They learned that Brookfield could not agree to arrange scheduled bus tours of the wind farm, as outlined in the township's 2006 strategic plan, as bus tours would entail getting consent from all owners of private properties the buses would travel over, Lacourciere said. However, Brookfield has shown interest in the building of a viewing platform/ interpretive site, "where you can see multiple windmills and possibly a view of the lake," she added. "Both Brookfield and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie are committed to investing time to start that project, but no money has yet been officially invested.

The agenda was full and new ideas abundant - but the turnout sparse - at the recent inaugural meeting of Prince Township's Tourism Committee, chaired by Margaret Lacourciere, the Community Economic Development officer.

Highlighting the discussion was Brookfield Power's wind farm, "a major, major project (which) can enhance economic development for the town," said Lacourciere, whose long-term vision includes more restaurants and a flourishing market for bed and breakfast providers.

Earlier this month, Lacourciere said she and Coun. Ron Amadio met with Jim Deluzio, general manager of Brookfield Power, and Ian McMillan, president of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie.

They learned that Brookfield could not agree to arrange scheduled bus tours of the wind farm, as outlined in the township's 2006 strategic plan, as bus tours would entail getting consent from all owners of private properties the buses would travel over, Lacourciere said.

However, Brookfield has shown interest in the building of a viewing platform/ interpretive site, "where you can see multiple windmills and possibly a view of the lake," she added.

"Both Brookfield and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie are committed to investing time to start that project, but no money has yet been officially invested. Nothing has been written in stone," Lacourciere said.

Funding from Brookfield's Sustainable Development Fund, which aids projects that promote education and economic development, can only be obtained if the committee presents a concrete proposal to show that a viewing platform is feasible. No site has yet been located for a viewing platform, but Prince has two or more scenic spots that might be suitable, Lacourciere told the meeting.

Marlene Yanni suggested that any wind farm interpretive site - whether at the viewing station or in the Prince Township Museum -include a video history and photographs depicting the construction stages, for example, the trucking of massive turbine parts into the shield zone.

Mike Landmark, the membership secretary for the Saulteaux division of the Voyageur Trail Association, told the meeting the Voyageurs' Tom Allinson spur trail, which threads through Prince and Dennis Townships, offers a close-up view of several wind turbines to pedestrian visitors.

"The trail is open to the public," Landmark said. "We've asked the landowners' permission to use that trail for walking only."

Landmark also recommended that the tourism committee advertise the wind farm in combination with established businesses in Prince or the west end of the city, such as the Spruce Haven Zoo and Soo Aviation Inc., which offers half-hour scenic flights over the district from the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

Coun. Bobbi Williamson added Runway Park on Airport Road to high-interest list.

Also on the meeting's agenda was the creation of a new logo for Prince Township. Lacourciere plans to arrange a contest and invite residents and visitors of all ages to submit designs.

"We're not necessarily looking for an ultimate design. We might pull aspects of different designs to make our own designs from that," she said.

The contest is set to run April 1-30. Contributors will be eligible for prizes in three age categories: children, youth, and adult.

Lacourciere said she also hopes to see more faces at the next meeting of the Prince Township Tourism Committee, March 18, so that the community, rather than council, will sustain it once it's established.

 

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