Table of Contents. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006 1

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2 Table of Contents Chairman's Message In Memory of Chairman George Assaly Board of Commissioners Report from the General Manager Management Team /06 Corporate Highlights Visitor Origins Our Attractions: Upper Canada Village Fort Henry Campgrounds & Day-Use Areas Upper Canada Golf Course Crysler Park Marina Financial Statements The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006 1

3 Chairman s Message Honourable Minister, The 2005/2006 year presented The St. Lawrence Parks Commission with significant challenges. Following positive signs of recovery experienced during the previous year, performance levels stalled somewhat during the 2005/2006 operating season. Continued global unrest, perceived cross border issues, rising gasoline prices and incredibly hot and humid weather negatively impacted visitation, particularly at Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry National Historic Site. In spite of these challenges the Commission's attractions were able to celebrate numerous successes throughout the year, the highlights of which are summarized within the content of this report. The year also provided the opportunity for the Commission to enthusiastically embrace Ontario Ministry of Tourism Values and we were proudly able to demonstrate how Innovation, Quality, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect are consistently reflected in the delivery of our various products and services to our customers. In addition, I am pleased to report that Commission staff has taken a leading role within the region as champions of the Ministry of Tourism's Destination Development initiative, and also actively participated in an Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership led special task force committee formed to strengthen the Province s marketing efforts targeting Quebec. Staff as well assisted in the development of an exciting new Ontario Provincial Cultural Tourism marketing campaign to be launched in the spring of The future challenge however, continues to be the development of a long term strategic sustainability plan for the Commission designed to relieve operational funding pressures and rejuvenate its facilities. The Commission fulfils a vital public interest within Eastern Ontario. We are grateful to the Ministry of Tourism for providing the Commission with $400,000 in funding towards the completion of the various necessary feasibility studies and plan development. As a result, the Commission working closely with the Ministry of Tourism will be looking for ways to expand its existing attractions and operations to ensure growth and economic stability in the years ahead. The plan will be consistent with the Provincial Government's Ontario Tourism Strategy which was launched in 2004 and we are resolved to maximize this opportunity over the weeks and months ahead. As I conclude my report as Acting Chairman, let me take this opportunity to thank both the Commissioners and staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to this organization. Working together with the Ministry of Tourism, we look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead and to ensuring that the Commission continues to fulfill a vital public interest as an educator and steward of Ontario's historical and natural resources while remaining a catalyst for economic growth within Eastern Ontario. Sincerely, Peter Watson, Acting Chairman 2 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent

4 In Memory of St. Lawrence Parks Commission Chairman George Assaly George Assaly served as the Chairman of The St. Lawrence Parks Commission from August 25, 2004 until his passing on March 23, Prior to becoming Chairman, Mr. Assaly also served as a Commission member from April 16, 1987 until April 30, An enthusiastic and tireless champion for Eastern Ontario for many years, George provided leadership to the local community through his involvement in many business and charitable organizations. A founding member and former Chair of Team Cornwall, George received numerous awards in the community for his contributions, including: the Lifetime Business Achievement Award, and Citizen of the Year Award (from the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce). Most recently, in January 2006 the Cornwall Lion's Club and Scotiabank hosted a tribute roast in his honour which raised more than $25,000 for the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation. George was also presented with the Lion's Club's highest honour, The Helen Keller Award. Alongside his late brother Joe, George was the co-founder and owner of Jay-Gee Shoes & Clothing, a retail business in Cornwall specializing in quality footwear. He opened the business in 1946, and quickly gained a reputation for quality goods and superior customer service. As Chairman of the Board for The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, George had a vision for the Commission. A vision of growth and prosperity, a vision of partnership with the many municipalities and businesses along the St. Lawrence Corridor and a vision of economic generation for the benefit of the residents of Eastern Ontario. The community and The St. Lawrence Parks Commission will miss George's entrepreneurial spirit and tireless commitment to the region. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent

