The Elliot Lake area is another step closer to becoming a world-class all-terrain vehicle (ATV) destination for tourists thanks to an Ontario government investment of $105,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.
"The tourism sector, which employs approximately 40,000 people, is one of the most important economic drivers in Northern Ontario," says Jim Wilson, northern development and mines minister. "The ATV pilot project will provide new tourism opportunities that will help attract even more visitors to the North Shore."
Discovery North Resource Centre, in co-operation with the Elliot Lake ATV Club, the City of Elliot Lake, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership and federal partners, is spearheading the pilot project, which will set the standard for community-led ATV tourism models. Approximately 300 kilometres of multi-use trails will be developed in the Elliot Lake area.
The project also includes marketing initiatives such as Web site development, brochures and media activities to promote sustainable, responsible ATV tourism throughout the province. A best-practices manual will be created for use by other Ontario communities.
"We are delighted that the Ontario government contribution will enable us to go forward on this project,' says George Bilodeau, chair of the Discovery North Resource Centre. "This funding will help us achieve maximum success and create a viable tourism activity in the Elliot Lake area."