Tourist route aims to get drivers off highway, back into town

by Andy Campbell

Feb 28, 2008

SUNDRIDGE – The Central Almaguin Economic Development Association (CAEDA) is looking for ideas that will make motorists want to drive the existing highway through Sundridge and South River, even after the new highway is open.

At CAEDA’s Feb. 21 meeting, Sundridge councillor Sue Ayotte raised the issue of making a tourist attraction out of the existing Hwy. 11 (to be renamed 124), from the interchange south of Sundridge to the one north of South River. While there has been some minor discussion of it in the past, she suggested that something should be accomplished this summer, as the new tourist route needs as much exposure as possible while people still have to drive it.

“If we establish it as a route that draws people’s attention now, they will get off the highway and follow that route,” she said.

Sundridge mayor Elgin Schneider noted that it is one of the strategies recommended by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

One simple idea Ayotte mentioned would be to scatter sunflower and wildflower seeds along the sides of the highway. It could be dubbed “The Sunshine Route.” There was brief discussion of how much seed that would require.

“Why don’t we put it to the public?” asked South River mayor Jim Coleman.

Schneider recommended also asking local businesses. Coleman agreed.

“They’re the ones who’ll benefit,” he said. “We could throw it open to everybody.”

Ayotte pointed out that whatever is decided must be something that can be established before the highway bypass is completed. Progress needs to be made this year.

Coleman suggested that the local naturalist club might be able to help, if natural beauty is to be the attraction. Something might possibly be done to attract birds to the area.

Schneider warned against anyone making this endeavour into a competition between the villages. It is for everyone’s benefit.

Ayotte asked if the MTO’s blessing is needed to establish a tourist route.

“They have to be involved, for sure,” said Schneider. “But they’re the ones who suggested it.”

The question of what to call the route also had people stumped. Coleman referred to a past proposal to establish “Tom Thomson Way.” However, he said the name should reflect the entire area, and Tom Thomson wouldn’t do that.

Machar mayor Harvey Pinkerton was not a fan of the Tom Thomson name.

“A lot of people nowadays wouldn’t know who that guy was,” he said, suggesting that the name should be something most people today can relate to.

Picking a name that reflects the whole area will be a tall order, Coleman pointed out.

“There’s lots going on,” he said. “How do you put it all in a name?”

“Let’s put it to the public,” said South River councillor Les Mahon.

Plans are in the works to advertise for ideas. In the meantime, if you live or work in Sundridge, Strong, South River or Machar, and have a suggestion for promoting the highway as a tourist route, CAEDA asks that you pass your ideas on to your local council.