A fabled land

There once was a land rich in fruits and vegetables—so bountiful it became known as the Garden of Canada. But over time mechanization changed the way food was picked, packed and processed. Local producers adapted as best they could, but the wave was too strong. Before long small growers gave way to larger, more efficient packers in other parts of the country and in time even these large companies would cede some of the homegrown market to offshore producers.

What was once an important and thriving engine of this land’s economy had, over a few decades, simply drifted away.

This land had always been blessed by a richness in natural beauty and splendour. For more than a century the land had had a power to attract. Folks would arrive by train, step onto the station platform in Wellington and, with parasol in hand, make their way to the Alexander Hotel on Main Street. They would spend days, perhaps weeks, enjoying the beach, blue sky and cool water. They would write postcards back describing the summer of their lives.

This too would end. The rail gave way to highways and motorcars. Many more visitors could now access the beaches and dunes. Day trips replaced vacations. The land had become very popular but these visitors added very little to the local economy. There was little to do but clean up the mess after they left.

After the war, the nation got to work rebuilding infrastructure that had been neglected for nearly two decades. A shrewd industrialist managed to secure a goodly share of these projects putting many ablebodied men and women to work. He built a cement plant in his home town to feed a growing nation’s hunger for bridges and buildings. But few other industries followed. The land was too far from key transportation links—the resources, aside from limestone, too few.

The economy was adrift. But this land wasn’t alone. Many communities in the nation had witnessed the gradual decline of its manufacturers and industries, giving way to offshore competitors. As the factories closed—the jobs disappeared.

But this land still had its natural beauty and a tradition of growing good things from the soil. Though it wasn’t clear, these attributes would soon become important competitive advantages and ultimately a powerful economic engine.

The early pioneers were considered foolish and perhaps a bit reckless when they began planting grapevines along the land’s southern shoreline. But soon others came along. And still others. They invested millions of dollars into fields, barns, equipment, processing and storage and tasting rooms. They hired hundreds of folks to tend the vines, coax fine wine from the grapes and market the results.

Best of all they didn’t have to ravage the landscape, destroy the terrain or pollute the air to create this new economy. Instead they constructed facilities that enhanced the countryside. They nestled vineyards attractively amid the rich agricultural tradition of the land.

Other industries sprang forth. Inns were built and expanded to accommodate the many new visitors that were drawn to the vines. Restaurants emerged to cater to the refined tastes of those who would travel hundreds of miles for a distinct wine experience. Art galleries, cheesemakers, a distiller and a variety of artisans seized upon the market opportunity that had been set in motion by those first pioneers.

Today the land is growing: investment continues to flow in, jobs of all description are being created and other communities are looking on with admiration and more than a tinge of envy. But all is not well in the land. Some want to turn their back upon what has become the backbone of the new economy. Rather than nurture the opportunity that has blossomed at their feet, some want see its scant resources used instead to pursue high-paying factory jobs.

They argue that the new economy doesn’t provide the kinds of jobs they want. Others fantasize that this new market engine would have come to the land, without the nurturing and support provided by the local government over the past 15 years. Still others resent that this opportunity is being seized by folks who weren’t born on this land. Observed from outside these arguments seem absurd and out of touch. Yet they find persistent currency among the land’s governing council. The official tasked with nurturing and tending to the new economy over the past decade was badgered so relentlessly he was forced to move to a more receptive land.

Meanwhile the new economy he fostered continues to cultivate the market opportunity on its own— conjuring and staging events that encourage visitors to come and stay past September and earlier than May. They continue to attract the attention of writers, magazines and photographers from around the world, levering their reach to broaden the opportunity for the benefit of all in the land.

This new economy deserves our respect, attention and our support. Not for its sake—but for our own. These pioneering individuals have invested their own capital to create this economic engine over the last decade and a half. It is up to us to figure out how to make it work for our families.

This weekend consider visiting one of the County’s many wonderful wineries, grape growers, cheese makers, artisans, restaurants or distiller. Let them know their contribution to this new economy is valued and respected.

rick@wellingtontimes.ca