WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The tourist booth at Veterans Memorial Park on Highway 17 in Cobden will remain closed until at least June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the tourist booth remains closed, the rest area and washroom facilities will be open to the general public when the Province advises it is safe to do so. The decision was carried last night at the electronic meeting of the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region, which was broadcast live on their YouTube channel.
“Considering these unprecedented times as well as to protect the health and safety of staff and 30 plus volunteers, which is first and foremost, staff are recommending the opening of the tourist booth be postponed until at least June 30,” stated Ivan Burton, Planner and Economic Development Officer (EDO) for the Township. He said a report in late June would be presented to Council if further postponement is recommended. Mr. Burton said the tourist booth provides many benefits to travellers seeking accommodations, places to visit and supports local tourism businesses within the Township and Region.
“We have reached out to Beverley Cobb and Randi Keith regarding this postponement and they are acceptable to the delayed opening,” said Mr. Burton. “Randi also said she will reach out to the volunteers regarding the postponement and gather their views.” He stresses the rest area and washrooms are closed until June 30, unless there is a change issued by the Province.
The booth has opened in past years for weekends only, between the long weekend of May and July 1, and shifted to seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., until Labour Day weekend. In 2019, the tourist booth was staffed on weekday’s and Sunday’s by volunteers and on Saturday’s, by Parks and Recreation staff who conducted general maintenance of the park and additional cleaning. Councillor Neil Nicholson suggested a virtual tour booth. “I believe we need to take it to the next step,” said Councillor Nicholson. Due to the current pandemic situation, as well as in keeping with Provincial orders, Veterans Memorial Park is currently closed to the general public and there is no anticipated timeframe for its opening.
As a part of the 2020 Budget deliberations, Council allocated funds to hire a tourism summer student to assist in overseeing the management of the booth and to assist the 30 plus volunteers. “Staff reached out to Emily Johnson, who was hired in past summers,” said Mr. Burton. “However, she has chosen to accept a full-time position in Ottawa.” The tourism summer student position will remain vacant for 2020 as a cost containment measure. If the tourist booth does open, Mr. Burton will oversee the booth’s management with the assistance of other students.
Township staff will now advise the tourist booth volunteer group and report back to Council in late June if further delays are required. The postponement was motioned by Councillor Dave MacKay and seconded by Reeve Cathy Regier. Councillor Chris Olmstead was not in attendance.