5 Board of Commisioners 2005/2006 Chairman and Vice-Chair George Assaly Cornwall Chairman: August 25/04 - March 23, 2006 (Deceased) Peter Watson Gananoque September 17/04 - October 16/07 Vice-Chair: December 7/05 - October 16/07 Back Row Left to Right: Ron Eamer, George Brown, Bill Thake, Bob Scott, Peter Watson Front Row Left to Right: Margaret DesRochers, George Assaly, Karen Gorrell Commissioners Ruby E. Antle Cornwall March 23/06 - April 22/07 George Brown Cardinal May 1/99 - April 30/05 Margaret DesRochers Prescott August 1/03 - July 31/06 Karen Gorrell Morrisburg May 1/99 - April 30/05 Ron Eamer Williamstown April 6/05 - April 5/07 J. R. (Jack) McIntosh Winchester August 8/05 - August 7/07 W. George Richardson Bath May 11/05 - May 10/07 K. Robert Scott Kingston September 17/04 - October 16/07 Jeannette Shirley Morrisburg July 15/05 - July 14/07 William L. Thake Westport September 24/03 - September 23/06 Bruce Wylie Brockville August 21/03 - August 20/06 4 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

6 Report from the General Manager Strong partnerships have always been a key to The St. Lawrence Parks Commission's success. As an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, the Commission has developed and maintained close contacts with its provincial partner at all levels of the organization from the Deputy Minister/General Manager to staff throughout. Our late Chairman George Assaly was a strong advocate for the value of partnerships. George and I spent days early in 2005 visiting with the mayors and councils of all sixteen partner municipalities along the corridor, over-viewing the Commission's business and inviting stronger and continued ties to municipal and local businesses and their visions for tourism along the corridor. General Manager, Mike Paradis (left) with Ministry of Tourism Deputy Minister Bill Allen. Business partnerships with private sector tourism and tourism support partners from Kingston to the Quebec border and from the St. Lawrence River to Ottawa are a vital component of our annual business plans. Corporate sponsorships, fundraising, marketing partnerships, committee memberships and community events all represent significant parts of our business portfolio. The Commission has a wealth of public assets from its thousands of hectares of waterfront property to its heritage stewardship to its potential for new and exciting tourism development opportunities. A priority for the Commission will be working with the Ministry of Tourism to develop a plan to strengthen the Commission. With this commitment, the Commission and its partners will set the foundations for The St. Lawrence Parks Commission of tomorrow. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006 5

7 Management Team Michael S. Paradis, P.Eng. General Manager Bonnie VanMoorsel Executive Assistant and Manager of Customer Service and Office Administration John Robertson Manager, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada Dave Dobbie Manager, Upper Canada Village Barry Hughes Manager, Parks and Recreation Bruce Fitz-Gibbon Director, Corporate Services Wanda Fortier Manager, Human Resources Faye Baker Manager, Financial Services Back Row Left to Right: Wanda Fortier, Faye Baker, John Robertson, Bonnie VanMoorsel, Mike Paradis, Dave Dobbie Front Row Left to Right: Bruce Fitz-Gibbon, Barry Hughes 6 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

8 2005/06 Corporate Highlights Sustainability The end of the 2005/06 fiscal year presented the Commission with a sustainability challenge. Together with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Commission is working towards the development of a business plan that will look at various options to plan the Commission s ongoing operational sustainability. Opportunities for tourism development, a revised land use strategy, investment in the Commission's aging infrastructure and changes to empowerment are some of the areas that will be investigated fully to create a long-term sustainability plan. The Commission s new sustainability plan will be completed in the fall of As part of the sustainability planning process, the Commission awarded a Request for Proposal in March 2006, and contracted with a consulting firm to conduct studies relating to tourism development opportunities at the Commission's attractions and on Commission lands. Areas of particular focus include the 1000 Islands Parkway, Crysler Park (including Riverside-Cedar Campground, Crysler Beach, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course and Upper Canada Village) and the Long Sault Parkway. The following charts provide historical information on the Commission's financial performance 1993/ /05 (in thousands of dollars): FISCAL YEAR OPERATING TRANSFER PAYMENT GROSS OPERATING REVENUE GROSS OPERATING EXPENSES NET INCOME OPERATING RESERVE 1993/94 $8,771.0 $4,673.0 $13,444.0 $ - $(624.0) 1994/95 $7,884.0 $5,682.0 $12,528.0 $1,038.0 $ /96 $7,763.0 $6,085.0 $12,326.0 $1,522.0 $1, /97 $6,093.0 $6,065.0 $12,310.0 $(152.0) $1, /98 $6,811.0 $5,732.0 $12,424.0 $119.0 $1, /99 $4,972.0 $6,403.0 $11,822.0 $(447.0) $1, /00 $4,889.0 $6,142.0 $12,127.0 $(1,096.0) $ /01 $5,422.0 $6,352.0 $11,518.0 $256.0 $ /02 $5,335.0 $6,763.0 $12,240.0 $(142.0) $ /03 $5,961.0 $6,514.0 $12,495.0 $(20.0) $ /04 $6,542.0 $6,179.0 $12,309.0 $412.0 $ /05 $6,622.9 $6,821.9 $13,207.6 $237.2 $1, /06 $5,547.1 $6,536.9 $13,431.0 $(1,347.0) $(243.8) As the chart demonstrates, while the operating transfer payment has declined by over 36% since 1993/94, the Commission has been able to contain operating expenses while increasing revenues by almost 40% during the same time period. Due to the seasonal nature of the Commission's operations and their vulnerability to weather, the Commission has historically endeavoured to maintain an operating reserve to provide funds to offset a poor summer season or other emergency operational issue. Unfortunately, by 2004/05, the Commission had expended the operating reserve to sustain ongoing business operations. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006 7

