Sundre's top administrator does not doubt for one second the municipality's potential to develop thriving recreational and tourism sectors that will benefit the entire community for generations to come.
Linda Nelson has recently been offering presentations outlining the municipality's vision framework, which the overall plan will be built upon, she said last month during a meeting with several community stakeholders at the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society's board meeting room.
The plan remains in its infancy and will likely change substantially by the end of summer and into the fall, as the town's administrative staff is looking for feedback and input from the community and all of the regional stakeholder groups, she said.
"We truly want this to be a community plan and a community vision."
The current strategy for Sundre suggests that tourism and economic development are paramount, and that the municipality's natural setting and beautiful vistas demonstrate the potential to support the vision, she said, adding it's just a matter of building on these foundations.
"Our vision for Sundre is to build a sustainable parks and pathways system that will last for generations."
As the vision evolves, there will be five key objectives, she said.
"To build a healthy, active, productive, happy and sustainable community; to build an oasis of natural and cultural gardens; to become a tourist destination; to create an industry of recreation and sport and culture to enhance and contribute to the local economy; (and) to build a tourism industry around sport tourism, eco tourism and camping."
Her presentation additionally focused on five goals on the pathway to well-being: active living; inclusion and access; connecting people and nature; supportive environments; and recreation capacity. The benefits of parks and recreation are immense, she said, citing examples such as improved mental and physical well-being, facilitating the effort to connect people with nature, and building stronger families and communities.
"Sundre is the perfect space for this vision. It is rare to find a community of our size with the existing amenities and opportunities that we currently enjoy," which include but are certainly not limited to the Greenwood Campground, library, museum, skate park, trails, arena and pool, restaurants, hospital, schools, and rodeo grounds.
"That's pretty impressive."
The development of a sustainability forest and gardens is a critical component in the vision plan, she said.
"With the beautiful landscape and spaces, the river, and the new trail and open space plan coming forward, this concept is a perfect fit."
Some of the possibilities include boardwalks with interpretive signs, an indigenous garden, bee hotels, a butterfly garden, a bird garden, an edible garden as well as a community garden, which Sundre is already fortunate to have, she said.
"The sustainability forest and gardens is a multi-year project that the town could develop in partnership with local service groups, businesses and any other interested stakeholders."
Brenda Holder, owner and operator of aboriginal tourism company Mahikan Trails, also offered some insight in tourism development during Nelson's presentation.
"I've been involved in aboriginal tourism as a Cree Iroquois person since the year 2000."
During that time, Holder said she has learned a lot about tourism and what it can do for a community as well as to enhance the lives of guests. Catering a unique experience for soul seekers who are not interested in traditional bus tours is an important part of the equation, she said.
"The most critical point is to create the ëmake me care' factor," she said.
"Make me care about coming to your location and what you have to offer and what it means to me."
Aboriginal tourism involves disconnecting people from technology ó no phones allowed! ó in order to reconnect them with nature to make more meaningful memories, she said.
"People don't really want to be led like zombies along a trail by some guide. They want more of an interactive, hands-on learning experience."
Developing the vision and making the plan a reality will require partnerships with local businesses, volunteer organizations and Mountain View County, said Nelson.
Anyone who is interested in offering ideas and input, or even to potentially get involved, is welcome to contact the administrator at the town office, 403-638-3551, or by email at [email protected].
