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Culinary Tourism a definite possibility for Wolfe Island

Well known for her work in culinary tourism development in Prince Edward County, one of the province’s fastest growing destinations, Rebecca LeHeup was the guest speaker at the annual general meeting of the Wolfe Island Business & Tourism Association (W.I.B.T.A.) LeHeup is the executive director of OCTA, the Ontario Culinary Tourism Association which builds capacity for the Ontario culinary tourism supply chain by increasing relationships between growers and processors, chefs, B&B’s and distributors to create new culinary tourism experiences based on a sustainable food system.
Rebecca works with regions across the province to advance culinary tourism (Ontario Culinary Strategic Plan-Ministry of Tourism) a subject that clearly is becoming more and more important to Wolfe Island food producers and those involved in tourism, particularly WIBTA. It was her first trip to the island.
Following a buffet meal prepared by local resident Maureen Lollar, using ONLY locally grown island food, meats, vegetables, eggs, herbs, condiments etc., an enthusiastic LeHeup, (introduced by WIBTA president Linda Thomas) sprang into action sharing her enthusiasm for what she sees are the connections between agriculture, tourism and culture.
“Culinary Tourism is any food and drink experience that reflects the community’s heritage. It is going to the Corn Maze, gathering pumpkins, picking apples. It is local cheese and wine, it is festivals and events celebrating local food, its heritage and the stories surrounding it,” LeHeup said. “It’s all about eating local food and drawing tourists to your community to do the same. So my job is to work with Ontario communities, to help and build support, identify assets and resources, how we share and tell our story so that local sustainable agriculture is the base of tourism.” Commenting on Wolfe Island’s “Linger Longer” she said it was important to determine the island’s vision as a destination of choice and branding its products.
She cited examples of regions, Peterborough and Collingwood among others that are involved in culinary tourism along with 5 original regions (identified by the Ministry of Tourism) including Prince Edward County, that hold events and festivals related to using local foods to promote tourism. “Collingwood has its Apple Pie Trail. You have strawberries,” she said. “There are ways to celebrate local food. I am here to help and will be back for the island’s annual run.”
In response to a question from Mayor Vanden Hoek about the amount of money involved in developing Prince Edward County as a tourist destination, LeHeup said Rural Economic Development grants were available and she began a very successful fund raising campaign. Responding to further questions she spoke of tracking return on investment, of sponsorships, leveraging what you have and .50 cent dollar Municipal and Federal Industry grants available for the promotion of local foods as well as the importance of developing a business model. Taste trails and arts trails, creating a market, ‘what’s growing locally-farmer-chef meet and greet’ events, festivals-strawberry-garlic, form a local producer/business committee, leverage with Kingston, etc., etc. “You must be passionate about what you are doing, a risk taker,” she said.
A number of the local producers identified what they are doing. *Windkeeper Community Farm – Kathy Rothermel, transitional organic vegetables, herbs, and some fruit, ‘great success with garlic.’ *Pykeview Meadows-Jason & Christina Pyke, Bison meat, bison leather goods, stalls at Kingston and Ottawa Public Markets; *Van Wagner Farm (17th line) provides fresh, local fruits and vegetables, as well chickens. *Rob White- beef, has a shop at the farm, sells locally, and in Kingston; *Jan Broeders, Market Garden,Hwy.#95, 3 days in Kingston and on the island; *Hank Connell- growing vines; sells maple syrup products.; *George Merry- pheasants, but inability to process and stringent regulations, are limiting factors; island products/produce were displayed and also included local honey, WI Bakery treats and Henderson Farm jams and jellies.
Mayor Vanden Hoek was enthusiastic in his praise for the evening’s presentation and for what is evolving on the island. “We are at a rebirth. We have new enthusiastic and serious producers, “ he said. “There are ways the township can support them and this possible venture into culinary tourism on the island.”
Guests at the meeting included Anne Marie Harbec Executive Director, Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association, Justin Lafontaine Projects Director, Transportation Options, Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum and Anne Pritchard , Ex. Director, Frontenac Community Futures Development Corp. Representatives from Wolfe Island’s Community Centre Board, Historical Society and Medical Clinic Board were also in attendance.
Also present at the meeting was Jennifer Hutson (jhutson@kos.net) who brought forward information about “Celebrate 1812” festivities in the planning stages for 2012 and possible funding sources for local events should Wolfe |Island choose to become involved.