9 Economic Performance Summary Following positive signs of a tourism recovery through regained business levels in 2004, the recovery process seemed to stall in Unstable world events, increasing fuel costs, the rising Canadian dollar and perceptions concerning border crossing delays were factors that continued to influence tourist's travel decisions. And while these factors combined to negatively influence travel, most of all it was the hot, humid weather during the peak operating months of July and August that was the single most negative influencing factor on visitation and activity levels. Overall, activity at the Commission's attractions declined just under 1% in 2005 compared to 2004 activity levels but was 1% above the activity forecast. Revenue was 2% ($142,000) below budget forecast. Other contributing factors were uncertainty as a result of the Ontario Teacher's work-to-rule contract negotiations which had a negative impact on education and school field trip bookings resulting in a drop in school groups by 17% at Fort Henry and 4% at Upper Canada Village compared to forecast activity. Activity at Upper Canada Golf Course was affected by the hot weather and showed a 13% (2,485 rounds) drop in overall activity compared to forecast. Even with high gas prices, Crysler Park Marina showed strong performance in both the transient and seasonal dockage categories which contributed to an overall 7% increase in activity over forecast. Despite prolonged periods of beach postings due to water quality issues, day-use activity at the beach and picnic areas increased by 3.4% and campground activity decreased just under 1% (569 camper nights) over forecast activity. Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada participated in an exciting new Fun Pass program introduced by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) in cooperation with 15 attractions from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture for the 2005 season. The pass offered free admission coupons to children under 14, at any of the participating attractions. Over 320,000 passes were distributed through Toronto area school boards by the end of June, reaching about 22% of all of Ontario's elementary school children and their families. The pass was valid between July 1 and Labour Day. A total of 109 passes were redeemed at Commission attractions. Upper Canada Village and Product Development staff, together with the Friends of Crysler's Farm secured $5,000 in funding from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund to support the preparation of an interpretive plan for the Crysler's Farm Battlefield visitor centre experience. This plan was completed in March 2006 and will form the basis from which future improvements to the visitor centre will be planned and implemented, hopefully in time for the bicentennial celebrations of the War of The Commission participated in the Ministry of Tourism s Destination Development Team for the 1000 Islands - St. Lawrence Seaway Corridor project. The Commission is keenly interested in this project and is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism's Investment Development Office to support this initiative which was identified as a priority in the Ontario Tourism Strategy. 8 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

