The Tourism Diversification Infrastructure Enhancement Study, led by the Deloitte consulting firm, is underway for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout.
The survey aims to identify investments to attract visitors and new residents that will strengthen the community’s labour force and enhance community vitality.
Jennifer Esposito, the municipality’s manager of strategic initiatives, said the study is in the market research phase, which involves stakeholder interviews, surveys, and input from focus groups.
“This study will provide recommendations to support our sports tourism strategy, potentially including upgrades to existing infrastructure such as the Cedar Bay recreational complex, the Third Avenue recreational complex, Memorial Arena, and our trail systems,” Esposito said.
“Additionally, a capacity analysis will help identify service enhancements, such as the optimal number of hotel rooms needed to support events and tournaments, particularly if we expand our engagement with surrounding communities, including nearby First Nations.”
She added that the study will also explore how to integrate the area’s unique cultural history into these developments.
“Our goal is to enhance the visitor experience and improve the quality of life for residents through strategic investments in sports tourism,” she said.
“As part of this, a community pool feasibility study will be included and shaped by the market research.”
Sioux Lookout serves as a regional hub for health and social services for 29 surrounding First Nations. Esposito said the sports tourism strategy aims to complement this role by offering enhanced recreational services and activities.
“Investing in sports infrastructure in a rural hub community can strengthen the labour force by attracting and retaining talent, as improved recreational facilities enhance the quality of life for residents,”she said.
“These investments can also boost business and tourism by drawing visitors for sports events and tournaments, leading to increased demand for accommodations, dining, and retail services.”
Esposito added that enhanced facilities can further position the community as a destination for regional events, encouraging economic growth and supporting long-term community development.
The study, which is financially supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) and Destination Northern Ontario, is well underway.
Extensive background research, including a comprehensive review of past studies, best practices, and emerging trends relevant to Sioux Lookout has already been completed by Deloitte’s consulting team.
During the summer, the municipality distributed postcards via Canada Post to every household in Sioux Lookout and Hudson which contained a link to a survey on recreational needs and priorities. Unfortunately, some postcards were mistakenly placed in flyer boxes rather than individual mailboxes, leading to many residents missing the survey.
“We are redistributing postcards because many were not received during the initial mailing,” Esposito said, adding they have extended the survey deadline until the end of the day on Oct. 14.
Anyone who doesn’t receive a postcard can stop by or email customerservice@siouxlookout.ca to receive the link and a personal identification number.
