Others wish that they could enjoy it for longer than a few days
To the Expositor:
Once again, your editorial of the June 14 edition hits the nail squarely on the head (‘Tourism is everybody’s business on Manitoulin Island,’ Page 4). Almost any northern community abound with the natural beauty of Manitoulin must recognize that the injection of tourist dollars is vital to the prosperous survival of both year-round local businesses and seasonal operations, and thus, the permanent residents. From my travels all around your beautiful island, Manitoulin Island has done so and continues to capitalize on its most abundant resource, itself. There is no shortage of fine places to stay, if you book early enough, and so many places to visit, cultures to learn about, historic places, and views that are seldom rivaled.
Where I live, we too have many natural wonders to attract those who love clean, unspoiled nature, just a little different from the world known Manitoulin Island, and, without the benefit of access to the Great Lakes for water visitors. Unfortunately, here, these benefits are basically hidden under a rock, with sparse promotion and, one and one only hotel, one lodge outside of town, and a couple of very nice bed and breakfast accommodations. For the most part, we are an unknown to the world, and if they do find us, there is no place for them to stay if they visit. We hold some very good local events, but, again, out of town visitors have little place to stay in town.
So, your editorial states the obvious. Local residents should be open and tolerant and be proud that others appreciate and want to drink in all that the locals take for granted every day. Recognize that you live in a place that others may only wish they could enjoy for longer than a few pleasant days.
Keith Moyer
Elliot Lake
