The more reasons we give people to come to Sundre, the more likely they are to visit, bringing along with them dollars to spend in the community.
While we are already a gateway community to the West Country, we should strive to make sure people do not merely drive through on their way to the mountains.
That’s why features such as the impending construction of a community gazebo at Greenwood Campground are so important.
The number of motorists passing through the traffic lights in Sundre has in recent years, according to Alberta Transportation, been increasing while tourism throughout Canada has reached new records.
So tapping into as many demographics as possible will only help to maximize potential economic activity while enhancing future sustainability.
We’ve already got an arena, a curling rink, an indoor pool and fitness centre, a performance arts hall, a skate park, a picturesque pioneer village museum, an ever-improving rodeo grounds, an amazing library by any standards never mind a small town, as well as spectacular nature trails that offer varying degrees of difficulty for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers.
Adding to this already impressive assortment of amenities will certainly serve to help fulfil the municipality’s vision of establishing Sundre as a destination that visitors not only want to come back to, but also might possibly even consider setting roots in.
The gazebo, which will make the already popular Greenwood Campground that much more appealing, is going to cater to a wide variety of potential events, from private functions such as family reunions and weddings to public occasions like outdoor theatre productions or music festivals.
That means tapping into a new market that draws out not only residents but visitors as well, who in turn are likely to venture around nearby businesses, creating crucial spinoff economic activity.
However, I hope the municipality ramps up efforts to establish a suitable location to create a substantial amount of parking space.
Bringing people to town is one thing, but making sure they can actually park somewhere nearby within walking distance is another. That lack of convenience could well act as a deterrent for some people.
Even so, a gazebo with a view overlooking the Red Deer River is a step in the right direction and will hopefully help herald new events, which I look forward to covering.
