Be ‘welcoming’

Whether you call it the “Victoria Day Weekend,” the “May Long,” or the “May 2-4,” the upcoming holiday weekend certainly is among the most anticipated of the year.
Although Mother Nature might not always co-operate (and it doesn’t appear she’ll be in a particularly good mood for at least part of the weekend this year), it traditionally marks the unofficial start of summer as people eagerly turn their attention to cabin trips, camping, and boating.
This year, the holiday weekend also coincides with the walleye season-opener—when anglers hit the water in droves in search of that elusive “lunker” and that first fresh feed of fish, whether as a shore lunch or back at home.
Of course, the May long weekend ushers in the tourist season, as well, as visitors—primarily from the U.S.—begin to flood into Northwestern Ontario for their annual getaways to the pristine lakes, great fishing, and remote beauty our region offers.
The importance of tourism to the area’s economy cannot be understated. And even though Fort Frances remains a “gateway” community as opposed to a destination, many local residents depend on jobs created by the tourist industry while local businesses clearly reap the spin-off benefits either directly or indirectly.
Hopefully, the lower Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. greenback, and somewhat cheaper gas prices, translates into a good year for area camp owners.
Thanks to the town’s initiative, the tourist information centre here will be open again this year starting Friday. But everyone can play a role in being good ambassadors for Northwestern Ontario.
Fort Frances may be “Boundless” but let’s also be “welcoming” to all our visitors so they continue to return year after year.