10 General Manager Mike Paradis made a presentation to staff at the fall Ministry of Tourism Staff Day held at the Olympic Spirit in Toronto. Mr. Paradis presentation focused on how the Commission incorporates the Ministry values - innovation, integrity, quality, respect and accountability into the business plan and the everyday operations at the attractions. Several members of the Commission's marketing team attended the OTMPC Tourism Marketing Summit in Niagara Falls on October 19th and 20th. The two days contained many presentations and discussion panels on issues and trends affecting tourism over the next few years. Of special interest were discussions surrounding the U.S. passport issue, the decline in U.S. visitation, dealing with the reality of long-term high fuel prices, the slow emerging Chinese market and marketing Ontario to more European markets. Staff were invited to participate in the Cornwall & Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Economic Strategic Planning Task Force. The Task Force was established with the responsibility of determining the present status of how economic development is delivered in various jurisdictions including SD&G and whether a different approach may offer options and a greater impact for the region while achieving economies of scale. Commission staff joined two Kingston delegates representing the 1000 Islands-St. Lawrence Seaway corridor in a sales mission to CAA offices in Montreal. The Montreal mission was part of a larger sales effort that included U.S. AAA offices and Toronto CAA offices and was made possible with an Eastern Ontario Development Fund grant to the 1000 Islands-St. Lawrence Seaway Marketing Partnership, through the 1000 Islands Community Futures Development Corporation. Agents at all centres expressed great interest in the 1000 Islands region. In November 2005, it was announced that the Ministry of Tourism would provide funding support to the Commission for the completion of feasibility studies and the development of a longer term sustainability plan for the Commission. The Commission issued a Request for Proposal in February 2006 seeking proponents to complete a market feasibility analysis, infrastructure renewal plan, and land use development strategy. It is anticipated that the plan will be complete by fall Financial Overview The 2005/06 Operating Plan forecast a loss from operations in that year of $950,837, and recognized that the Commission's cash reserves would be depleted to support the operation of the attractions. Extremely hot summer temperatures negatively impacted visitation to the heritage attractions resulting in a 9% decline in entrance receipts. Conversely, the hot weather strengthened day-use, camping and marina activity in the summer months. Overall, total gross revenue of $6,726,740 was realized, 2% below budget projections. Gross operating expenditures of $13,526,073 exceeded budget projections by approximately 2%, reflecting increased costs of centrally negotiated salary awards and the associated employee benefit expenses. The Province of Ontario provided total grant funding for operations of $5,575,363 and as a result, the Commission recognized an operating loss of $1,301,975 in this fiscal year. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006 9

11 Capital Investment In 2005/06, the Commission received $1,859,700 in funding for regular maintenance capital projects. This funding allowed for the completion of high priority, health and safety related projects including the stabilization and repair of a number of heritage buildings in Upper Canada Village, replacement of one bridge deck on the Long Sault Parkway, repaving of 4KM of the 1000 Islands Bike Path, replacement and repair of maintenance equipment, building and structure repairs, electrical upgrades and repairs, and the replacement of playground equipment. To assist in the restoration project at Fort Henry, the Commission received an additional capital grant of $1,000,000, fulfilling the Province's current commitment of $5,000, /06 saw the completion of the main wall stabilization and completion of phase 1 of the redoubt exterior. Fort Henry Trust Fund In 1999, the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, established an endowment fund of $5 million to assist in the restoration of the cultural resources at Fort Henry with the fund held in trust by the Commission. In 2005/06, the opening balance of the fund was $5,870,503 and during the year $150,378 was earned in interest. In December, Parks Canada notified the Commission that the principle and accrued interest would be required to complete the upcoming phase of the restoration. $1,037,540 was transferred in January, 2006 with the balance to follow at the end of the fiscal year. The fund balance at March 31, 2006 was $4,983,347. Fort Henry Restoration Summary The Fort Henry Restoration Program focused on the stabilization of the Redoubt. This was the sector that was identified in 1999 as the portion of the Fort that was in danger of collapse and was closed off for visitor and staff safety. The most easterly arch of the North Wall had been braced since that time and 2005 saw the dismantling of the arch from above and the insertion of new arch stones in order to prevent a major collapse. The entire eastern third of the north wall and three sections of the western sector were re-pointed and where necessary, original stones were repaired or replaced. The major structural problems at Fort Henry are related to the penetration of water into the stonework via the flat roof and masonry parapets saw the initial attempt to address this problem by introducing a new surface to the ramparts. The old asphalt surface was removed down to the concrete slab and waterproof membranes and asphalt were re-laid. On top of the waterproofing, a new paver system was laid upon metal supports to provide better protection for the ramparts. This should provide a more effective solution to the freeze-thaw cycle that has caused problems with the walking surface in the past. By the end of 2005, work 10 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

