by Tom Sasvari
GORE BAY—With a lot of interest and enthusiasm shown by about 20 different business owners in the Town of Gore Bay at a meeting earlier this month, not only did the group agree that they want to see the formation of a Gore Bay business group, it has also set its first priority.
“Having a map available of the town and location of businesses is an excellent idea,” stated Kathy Antonio of My Ol’Blues.
The map would include locations of the various businesses and businesses could also advertise on the map if they choose to.
“And it could include the walking trails in the town,” said Carrie Lewis, chair of the newly established group, who had organized the meeting.
It was pointed out there was a Gore Bay map a few years ago but it is out of date, the members indicated.
“I agree with everyone that we need to bring people to Manitoulin Island and our focus has to be Western Manitoulin and specifically Gore Bay,” said Dawn Noble McCann. “The town has two beautiful bluffs that it sits between, and we can market and promote that as well as the history of the town, including its nautical and fishing history.”
“The town is a great place to visit and offers a lot for people who are visiting,” Ms. Noble McCann continued. “There is a main street lined with businesses and sidewalks so people can walk on both sides and visit all the businesses. Visitors can go for a beer at Split Rail, get chocolate sweets (Finnia Chocolate and Cacao), eat at our restaurants, get a massage (at Timeless Beauty Spa), get groceries, get jewellery fixed and much more. All of these things make for a great vacation spot.”
“People can definitely find enough things to do to spend a whole day here,” said Ms. Noble McCann. “And we can capitalize on our nature and have bike rentals available and walking trails including the new one being established at the bottom of East Bluff.”
“I own a bed and breakfast,” said one local business owner. “Tourists struggle on finding out where they can visit and get things they need, and when a business is open. Having a map of the town with the location of businesses is very important. We have lived here five years and we get questions from people who stay with us where things are. It would definitely be good to have a map they can use, and we can show them where the business they are looking for is located and how they can get there.”
Annette Clarke, economic development officer for Western Manitoulin asked if a map is published if businesses would be interested in helping to pay for this.
It was agreed by those at the meeting that they would pay a share of the costs to have maps made.
Ms. Lewis presented a potential vision statement for the Gore Bay Business Group to consider in the future. “The Town of Gore Bay business districts will flourish and grow into a vibrant and dynamic place, the preferred designated neighbourhood in the region, by offering a wide range of unique and diverse experiences and stimulating economic opportunities.”
Dan Osborne pointed out the town has a map that the group can expand on.
It was agreed that development of the proposed map could go ahead, with the cost estimates being sought to produce the map. As well, a mass mailout will go to all businesses in town indicating that the map is being looked and, and to gauge what interest there is among all the businesses and if they would be willing to share in the costs of producing the map. This will all be discussed at the next meeting of the group, to be held in May.
