Corner Brook -
The age-old dilemma of tourism versus business continues to plague those involved with the city's Visitor Information Centre.
Although the three-year partnership between the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, Western DMO, and City of Corner Brook - which has been extended through this summer season - has proven effective, the future direction of the facility and service will be evaluated again in the fall.
It appears the board of trade has come full circle on its future plans pertaining to the tourism facility it has operated since 1986. In July 2007, at the official signing of the agreement, then-president Shawn Woodford said the board of trade was "moving in a different direction" and eager to turn the operation of the centre over to its partners. This week, Mel Woodman, the current president, said the board has some plans to be released following the season.
He wouldn't elaborate on what those plans are, but it appears the board of trade hasn't moved that far in its direction as it pertains to the tourism facility located on Confederation Drive.
"We can't really walk away from this," said Woodman of the board of trade, which has moved its office from the Port Corporation facility back to Confederation Drive. "From the board of trade perspective, we have a few ideas that we are floating around and probably in October we will talk about them a little more."
Woodman said the three-year partnership has worked well, but indicated it may not continue beyond this season - although he wouldn't verify so, stating it would be determined in the fall.
"They are using our facility, which is I think is the best facility you could possibly have in terms of accessibility and the overall location," he said.
"The DMO have agreed to do it again for this year, but their mandate seems to be a little different than visitor information. They seem to be more into marketing, so, I guess, moving forward we don't know where it is going to next year.
" ... The space they are using right now for the VIC was never really something we ran ourselves, but, in the future, who knows."
Mike Clewer, executive director of the Western DMO, wasn't available for comment and a spokesperson contacted by The Western Star wouldn't answer questions pertaining to the agreement.
Meanwhile, Mike Dolter, Corner Brook's chief administrative officer, agreed the partnership has worked well. He said the tourism numbers, as have been reported by the DMO, have increased significantly in recent summers.
He said the city has extended the agreement, including the same funding arrangement as before, this time on a monthly basis. The original agreement had the city paying $10,000 annually and an additional $35,000 for the hiring of a year-round staff member. The province also contributed $10,000 annually.
"We are happy with how it has been functioning," Dolter said. "The tourism numbers are up and people are certainly using the service, so we are going to work with the other two parties to figure out what we can do in the future and how it has to be set up."
Dolter said there will be discussions pertaining to winter operation, but admitted that service hasn't been deemed significant. He said the city will continue to play a role with the visitor information centre.
"We certainly think we have a responsibility to make sure information is put forward and we represent the city quite well," he said. "We also think the board of trade and the Western DMO has that responsibility too."
Dolter said the city would really like to find a way to bring the tourists that visit the centre into the city to generate more revenue. However, he understands the challenges with that.
Woodman said that is where there is a difference of opinion right now.
He said the city has suggested it will create a kiosk at the new city hall to provide tourist information, but said they have a different vision of what is expected from tourists.