12 had commenced on the remainder of the north wall arches and waterproofing of the entire rampart surface. This two year phase of the project is expected to be completed by the summer of Human Resources The Human Resources Division (HR) continued to demonstrate its strategic linkage to the goals of the organization by providing cost-effective services and training opportunities to The St. Lawrence Parks Commission in Training such as Safety is No Accident and Conflict Management generated revenues to offset expenditures. In addition, the HR Division expanded its training audience to include community partners such as the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario and other stakeholders. The HR Division was also nominated for a Visions Award for its work in developing and delivering Leadership Training. The following employees with long service records were recognized for their tenure: Gerben Schaillee (left) Manager of Maintenance and Operations with Retiree Ed Kelly 20 years: (Customer Service & Office Administration): Carole Green; (Upper Canada Village): Gabriele Thomas, Gerald Thompson, Ivah Malkin, Keith Johnston, Marilyn Collins, Pierre Geneau, Ronald Giroux, Sharon Shaver, William Fowler; (Maintenance & Operations): Paul White, Roger Labelle, Thomas Dunn; 25 years: (Upper Canada Village): Jean Thompson; (Maintenance & Operations): Gord Spearman; 30 years: (Upper Canada Village) Kevin Robertson; (Fort Henry): Neil Kelly (Parks & Recreation): Wayne Trickey; 30 years with the OPS: (Fort Henry) John Robertson; 35 years: (Upper Canada Village): James Mark; 40 years: (Parks & Recreation) James Trickey. Retirees: (Upper Canada Village): Ann Leighton-Kyle, David Lyons, Denzil Prunner, Gary Mallon, Heather O'Neil, Jean Thompson, Lorna Armstrong, James Mark; (Parks and Recreation): Cory Van Delst. (Product Development and Marketing): Denis Savage. (Maintenance and Operations): Victor Jollota, Ed Kelly, Willis Markell. The Public Sector Disclosure Act, 1996 required organizations that receive public funds to annually disclose the names, positions, salaries and taxable benefits of employees paid $100,000 or more in a year. For the Commission, in the 2005 calendar year, this disclosure is as follows: NAME POSITION SALARY TAXABLE BENEFITS Paradis, M.S. General Manager 147, Fitz-Gibbon, B.F. Director, Corporate Services 108, Hughes, Barry F. Manager, Parks and Recreation 108, Robertson, L. John Manager, Fort Henry 108, Dobbie, D Manager, UCV 101, The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/

13 Visitor Origins Visitor origins differ by attraction and type of experience. The domestic Ontario market is the primary market for visitors to most of The St. Lawrence Parks Commission attractions. The Province of Quebec is particularly strong for the campgrounds, golf, marina and Upper Canada Village. International visitors represent between 17 and 25% of visitors for Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry. Softening in the U.S. visitor origins has been felt mainly at Fort Henry and Ivy Lea Park. SLPC VISITATION BY ORIGIN Ontario Quebec Other CDN United States International SLPC VISITATION BY LOCATION Fort Henry Ivy Lea Upper Canada Village Crysler Park Marina Upper Canada Golf Course Long Sault Parkway Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Riverside-Cedar/ Crysler Beach Glengarry Park 12 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

14 Upper Canada Village Upper Canada District School Board Principals Visit A Huge Success In May, Upper Canada Village hosted 450 principals and lead teachers representing all schools from within the Upper Canada District School Board for a daylong event held to celebrate the completion of Year 1 of the Board's strategic plan, and to share success stories. The event presented the Village with an excellent opportunity to familiarize these leaders with the site and its programs. Feedback from many attendees indicated they were left with a very good impression of the Village. Filming Update LDS Motion Pictures from Salt Lake City chose Upper Canada Village as a film location in the spring for their production of Joseph Smith - Prophet of the Restoration. The documentary is part of a series of historical films which take place in the mid-1800s. The Village had already proven to be an ideal location for the company based on their past experience on site in 1997 and Filming took place in the Village and in some of the campsites from May 31 to June 11. Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield Presentation A public presentation was made by Chairman George Assaly to Robin Morris and Bob Irvine of the Friends of Crysler's Farm Battlefield as part of the annual Military Re-enactment Weekend's activities, to recognize the contributions of the Friends group over the past few years. A plaque was also produced and formally unveiled later in the fall at the Battle of Crysler's Farm Visitor Centre. Ottawa Citizen "Little House in the Village" Project In August, Upper Canada Village partnered with the Ottawa Citizen on a special project that not only provided the Citizen with rich editorial content for the summer, but also resulted in excellent coverage for the Village at an opportune time of the year. Two intern journalists, a young man and woman, actually came to live at the Village for two weeks at the end of August. The interns' own writings of their experiences as both 19th century inhabitants and as interpreters in a living history museum were published alongside other related editorial by other reporters including Tom Spears, local academics, and the Village's own Research Officer Peter Cazaly. A Citizen photographer also documented every aspect of the interns' The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/

