The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) is excited to be moving forward with changes that will improve its offerings to visitors and the fiscal sustainability of its important heritage and tourism attractions.  Recently, the SLPC Senior Leadership Team led by Darren Dalgleish, General Manager and CEO, presented its 2012 plans to the Board of Directors.  SLPC’s array of attractions and experiences will be more economically accessible and collaborative while ensuring growth and fiscal improvement of the organization.

“The Board of Directors and I are excited and encouraged by the direction Darren and his team is taking SLPC,” said Ron Eamer, Acting Chair of the Board.  “We have a clear and aggressive focus that aims to serve the community in a thoughtful and entrepreneurial manner.”

“Our job as the largest tourism organization in Eastern Ontario is to innovatively lead and more importantly attract visitors to our world-class sites with programs and prices that deliver outstanding, quality and valuable experiences,” said Dalgleish.

SLPC will become more accessible in 2012 through a lowering of gate admissions at key attractions, and value-added benefits at all attractions and facilities.  “We’re dropping the gate admission at Upper Canada Village by $6 per person beginning in May of 2012,” said Dalgleish. “Taking admissions from $21 to $15 will afford guests the ability to enjoy other services and experiences in the Village.”  Event rates are also dropping while event programming at the Village will increase, with some new, exciting additions.  Event rates at Fort Henry will decrease as we expand programming with the addition of a second Sunset Ceremony on Saturday nights in July and August.  New, visitor-relevant experiences like the planned ‘guided Segway site tours’ have already sparked keen interest. “We will strive to protect our core heritage attractions while at the same time boost the local economy through the enrichment of our product mix,” said Dalgleish.

In addition to the decreased admission prices at the attractions, visitors will receive with each purchase of a gate admission at Fort Henry, Upper Canada Village or SLPC day-use facility, a FREE ticket to visit the other heritage sites or one of the day-use parks or beach areas.  All reciprocals work on the basis of equal or lesser value.  The new reciprocal program will also be extended to Upper Canada Golf Course.  With the purchase of a 2012 golf membership; a season’s pass to Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry, and the SLPC’s day-use areas will be provided at no additional cost.  The same benefit also applies to 2012 Passport to the Past holders and Crysler Park Marina’s seasonal boaters.

Another change for 2012 will be FREE access to drive along the necklace of eleven islands connected by the Long Sault Parkway.  Admission will only be charged at the day-use and camping areas.

The SLPC is also in the process of conducting an analysis of the adventure/geo tourism directions to generate new revenues through its own business initiatives and through partnerships with the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.   Substantial investments already started in 2011 include 54 new slips at Crysler Park Marina, 113 RV site upgrades at McLaren Campground, and an updated sewage treatment plant at Ivy Lea Park.

“The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s investment into our two state-of-the-art Discovery Centres at Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry, representing over 18,000 square feet of exhibit, retail and meeting space, will undoubtedly attract new explorers, offering guests added value to their experiences with us. The SLPC is working diligently in Ontario’s eastern region to revitalize our unique tourism products and experiences and now, with a strong value proposition to support increased visitor engagement,” remarked Dalgleish.

The SLPC is committed to working with our tourism, heritage and business partners, municipalities, and the community at large to uphold, elevate, and promote our area of Ontario.  SLPC is a responsible member of the communities in which it has land holdings and will continue to be dedicated to making a positive contribution.

Darren Dalgleish, CEO of SLPC, demonstrates the planned Segway tour route at Fort Henry.