Central Counties Tourism Annual General Meeting - June 21st, 2017
   
Central Counties Tourism will be hosting their annual general meeting on June 21st. Register now to get an update on what Central Counties Tourism has on the horizon for 2017-18. The AGM is open to stakeholders and businesses in the Central Counties regions of York, Durham and Headwaters.

Registration deadline:  June 19th, 2017 
 
Full details-->>
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Rural Community Development Workshop - June 26th, 2017 
 
Headwaters Community in Action and the Rural Ontario Institute are thrilled to be hosting Peter Kenyon for a day-long workshop. For those of you who have heard Peter before come and be re-inspired by his many engaging stories, for those of you who have never heard Peter speak before come prepared to enjoy your day! .

 
Shelburne Sings 150 Choir
 
150 Voices for 150 Years.  Calling singers of all ages fro Shelburne & surrounding area. Join us on Canada Day to celebrate Canada's 150th in song, as part of a 150-voice choir in Fiddle Park.

Full details-->>
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HollyFest Exhibitor Opportunities 
 
A boutique holiday festive showcase for local artisans, specialty retailers, designers and craftspeople. Taking place November 3rd to 5th, 2017 at the Caledon Community Complex. Opportunities for exhibitors now available.

Exhibitor information-->>
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OMAFRA RED funding program - intake #2
             
The province, through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, will be accepting applications for the second intake of the renewed RED program from July 31st to September 29th, 2017. The program is designed to bolsters economic growth in rural and Indigenous communities across Ontario by providing support for projects that allow rural municipalities and partners to diversify and grow their local economies.

Submission deadline (intake #2):  September 29, 2017 

Thank you to all our Leading with the Best partners who work in partnership with us to help promote Headwaters as Ontario's premier rural tourism destination. 

We are pleased to welcome our newest tourism partners into our Leading With the Best program:
If you are actively engaged in the tourism industry in Headwaters and are looking to expand your marketing reach, we encourage you to consider our  Leading with the Best program. Businesses that take part in our program are promoted as leading tourism experiences to consumers and become part of our targeted and featured promotions in Headwaters through our digital and social media platforms. 
 
Call or email our Leading With the Best Program Manager, Stephany St. Louis, to get more information on how Headwaters Tourism can market your business to tourists.

 
LOOK WHAT YOU MISSED IF YOU'RE NOT FOLLOWING HEADWATERS  

Over 200 guests from across Ontario joined in celebration at the Caledon Ski Club as Headwaters launched their 2017 Realsons campaign and released the highly anticipated 2017 edition of the award-winning Headwaters Four-Season Visitors' Guide. Highlights of the event included musical performances by Larry Kurtz, Bruce Ley and Noni Thomas, the announcement of the 2017 Faces of Headwaters, as well as A Taste of Canada: Headwaters Style, provided by some of the area's finest food purveyors.

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KEEP US UP-TO-DATE ON EVENTS AND NEWSWORTHY HAPPENINGS  

 

Let us know about your events and newsworthy happenings so that we can help promote all that makes the Headwaters region special.

   

If you have press releases and photos about newsworthy events and happenings, please send them directly to our attention at media@headwaters.ca