15 experiences throughout the project, which became called Little House in the Village. The Citizen also created a Little House in the Village interactive website, where visitors could follow the series, see back issues of articles that appeared in the paper, try out costumes on the interns, find out behind-the-scenes news and much more. There was also a contest in which Upper Canada Village and the Citizen partnered, where children ages 8 to 12 were invited to send in an essay to the Citizen. The winner received a day in costume at the Village with a friend. The project and Upper Canada Village received excellent coverage, including daily front page banners and articles, full page(s) in the front section, and several front pages in each of three weekend Observer sections. Thanksgiving Weekend Upper Canada Village hosted a special Thanksgiving Weekend event, offering half-price admission on both Saturday and Sunday, October 8 & 9. Special themed activities were also held over the course of the weekend, and traditional Thanksgiving dinners were served at Willard's and the Harvest Barn. Alight at Night Alight at Night was a great success this year. Exceptional wintry weather that continued throughout most of the season contributed to overall attendance being 33% higher than last year (over 27,400 visitors in total). Although the increase was also due to the fact that the event operated an extra week this year, even by the end of December, activity was up 18% (3,181) over last year. The Village looked astounding, with close to 200,000 lights decorating even more fences, trees and structures (including the lighthouse). The Pommier Carriage was again fully booked for the better part of the program. The weather turned cold enough in the last week to clean the canal off and ice skating was offered as a last-minute addition to the program. The Toy Train, Alight at Night's newest program, proved to be very popular, with over 6,000 rides taken over the course of the event. Sponsorship contributions were exceptional in 2005, with over 20 new, nightly community sponsors of the Toy Train (cash value of over $7000) and a new major train sponsor Scotiabank (donating $5000 cash). The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership s Tourism Event Marketing Partnership Program provided a $15,000 sponsorship for the event, and partner advertising revenues reached $4,000, this year. New to the 2005 event, Cadbury Adams came on board with an in-kind sponsorship of 28,000 Magical Chocolate Elves that were handed out to visitors throughout the event. 14 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

16 Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada Fort Henry Wins Economic Developer s Council of Ontario Award For United States Marine Corps/Fort Henry Guard Golden Anniversary Fort Henry National Historic Site was the proud recipient of the 2004 EDCO Award for the USMC/FHG 50th Anniversary Advertising Campaign last summer. Fort Henry Lead Image In KEDCO/OTMP Summer Campaign Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO), the Kingston Accommodation Partners (KAP) and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) partnered on a $700,000 print and broadcast campaign targeted at the Greater Toronto Market. The campaign focused on product with the Fort Henry Sunset Ceremonies as the lead image on both print and broadcast. The campaign was launched mid-june and had a high frequency until the end of August. Media selections included Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, CTV's Canada AM, Toronto Life, Harrowsmith Magazine, Reader's Digest and selected radio stations in the Greater Toronto area. Fort Henry Museum New Exhibit A new Restoration exhibit showcasing the Redoubt Project was installed. Panels illustrating the research, engineering, design concepts and masonry work in progress form the centrepiece of the exhibit, showing visitors the extent of the work that had been done over the previous year. Fort Henry Salutes The Year Of The Veteran Fort Henry paid tribute to all Veterans with a full day and evening of activities on July 17th. The day began with displays and interactive exhibits by over ten participating groups. A special Garrison Artillery Parade on the back hill with fire power from the Fort Henry Guard, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA), Perth Regiment and Kars Museum was executed. A tribute Sunset Ceremony was held with Colour Parties from the Fort Henry Guard, Royal Canadian Legion and Perth Regiment, and guest performances by the RCHA Historic Gun Team. Fort Henry Featured On Canada AM The Fort Henry Guard appeared on Canada AM (CTV) on July 13th as part of a Kingston feature. This was arranged based on the media buy that was associated with the KEDCO/KAP/OTMP advertising campaign this summer. Canada AM The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/

