Welcome to the June issue and welcome to summer. And just in time, we have an issue filed to the brim with news, good readings, and – one of my personal favorites – the Hometown Tourist campaign, where we encourage locals to explore their local attractions and events with fresh eyes. On Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15, you can enjoy special events and discounts. Be sure to check out page 20 and follow us on our social media pages, as we will be posting updates regularly.
With water and mountains, we have a significant potential to capture the tourism market and contribute to the local economy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. And mountain biking can be one of those outdoor activities that we have yet to capitalize on – unlike Cumberland, which has built a world-class mountain biking network. The grant for a biking feasibility study could not have come at a better time. Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar gives us some valuable insights on rural tourism and resilience on Page 22.
More good news came this month with the announcement of a $1 million grant that will allow the renovation of the Ladysmith Railway Station to become a future Visitor Centre and community hub.
This issue marks a special anniversary where at TAKE 5, as we complete our 28 years of publishing and roll into 29, how time flies when you’re having fun. Thank you, readers and advertisers, for allowing us to share community stories with you.
Happy exploring!
-Marina Sacht the TAKE 5 tourists