Ray Laferriere was surprised, and humbled, when he received the Ambassador Award from the Temiskaming Shores and Area Chamber of Commerce recently.
“That really touched me,” he said. “I didn't know what to say. I am just one of the little guys,” said the owner of Sutton Bay Park.
Laferriere's award was well deserved. For those who spend a night or a whole season at the campground on the shores of Lake Temiskaming, east of New Liskeard, they will leave with a better understanding of the area and of Northern Ontario.
“I am really surprised about the number of people, especially those from elsewhere in this province, who come here and don't know about the region,” he said. “But I inform them.”
Whether it is through maps or tales, Laferriere is eager to share information about the area's history, such as nearby Cobalt. He is full of tidbits of information, tales and facts, and encourages his guests to explore the area.
“They can read all sorts of articles but it is much better when someone tells them about the area,” he said. “My main goal is to keep them here.”
Often they come for one night but opt to stay longer. He encourages them to explore the rest of the North and has mapped out routes for them to follow and informs them of campgrounds they can stay in.
“I had seven units in here one night and they asked me about the rest of the North so I showed them where they could go and what to see. I told them about Shania Twain and Timmins and Tim Horton and Cochrane. I told them to come back on Highway 17 so they could get to see Lake Superior,” he said.
A week later, the campers returned. They came back through Chapleau and Timmins.
“They told me they had to come back and see me and tell me about their trip,” Laferriere said. “They were going to do the Highway 17 tour the next year. I have no problem sending them somewhere else in the North and recommending other campgrounds.”
In 1997, he became involved in the campground as an investor. Two years earlier, the property, which was filled with trees, was purchased. In 1999, he became the sole owner and operator.
The property has been tiled and campers can take advantage of electrical, water and sewer hookups and wireless Internet. The seasonal campers add decks and gardens and keep their plots tidy and clean.
Other amenities include no blackflies which Laferierre said don't thrive in the Claybelt. A leisurely walk along the grounds proves him right.
He had been a trucker for 27 years but quit the industry two years ago after sustaining an injury. His three children – aged six, 11 and 13 – help out with various chores at the campground along with seasonal campers who volunteer to cut the grass, register campers if the office is closed, or operate other pieces of equipment when required.
There are 50 seasonal sites and a total of 125, which are not all serviced. Some rough camping sites are currently under construction.
“There is still a lot to do here. It really is never ending,” Laferriere said.
Fourteen years ago, he started Sutton Bay Countryfest at the campground to offer some entertainment to his guests. The event currently attracts attendees from a wide area and the park is filled with about an extra 400 trailers during the four days.
Held from the Thursday to Sunday during the last weekend in July, the event started small by featuring local talent and small bands.
“It was a big gamble at the beginning but we have had some good people like Carroll Baker and Johnny Cash's brother, Tommy,” he said. “It's a lot of work and we are already booking for next year.”
This year, Celine Dion's brother, sister and sister-in-law are to perform along with other performers, including those from Northern Ontario.
“We do support bands from the area and region because we want to show the talent we have here,” Laferriere said.
A basketball court is transformed into a dance area during the event and charities run the kitchen, housed in a screened pavilion, to raise funds. Three years ago, a committee took over some of the responsibility of organizing the event since he found it was too much work.
In winter, he keeps the road opened to the bay and sells passes to those wanting to ice fish. He may rent out a few huts in the future.
“I really didn't know everything that was involved when I took this on,” he said. “I love the people and talking to them, and I like being outside and working with my hands. It keeps me busy.”
