New map revives Upper Canada Region partnership

A new adventure map has been launched by South Stormont and South Dundas to promote the Upper Canada Region. The $12,000 project looks to spark some life back into a brand that has been largely dormant, while promoting tourism in the two municipalities. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston)

MORRISBURG – While Cornwall and the United Counties went their separate ways on tourism, two municipalities have revived their partnership to promote the Upper Canada Region.

Officials from South Stormont and South Dundas were at the South Dundas Municipal Center in Morrisburg this morning (Thursday) to unveil an Adventure Map.

The foldout, pocket-sized map details various attractions in southwestern SD&G and is being launched to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Upper Canada Region partnership. It’s also injects some life into a brand that has been somewhat dormant.

South Dundas Mayor Evonne Delegarde called the map “very impressive” and that it takes in “everybody from crawling to the elderly that can participate in all kinds of adventures.”

“It’s been a great joint venture from the Upper Canada Region because it…went a little dormant and we kind of revived this,” Delegarde said.

In an interview with Cornwall Newswatch, Delegarde believes it will also promote so-called stay-cations. “We’ve been working with that at the county level as well — this the one day tripping kind of thing. People, just with the cost of gas, you’re going to see a lot of people staying closer to home and taking in some of the amenities that we have to offer.”

South Stormont Mayor Jim Bancroft and South Dundas Mayor Evonne Delegarde hold copies of the Upper Canada Adventure Map during an unveiling in Morrisburg, Ont. on Thursday, May 24, 2018. The map is reviving a 10 year partnership that has been somewhat dormant. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston)

South Stormont Mayor Jim Bancroft says tourism is one of the “key items” in both municipalities. “Upper Canada…(we) are very keen on producing and moving forward with tourism and this is one small example.”

South Stormont Economic Development Coordinator Chris Hemond says the map will appeal to tourists who aren’t concerned with “imaginary boundaries,” being the border between South Stormont and South Dundas. “We can provide a much better pitch to those visitors, combining our assets and our efforts in marketing.”

Hemond and others said this would spur more partnerships in the future.

The first 10,000 copies will be available in South Dundas at the municipal center and tourism information kiosks, in South Stormont at the township office and select local businesses, and at the SD&G tourism office at the Cornwall Jail.

The one year joint project cost $6,000 for each local government ($12,000 total project cost).