Tourist info centre to open in Stayner

A tourist information centre is set to open in Stayner this summer.

The centre will open this summer in the former Co-op building on Huron Street, which is now owned by the Township of Cleaview.

Clearview Township community, culture and recreation coordinator Shane Sargant said the building is used as a community resource centre for various groups and the township has partnered with the Stayner Chamber of Commerce to run a tourism information booth out of the building. He said he hopes the Creemore BIA will also be a partner.

“We’re trying to get people coming off Highway 26 and then direct them to Creemore, New Lowell, the Smallest Jail, festivals and events and stay downtown,” said Sargant.

He said the number of people travelling on the highway in the summer months, heading to Wasaga Beach and elsewhere is significant.

“We want to slow that traffic down, stop them and let them know what’s in Clearview,” said Sargant.

In the third year of a four-year Trillium grant known as the PARC Project, the township will have four summer staffers, one of whose job is to provide tourism information. Sargant has applied for a grant to hire a tourism coordinator for July and August but has not heard whether the township will get the money.

Sargant said a meeting to hammer out the logistics of the visitor’s centre on Wednesday, April 8 is open to everyone.

Christine Anderson from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Sports and Recreation will be speaking and facilitating the meeting held at town hall in Stayner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sargant is hoping to see local businesses, attractions and events represented at the meeting.

People will help define the services offered at the centre and how best to promote the centre itself and the rest of the township.