Tourism has been a significant boon to the economy of New Liskeard, and an investment in their waterfront has enabled the town to attract some of the most highly acclaimed seasonal sporting events in the nation.
"Tourism in the area is encouraged by our $12-million waterfront which was developed 12 years ago," says Ken Boal, chief administrative officer for New Liskeard. "It's been a drawing card for us and has enabled us to attract special events and boaters."
The waterfront boasts a modern fitness centre housing a pool and recreational programs, adjacent to a hotel on the beach with one mile of waterfront.
New Liskeard hosts such events as the annual Monster Snowmobile Race in February. Over 1,300 snowmobiles participate in the event, "one of the biggest in Canada," Boal says, and it attracts hundreds of people from the United States.
In 1993, the Lake Temiskawa Waterway officially opened to boaters and has increased tourism to the area, he notes. The 475-kilometre waterway allows boaters to travel from Arnprior (west of Ottawa) to New Liskeard.
Lake Temiskaming, one of the deepest lakes in Ontario, flows into the Ottawa River.
The town plays host to a number of summer events including antique boat shows, boat races, float-plane shows, and a rodeo.
Outdoor activities have also been a draw for the area, offering fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing for nature buffs. Hunting camps within proximity make it an attractive choice for hunters from the United States to travel to during the hunting season. Recreational opportunities range from nordic skiing and dog sledding in the winter months, to golfing and hiking in the summer months.
