This is a copy of the National Parks response published in the Early May edition of The Bruce Peninsula Press
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Parks Visitor Centre Update
We are currently awaiting a response to a request for proposals for architectural and media design services for the project. If all goes well we will have a design consultant selected in June. Clearing of the access road through Codrington and Alexander Streets is expected to commence in May.
There are three issues in particular, of late, which are of considerable interest in the community. We would like to take this opportunity to explain our thinking and the current status on these matters.
First, the question of a sales outlet in the Visitor Centre for our co-operating association - The Friends of Bruce District Parks. The initial proposal was to allocate 35 square metres (375 square feet) for this outlet in the new centre, along with an office for the Friends of 11 square metres. This outlet would provide the Friends with an opportunity for increased contact with the people, and provide a good source of revenue to support their efforts in the National Parks and the community. After review of this space and discussion with the Steering Committee for the centre, it was decided that we would reduce the planned sales area by including the office space within the same 35 square metres. The Friends confirmed their interest and intent to operate the outlet at a recent meeting. They will undertake development of a business plan which will outline their proposed product lines and staffing strategy. It is not the intent of the Friends, or Parks Canada, to see this shop compete with other businesses in the community. We will therefore work with the Friends to establish product guidelines for the outlet. The Chamber of Commerce has offered assistance in this regard and we welcome their input. These guidelines will help to ensure the shop offers a selection of good quality, environmentally friendly, park-related merchandise with limited overlap with other stores in the community.
Another issue associated with the Visitor Centre is the status of the snowmobile trail route through the Fathom Five land base. Following a lengthy public consultation exercise, the Fathom Five National Marine Parks Management Plan, signed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in 1998, called for the removal of the trail from the land base. The decision was based on National Park policy as well as input on the topic (for and against) through the management planning process. The thinking also reflected the fact that at the time there was a commonly used alternative route in Tobermory. Parks Canada has stated that the snowmobile trail will be closed because of the National Park policy, and because of safety concern for other groups who will be using the trails around the Visitor Centre for skiing and snowshoeing. We have indicated to the Tobermory Snowmobile Club our willingness to work with them, and with the Municipality, to find an alternate route into Tobermory. We have met with the Club's committee on this issue and are hopeful that a mutually satisfactory arrangement can be worked out which would allow continued snowmobile access to businesses in Tobermory. A successful arrangement would also alleviate safety concerns around the Visitor Centre and environmental concerns regarding snowmobiling in this national marine park area.
A third issue that has been discussed relates to the continued existence of the Diver Registration Office in Little Tub Harbour. The Management Plan states that the function of registering divers will continue to be carried out in the harbour. It has since been suggested that we closed the existing harbour office and have the diver registration function carried out in the new Visitor Centre when it opens. The advantage of this would be eliminating operating costs for the building and providing additional staff to complement planned staffing for the new facility. after hearing from the public on this idea, through the Park Advisory Committee and at the February public meeting on Visitor Centre planning, we have decided to continue having diver registration continue in Little Tub after the new centre opens in 2004. The importance of convenience to the dive community and of maintaining a National Park presence downtown has guided this decision.
Speaking of presence in the harbour, many will have noticed that the old visitor centre is no more. Due to the need for major repairs to the building and the fact that it would only be needed for three more summers, the decision was made to cease operations at that location. Some of the exhibits have been moved to the Diver Registration Office. That building will serve the combined needs of providing diver registration as well as park information.
release of Ivan Smith,
Parks Canada