Transplants

For whom does the Chamber of tourism and commerce speak?

Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (PECCTAC) manager Mike McLeod is distancing his organization from remarks made by a Chamber spokesperson that appeared in the Toronto Star on Monday.

In the story, Toronto venues popping up in Prince Edward County—ostensibly about the opening of the Hayloft Dance Hall this weekend—PECCTAC’s Karen Condison, pointed to a divide between Toronto people and some local residents.

“With places like the Drake catering to the Torontonian crowd, it’s (causing) a bit of rift between your county folk … and the transplants,” said Condison, an administrator with PECCTAC. “They just don’t like the way it’s going.”

Condison was reported to have added that some local residents complain about a new inn and restaurant in Wellington taking up parking spots, and feeling unwanted at upscale establishments wealthy Torontonians frequent.

“It’s a natural complaint in many communities that deal with an influx of visitors,” says McLeod. “Do our members feel this way? No. No. No. She was just reporting what we hear.”

McLeod bristled when asked if it was appropriate for the Chamber, or indeed consistent with its role as a contracted provider of visitor services, to regurgitate such grumbling with national media.

“No. It is definitely the role of the Chamber to reflect the positive features of the County. I think we do that—we do a great job at that,” says McLeod.

Many County business owners were stung by the comments made by the Chamber spokesperson, especially as it comes at the beginning of an important tourism season.

Evan Nash chairs the Wellington and District Business Association. He says these comments don’t reflect the sentiments of the businesses his organization represent.

“There is no rift,” says Nash. “There is always adjustment required when there is a significant change. But that isn’t new. That is the way it has always been.

“We welcome new business such as the Drake Devonshire with open arms. We always have. I expect we always will.”

Bill Roberts chairs the County Community Development Commission. He wants to see the County do a better job of presenting a “positive message to both visitors and potential new residents and businesses alike.”

“What makes the County so incredibly unique and desirable as a destination is our eclectic and exciting mix of old and new—including people, perspectives, lifestyle and attractions,” says Roberts.

In Roberts’ view, it is not a matter of overlooking the risks and potential traps of development and growth—but rather about confidently seizing opportunities while preserving the qualities that make the County special.

“We have challenges—and some very justified concerns—associated with appropriate growth and needed economic development,” says Roberts. “But the County, in my view, continues to be a very friendly, warm, creative, and welcoming place, despite that.”