17 Meteorologist Jeff Hutcheson hosted the segments from Kingston, which included fourteen cut-ins from Confederation Basin across from City Hall. Joint United States Marine Corps/ Fort Henry Guard Ceremonials Fort Henry hosted the USMC/FHG Joint Ceremonials on August 20 and 21, The reviewing officers for the Saturday night performance were new US Ambassador to Canada, the Honourable David H. Wilkins, and the Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff, General R. J. Hillier, C.M.M., M.S.C., C.D., reviewed the troops prior to the Sunday performance. Both reviewing officers referred to the performances on the parade square and the camaraderie shared by the two units as an outstanding example of joint U.S./Canadian relations. Ambassador Wilkins stated that he will draw upon his visit to Fort Henry in future speeches throughout his ambassadorial career when speaking of shining examples of the goodwill and friendship that exists between our two nations. Attendance and revenue for the weekend achieved the forecasted target of 2,940 with attendance of over 3,550 people generating over $48,000 in admissions and retail revenue. Discovery Shuttle Image Of Fort Henry Featured In Canadian National Geographic A picture taken by Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield on board the Discovery Shuttle that launched in July 2005, was part of a series of shots featured in the September/October issue of Canadian National Geographic. Hadfield is a former graduate of the Royal Military College. Fort Henry Featured In West Jet In-Flight Magazine Calgary-based West Jet Airlines featured Fort Henry in their October issue of UP!, their in-flight magazine that has an annual circulation of over 900,000 copies. The article was part of a Creepy Canada series. 16 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

18 Parks & Recreation CAMPING Humid Weather Affects Day-Use Areas The humid temperatures combined with other environmental factors lead to many consecutive days of beach postings for water quality at some of the day-use areas and negatively impacted visitation. Beaches that were not affected such as Glengarry Park and Brown's Bay Day-Use showed activity increases of 24% and 18% respectively over budget forecast. Customer Service Improvements In order to improve customer amenities at the campgrounds, the shower building at the Long Sault Parkway underwent major renovations and the building now contains ten shower stalls, two family accessible shower rooms and two washrooms. These changes have improved customer services and significantly alleviated line-ups and waiting times. The upgrades also directly respond to feedback from customers. As part of a longer term playground equipment replacement project, new equipment was installed in McLaren Campground and Ivy Lea Park. Community Picnics Popular on the Parkways Over 4,000 Cambodian families visited the Long Sault Parkway on July 23 for the annual Cambodian picnic. On July 16, Brown's Bay Day-Use on the 1000 Islands Parkway was the site for the Jamaican community picnic hosted by the St. Vincent and Grenadines Association. Over 7,000 people attended from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto Race of the Year The Eastern Ontario Hydroplane Races held every September at the Mille Roches Day-Use Area at the Long Sault Parkway was awarded the "Canadian Boating Association Race of the Year" for This is the second time that the race held at the Long Sault Parkway has received this award. UPPER CANADA GOLF COURSE Upper Canada hosted several high profile tournaments including the Chad Kilger Open for the Special Olympics, and the 3-day Canadian Junior Golf Association Junior Championships. The Chad Kilger Open tournament in its seventh year had the largest number of participants to date and raised over $32,000 for the Special Olympics. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/

19 A new online booking package was introduced to improve customer service for players. This new package is fully integrated with the website and provides easy access to booking tee off times. Drainage improvements on several holes in the fall of 2004 improved conditions in the spring resulting in significantly fewer discounted rounds early in the season. The drainage improvements on the driving range enabled the range to open on time and attracted new driving range memberships. In March, the clubhouse underwent a major renovation including new windows and carpet, tile and paint and a reconfigured dining room which will now accommodate larger groups more comfortably. The Pro Shop was also upgraded with new paint, a new office and an improved sales area. It is anticipated that the improvements will contribute to increased revenues. CRYSLER PARK MARINA The 2005 boating season was another successful season for Crysler Park Marina with overall activity increasing by 7% over budget forecast. This increase comprised of an 8% increase in transient dockage activity, a 7% increase in seasonal dockage over forecast, as well as shifts in other services. The greatest increases were in the "with power" service category as the trend toward larger boats with more amenities continues to grow. Analysis of visitor origins showed Quebec continued to be a primary market representing over 70% of visitors. Ontario followed with 17%, while American visitors represented 11% of visitors. Approximately 40 children participated in the second annual Crysler Kid's Fishing Derby. Almost 70 participants paddled the St. Lawrence River in the second annual Paddle Poker Run kayaking event held in July. Crysler Park Marina became an International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) certified port in The new regulations do not apply to transient boats but do affect commercial vessels such as cruise lines. These commercial vessels must be ISPS certified to enter Canadian ports. Crysler Park Marina staff developed a security plan that adheres to the requirements set forth by the Canadian Government and as contained in the Marine Transportation and Security Act. 18 The St. Lawrence Parks Commission La Commission des parcs du Saint-Laurent 2005/2006

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